Abundant Water

Okay blog time. I will try to introduce myself. I am in my sixties, half American half French. I have worked in the field of development in Africa over a period of 35 years. The fields have ranged from education at all levels to agriculture (most areas). My most technical specialization is in post-harvest handling of crops…everything about food from harvest to consumption: storage facilities, insects, fungi, etc. My real work has been empowerment of local people. I have tried to help them to understand their choices and how to plan their own future. Most of the time, I am considered an agricultural extension specialist for the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. But I have worked for many NGO’s and other organizations as well. I have worked in approximately 28 countries and speak Swahili, the national language here and the lingua franca of East Africa and parts of central Africa. Usually I have been the only woman working on any team and often I have worked in Muslim cultures in Africa.

Since I have retired, I have traveled extensively and continue to try to assist people, however I am able, as a volunteer. This trip to Africa is the first in a few years. As I am in Tanzania, I discussed with Sunny how I could help Abundant Water. So during the next two months I will visit at least four different locations to evaluate the feasibility of introducing the very relevant and appropriate technology of clay water filters. I have been in country three days and will leave today for Ifakara which is south of here (Dar es Salaam). The next few days will be visiting a project which is already working with water and sanitation there. From there we will continue to Morogoro, Zanzibar and Moshi/Arusha areas. I am especially interested in Zanzibar since in the past two years there have been Cholera outbreaks there because of flooding. Since I already have an important contact there, with womens’ groups, I hope to be able to lay a groundwork for this project there.

Soo I have promised Sunny to try to keep all of you informed as we travel around. I will be accompanied by Cherry Lee who is a wonderful young woman who has a degree in development. This will be her first trip to Africa and hopefully she will learn a lot on this trip. She also happens to be a wonderful singer and has brought her guitar. This will add a wonderful extra component to the travels. She has volunteered in the past in Asia. So this will definitely add another dimension to her experience.

By Vicki Sherwood