More in Moshi and Uru

Hello everyone,

It has been good to be back in Moshi this week. We've been working to solidify the future of the project in Uru before we leave.

On Tuesday (Aug 19), we had an outstanding meeting and trip to Uru. People from Brown/Assida, TRETA, TaTEDO and Floresta all came together to discuss the project. In addition to Kimario (from TRETA) and the four of us from Brown, Thomas Mkunda and Emmanuel represented TaTEDO and Albert, Bob (who works for the Floresta HQ in San Diego) and Julius were here from Floresta. After our morning meeting, we all went to Uru so that TaTEDO and Floresta could see one of the digesters and stoves (we went to Anthony's house). The involvement of these organizations brings a great deal of expertise to the project, and it was very helpful to listen to everyone's comments. One of the topics we discussed was the possibility of installing some sort of lining (concrete, brick, stone, etc.) and perhaps a simple roof to protect the digesters and trenches.

On Wednesday, we met with Kimario and Massawe (from Uru) and talked more about lining the trenches. We discussed costs and financing mechanisms. The Uru farmers will discuss the idea in an upcoming meeting, and some of them may choose to work with Assida and TRETA to line and cover their trenches. Later, we met with Kimario again to further plan for the roles that TRETA and Assida will play in the future of the biogas project in Uru.

We went to Uru again yesterday and talked to Frank and Komm about how they use their biogas digesters and stoves. We are trying to learn as much detailed information as we can about how biogas actually works in this setting, and our conversations with the farmers and their families have been invaluable. In the evening, we shared a delightful meal in town with Ibrah and Jerome (Mr. Komm's son).

That's all for now. Natalie, Melea, Miriam and another friend are spending the weekend on safari, and I'm heading to Arusha to visit the family and school that I stayed with in July. We'll all be back on Sunday.

Best,
Adam