In Pagirinya Refugee Settlement, food wastage is a pressing issue, particularly during the harvest season when surplus crops often go to waste. The SunHarvest Dryer offers a practical solution to this challenge, helping families to preserve their produce for longer periods.
- Pagirinya is home to thousands of refugees, mainly from South Sudan, who depend heavily on small-scale farming.
- Unfortunately, up to 40% of their harvests, especially perishable crops like fruits and vegetables, are lost due to a lack of proper preservation methods.
- This problem is even more severe during the rainy season, leading to increased food insecurity.
- By using the SunHarvest Dryer, families in Pagirinya can potentially cut food wastage in half, ensuring they have enough to eat throughout the year.
- This means more food is available during the lean months, reducing the need for emergency food aid.
For many in Pagirinya, farming is not just about feeding their families; it’s also a way to earn a living. The SunHarvest Dryer provides an opportunity to turn surplus produce into a source of income.
- Employment opportunities in Pagirinya are scarce, so many residents rely on selling what they grow to make ends meet.
- Without a way to preserve their crops, much of the surplus goes to waste, limiting potential income.
- With the SunHarvest Dryer, families can dry and sell fruits, vegetables, and herbs at local markets, tapping into new income streams.
- This could lead to a 20-25% increase in household income, giving families in Pagirinya a better chance at financial independence.
Sustainability is critical in Pagirinya, where the growing population puts pressure on natural resources. The SunHarvest Dryer helps alleviate some of this pressure.
- Waste management is a challenge in Pagirinya, and food waste contributes to environmental issues like methane emissions from decomposing organic matter.
- Using the SunHarvest Dryer reduces the amount of food waste, which in turn lowers these emissions and helps protect the environment.
- The dryer runs entirely on solar energy, making it an eco-friendly option for preserving food. This is especially important in areas like Pagirinya, where access to other forms of energy is limited.
- By reducing the need for firewood in traditional drying methods, the dryer also helps prevent deforestation, a major concern around refugee settlements.
Good nutrition is essential, especially for vulnerable populations like those in Pagirinya. The SunHarvest Dryer helps maintain the nutritional quality of food, which is crucial for combating malnutrition.
- Malnutrition is a significant issue in Pagirinya, with many children suffering from chronic undernutrition.
- Seasonal food shortages only make things worse, leading to a diet that is often lacking in essential nutrients.
- The SunHarvest Dryer retains most of the nutrients in dried foods, ensuring that families have access to healthy, nutrient-rich meals throughout the year.
- By improving food security and nutrition, the dryer helps reduce the risk of diet-related health issues, contributing to better overall well-being in the community.
The SunHarvest Dryer is more than just a tool; it’s a lifeline for the residents of Pagirinya Refugee Settlement. It helps reduce food wastage, creates economic opportunities, supports environmental sustainability, and improves health and nutrition. By embracing this technology, Pagirinya can take a significant step towards becoming a more resilient and self-sufficient community.
