WISIONS supported the People, Energy and Environment Development Association (PEEDA) for undertaking the SEPS-Project Improving Agricultural Profitability for Smallholder Farms by introducing Solar Powered Mobile Cold Storage in Beiteshwor Rural Municipality of Dolakha District (Nepal). The underlying reason for the organization to start the project was the identification of multilayer challenges for Nepalese small farmers. First, the landscape of Nepal is mountainous and offers in most parts only small areas for farming and growing fruits and vegetables. This results in only small quantities of harvest. Secondly, regional markets are often too far away for small farmers too reach. Because farmers cannot keep vegetables and fruits fresh they either have to consume them themselves or sell them directly at a low price to an intermediary salesman. Third, the electricity supply to run a cooling system throughout the day is either not sufficient or available at all as 28% of the population still lack access to electric grids. For these underlying reasons PEEDA created a simple solution with great opportunities for these small farmers: a Solar Powered Cold Storage System with integrated batteries to run the cooler 24 hours even without sunny weather. 

English version: 

Jaime Martí is currently Associate Professor at the Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam in Ecuador and did for many years research and conducted practical experiences on the feasibility as well as promotion and dissemination of biodigester technology in Latin America and the Caribbean. Encouraging the use of the technology, which holds so many benefits for the local population and contributes largely to sustainable development in this region, Mr. Martí and RedBioLAC established the opportunity for a larger audience to download the handbook for free. The download of the handbook is possible in a colored and black/white version. 

The initiative for creation of this handbook has been supported by Green Empowerment and WISIONS.You can find the download, by clicking on this URL link!  Enjoy the reading! 

Versión en español 

Jaime Martí es actualmente Profesor Asociado de la Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam en Ecuador y durante muchos años realizó investigaciones y experiencias prácticas sobre la factibilidad, así como la promoción y difusión de la tecnología de biodigestores en América Latina y el Caribe. Alentando el uso de la tecnología, que tiene tantos beneficios para la población local y contribuye en gran medida al desarrollo sostenible en esta región, el Sr. Martí y RedBioLAC establecieron la oportunidad para que una mayor audiencia descargue el manual de forma gratuita. La descarga del manual es posible en una versión en color y en blanco y negro. 

La iniciativa para la creación de este manual ha sido apoyada por Green Empowerment y WISIONS. Puede encontrar la descarga haciendo clic en este enlace URL ! Disfrute de la lectura! 

Highlights in this edition: 

• 11th RedBioLAC Annual Conference in Cuba and accompanying online course on Biodigester technology by CIBiogás and RedBioLAC
• Open Source Technology for Hydropower Electronic Load Controllers, making the technology more efficient for rural communities and optimizing the energy supply. 
• Making Biodigesters fit for service in rural communities in Southeast Asia
• Recordings of HPNET webinars and Deep Dive Workshop at ACEF 2019 in Manila
• Promotion of renewable energy opportunities in rural Argentina by a local NGO supported by WISIONS