Translation: The combination of water and electricity may prevent a famine.
Severe and prolonged periods of dryness, exacerbated by climate change and its effects on water availability, have pushed numerous communities to the verge of collapse due to their inability to cultivate essential crops for sustenance. Consequently, they are compelled to depend on humanitarian assistance.
However, the recent access to electricity and water is revitalizing numerous villages, such as Fenoaivo in the Anosy region, as stated by Avimaro Mikendremana of WFP.
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The citizens of Fenoaivo endured significant difficulties. In the year 2020, they faced famine-like circumstances due to consecutive failed rains, resulting in a lack of food to sustain themselves. The drought had a devastating impact, requiring the village to receive assistance through humanitarian aid.
The most requested necessities were always water and electricity. Locals expressed that having these resources readily available would prevent them from facing a near-famine situation and relying on outside help for humanitarian aid.
WFP’s Avimaro Mikendremana.
We aimed to test a program in the impoverished villages of southern Madagascar, examining the effects of combining water and electricity, which are vital components for development.
In the village of Fenoaivo, which has around 300 households, we collaborated with the government to construct a water well 35 meters below ground and a storage tank with a capacity of 20 cubic meters. To access the water, a pump is necessary, powered by 72 solar panels installed on a structure in the center of the village.
The presence of electrical power, as a part of the Rapid Rural Transformation program, is creating an environment for increased entrepreneurial prospects, such as barber shops.
“Announcing: Short buzz haircuts are now an option!”
There is ample sunshine, and the solar panels produce approximately 25 kilowatts of sustainable and environmentally friendly energy, which is sufficient to support a variety of new ventures and create opportunities that were previously unavailable to the village.
Irrigation using clean and potable water is being implemented on crops, particularly on melons being grown in a greenhouse.
A digital educational facility has been established, equipped with internet connection to enable remote learning. Additionally, for the first time ever, the village is illuminated at night, promoting safety, particularly for women.
The church now has access to electricity, and the school will soon have it too. Some small businesses have also been set up, such as a restaurant and a barber shop. Men are eagerly getting their first buzz cuts, thanks to the barber being able to use electricity to operate his clippers.
The local businesses contribute a modest fee for rent and electricity, which is managed by the elected community association overseeing the project. A portion of these funds will be allocated towards purchasing bricks for the construction of three school classrooms.
Watermelons are currently being cultivated in a village greenhouse.
Change of attitude
This is a traditional rural community where farming has typically been the only income-generating activity, so this intervention, which is called Rapid Rural Transformation, will require people to recognize and embrace the opportunities.
The initiative commenced in January 2023, and has already demonstrated the link between water access and increased food supply, improved nutrition, and reduced sickness. Additionally, it is strengthening the community’s ability to withstand and adapt to potential climate-related challenges.
I am enthusiastic about the community and dedicated to this project, as I believe it will enable them to move away from relying on aid and become self-sufficient by empowering them to make decisions on how to develop their village and shape their own future.
At present, gradual actions are being implemented and WFP is continuing to offer nourishment assistance for treating mild malnutrition as a component of the urgent reaction to the drought. Nevertheless, in the event of this plan achieving its objective, WFP will strive to expand it and provide water and power to numerous at-risk villages in the southern region.
SDG 7
SDG 7: CLEAN ENERGY FOR ALL
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“Raise the global portion of renewable energy sources”
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Increase the energy efficiency globally at twice the current rate.
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Enhance infrastructure and modernize technology to provide sustainable and up-to-date energy services.
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Improve global collaboration to make clean energy research and technology more accessible, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, and advanced and cleaner methods for using fossil fuels.
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Improve infrastructure and enhance technology to provide modern and eco-friendly energy services to developing countries, specifically focusing on the least developed countries, small island developing states, and land-locked developing countries.
The amount of international funding for clean energy in developing nations has decreased from its peak of $26.4 billion in 2017 to only $10.8 billion in 2021.
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