After a short time, the five-hectare field has been completely transformed – where there used to be dry, brown earth, fresh green shoots are now sprouting. Farmers are planting beans, onions, tomatoes and maize – in the middle of the dry season, with temperatures between 35 and 40 degrees during the day.
Just a few weeks ago, this would have been unthinkable. But now the first harvest is scheduled to take place in December.
This has been made possible by a newly installed drip irrigation system. Since summer 2024, a hydrogeological survey has been carried out in stages to identify suitable drilling points. Shortly afterwards, a drilling company arrived and reached depths of up to 70 metres. Subsequent pumping tests showed how much water can be extracted without endangering the water table.
One of the two boreholes proved to be particularly productive: the installed pump delivers an impressive 10,000 litres of water per hour. This was followed by the ordering of suitable solar pumps, the installation of the solar system, the digging of cable and water pipe trenches, and the erection of an eight-metre-high steel scaffold with a 20,000-litre water tank.
A total of 52 kilometres of water pipes were laid – a huge undertaking, but one that is well worth the effort. The project not only brings water, but also new hope and crop yields for the local population.
