Saturday, March 5, 2011 - Irrigation and Women's Shea Butter Co-op

We began our day with a visit to a village where WV had implemented a drip irrigation system for dry season gardening. We were greeted by a hired musical group playing drums, dancing and chanting(we have video for PBJ and Mrs. Melhus). We were ushered to meet the chief by the entire vilage and musicians.
There is a dam that the government built nearby and the WV staff gave them the tools and implemented the system that operates solely by gravity. The plot is 2.5 acres and it supported 50 families or 250 people. The village had to build a mud wall around the area to keep the animals out - no easy task. When the rainy season starts the people will go to the fields planting corn, millet, and other crops. The garden will provide food for those in the village, and the extra will be sold at a market to help provide income.
Crops grown were okra, watermelon, peppers, tomatoes, onions, beans, and cashew trees among other things. It amazed us to see the contrast between the first villages we visited with no bore hole well to this community who had developed the irrigation system. WORLD of difference.
We then traveled to a Co-op where women produce Shea Butter. Shea nuts grow on a tree and fall to the ground when mature. The nuts are then gathered by the women and WASHED (in water from a World Vision dug well). They are then crushed and roasted over a hot fire. (Can't imagine that job in 110 degree heat.) Once roasted, they are milled into a brown paste and mixed with cold water and kneaded by hand. This causes the fatty substance to rise to the top, which is then skimmed and boiled. Once cooled ... voila! A new batch of pure shea butter that can be used by the community or shipped to the UK. World Vision's work in providing these women water for their production process has been priceless.
On the way home, the men were gracious enough to allow us to stop at an outdoor market so the women could shop. Shopping is much different here...you barter for everything. The currency in Ghana is the "Cedi" which is worth approximately 67 cents American. We left with many treasures to bring home for family and friends.
Then it was time to return to Tamale', about a 2 hour drive. On the way there, we passed 4 camels on the highway! Our drivers braked so we could snap photos. They said this is rare to see, even for them. Another experience to chalk up! -- Jen and Sara