The Power of Wind in Somaliland

In Somaliland people depend on diesel generators to pump water. This method has become very expensive and highly polluting to the environment. The average well or borehole requires between 10 and 30 liters of diesel each day. The backbone of the country’s economy is livestock and this has put the cost of livestock and agriculture production outside of the reach of the average farmer. The majority of households are unable to obtain water for even a small family garden.

Upon study, the Adventist Relief and Development Agency (ADRA) found that the average wind in the area ranges from 6 to 12 miles an hour. Contracting with the Xareed workshop in Hargeisa, ADRA was able to manufacture the wind pumps in country further helping the local economy.

The Arapsyo farmers training center benefits from a sixteen-foot wind pump installed on a well approximately 16-meters deep. The center chairman says, “We are happy with ADRA’s assistance. This is a good opportunity to demonstrate to the Somali people the appropriate technology for pumping water for irrigation. Our water needs are fully met through the new wind pump and we no longer rely on the diesel based generator for pumping water.”

A second 20-foot wind pump is ready for installation on a 120-meter deep borehole in the community of Tuugalyo. While ADRA is providing the wind pump, the community is contributing the resources for installation and a water storage tank. As soon as the appropriate pipes are in place, installation of the wind pump will take place and the Tuugalyo community will have plenty of water for family consumption and livestock production.

The wind pumps are opening a whole new world to Somaliland for the possibilities of renewable energy usage and the communities’ livelihood is increasing because of it.

For support this project or for more information, visit here: http://www.adra.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=8629&security=1581&news_iv_ctrl=1583