http://www.chapinlivingwaters.org/
Chapin Living Waters exists to help people in developing countries grow vegetables when there is insufficient rain. We offer simple, sustainable technologies for subsistence farming, bringing hope to families and the opportunity to solve their own problems.
Chapin Living Waters serves development groups, relief organizations, and mission groups working with people in developing countries, by introducing programs for sustainable drought resistant vegetable production. Our work involves publishing training materials for workshops and seminars in drip irrigation and basic agricultural methods for subsistence farming, and assisting in the distribution of “Bucket Kits”. In regions where we have done more extensive training and follow-up, we find that “Bucket Kit” programs are becoming largely self-sustaining.
Bucket Kits: Technology in its Simplest Form
The “Bucket Kit”, consisting of 100 feet of drip hose, fittings and connecting tubing, is ideal for families in communities where running water and pumps are not available. The family connects the kit to a 5-gallon bucket elevated at least 1 meter above the ground, and fills the bucket with water twice daily. This simple, inexpensive, gravity fed system will provide enough moisture for a vegetable garden large enough to feed a small family during periods when there is absolutely no rainfall. The availability of vegetables during dry seasons not only improves the nutrients in the diet, but also reduces the need for staples such as maize by as much as one-third. Many families return to purchase additional “Bucket Kits” in order to sell vegetables at a premium during the dry season, providing funds for other family needs such as clothing, schooling, and medical care. We also have a "Super Bucket Kit" which will irrigate 10 rows 33 feet long. More information about Bucket Kits can be found by clicking here.