Can Technology Help Solve Droughts?
When it comes to technology and droughts, the Department of Environment in Kenya is actively implementing solar-powered reverse osmosis units and solar-powered water pumps. Through the Innovative Technologies for Improved Water Availability to Increase Food Security in Antigua and Barbuda Project, AKA the “AF Innovation Project,” the DoE plans to boost the country’s food security within years.
Starting Small
According to Antigua Observer, the Department of Environment will be attempting to overcome both water and food security that comes with the drought conditions. With the utilization of sustainable technologies such as solar-powered reverse osmosis units, the DoE hopes to solve the water woes of Boggy Peak. Further, they have already begun working with farmers in Cades Bay to examine the waterway and provide access to water.
Future Plans of the AF Innovation Project
By the second (and last) year of the project, they hope to “use [their] research to develop policies and standards to ensure the sustained availability of water for agriculture.” Additionally, if the project is successful, they plan to expand to other areas of the island.
In Conclusion
Ultimately, solar-powered solutions are only one piece of the environmentally aware puzzle. With the AF Innovation Project kicked off, the DoE hopes to reduce national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Ultimately, their units will be resilient to grid instabilities and extreme climate events. Thoughts, questions? Let us know in the comments below.
Stay tech-savvy.
Resources & Further Reading
Williams, O. (2021, June 16). DoE looking to solve drought problems with new technologies. Antigua Observer Newspaper. https://antiguaobserver.com/doe-looking-to-solve-drought-problems-with-new-technologies/.