Solar Electric Fund Receives Recognition from Energy Institute

US-based non-profit organisation, Solar Electric Fund (SELF) has been awarded the Community Initiative Award for its drip irrigation systems in Solar Market Gardens (SMG) from the Energy Institute.

The SMGs from SELF use drip irrigation systems that were specifically designed for farming women in the areas of Bessassi and Dunkassa in North Benin, West Africa. As a result, the women in these farms have been able to cultivate high value vegetables and fruits throughout the year.

The Food Security and the Environment Program from Stanford University held a two year study of the SMGs and concluded that these SMGs effectively enhanced the income and nutrition levels of the local community particularly during the dry season and is much cheaper than the regular methods. The report established that each such garden produced two tons of fruits or vegetables, of which 20% was kept for household consumption and the remaining was sold in the market. This resulted in extra weekly earnings of $7.50 for the women who sold the produce. The rise in income levels has helped the local community to pay for their medical treatment, school fees and other initiatives involving economic development. According to the Executive Director of SELF, Bob Freling, the organisation intends to take the SMG model to other remote villages to enable women farmers to bring about a change in their society.