Solar Energy

Solar energy is being used in Malawi.  We saw evidence of this throughout the country.

The problem is that the tools used to harness the sun's energy are extremely expensive.  They are expensive here.  They are expensive there.  They are expensive everywhere.  And they are completely out of reach for someone who makes less than $300 per year.

This is one reason why we use the science of psychrometry when we build solar dehydrators.  This eliminates the need for pieces of expensive technology so if something goes wrong, they can be easily fixed.

Rural villages in Malawi do not have access to solar conductors, batteries, chargers, and the like.  In order for food preservation to be sustainable, the equipment used needs to be able to purchased, fixed, and used by everyone.  We must not make it dependent on us.  We must make it accessible to all.

Mzuzu Market

The market in Mzuzu, Malawi, is like it's own little city.  It takes up several blocks and has several different sections.  In fact, someone could get lost in the maze of shops.  And to be quite honest, someone did.  But to be fair, I had a bag of fried dough balls with me (yes, I am sure they have an actual name but I don't know what it is) so I was sort of oblivious to the fact I didn't know how to get back to the main road.  By the time I found it I was swallowing my last bite, content as ever.

The market is unlike any mall I have been to here in the states.  At the Mzuzu market there really is something for everyone.  You can find an assortment of items such as: tires, lumber, tools, clothes, chickens, coffins, meat, used nails by the pound, produce, beans, bags, bikes, fried dough balls, doors, and more.

You can get snacks and sodas, too.  But without refrigeration in most of the stalls, I would probably pass on those.  

Just outside of the market maze there are colorful umbrellas shading an array of tables and chairs.  Here customers can rest their feet, wait for taxis, or simply take a break.

After a day of meandering the market, I headed down the road to Shoprite.  Yes, that's right.  I went to an air conditioned, modern grocery store and bought 2 cold bottles of water.  But I didn't find anything to eat that was as yummy as my dough ball fried on the side of the road by an older gentleman who had a tiny stall in the middle of the Mzuzu market.  

Fascinating Find

     While working in Malawi I became fascinated by the intricate beauty that surrounded us.  I had never seen anything like it.  Beautiful birds flying to and fro, picking up grass, and weaving it into their nests - and doing it upside down.  Being a knitter, I can appreciate the skill and patience needed to create these homes.

     To be honest, it was a bit unnerving to have hundreds of grass balls hanging high in the trees around us.  But then when we stopped and really looked at them we were captivated.  So, next time you are outside working be sure to stop and look at what is around you.  You just might find something fascinating, too.

Fishing

     Things are expensive.  Yes, even in Malawi.  There, people can pay two full days' pay for a small bag of beans.  Knowing this, I can appreciate the question posed to me by, what I hope are, well-meaning individuals.  
     Why don't we buy the supplies needed to build the dehydrators here, in the United States, and take them with us when we go to Malawi?  Or, better yet, why don't we simply build the dehydrators and ship them over? 
     Although either of these options would be less expensive and, quite possibly, less of a hassle, they do not match up with our mission.  

     I was recently reminded that we are fishing.  Obviously, we are not actually fishing with rods and reels.  However, we are fishing like the saying:  Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day - teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.  It is important to us to teach the ins and outs of solar dehydrators - how to build, fix, and use them - so that when we are gone more can be made and used.  This will not happen by buying and building here.  

     Another reason taking the cheaper route in building dehydrators does not match up with our mission has to do with the fact that Malawi is ranked the third poorest country in the world.  We believe it is important to support the local economy, to support those people who are working hard to provide for their families.  
     So, although money is important, especially to non-profit organizations like ours, we believe people are more important.  And because of this, we will happily continue to buy locally.  And we will continue to fish.