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9058: Re: 9051: Re: braking and breaking the charcoal cycle in Ha (fwd)
From: Riwilson <RIWILSON@maf.org>
Dr. Keith Flanagan, a veterinarian, has a bio-matter machine he is
using and demonstrating in Haiti now. We have a four year Bible
college training Haitian preachers and we have had him demonstrate the
technique and technology. Many men were enthusiastic. It requires
about $100 U.S. in materials. Keith estimates that a Haitian family
can save about 400 Gds per month using this machine.
The problem in changing cooking technology is not as much cultural as
economic. Similar to the introduction of umbrellas into London.
Taxi-cab operators attacked those using them because it was a threat
to their incomes.
The same is true in Haiti. Not only must the people see the need and
advantage to changing, but the charcoal makers must accept it as well.
The technology must be provided to them so they will not lose income
otherwise the possibility exists for physical assault on people
changing from charcoal to bio-matter briquettes. After all, those
most effected will be those on the lowest economic rung of Haiti's
economy.
Another alternative would be for the government and/or international
aid groups to provide funds to lease the mountains for 99 years from
their owners or squatters and plant trees on them. The operational
factor that MIGHT make that work would be for the government to pay
those living on the mountain the amount they make producing charcoal
to guard the trees from poachers and charcoal makers. However, that
doesn't address the problem of the truck driver who lose for not
hauling charcoal, nor last wages for the street vendors of charbon.
Richard Wilson