As our tractor makes its way across borders and through customs, Louis and I have arrived in Burkina Faso to assist in the unloading and setup of the tractor and equipment. Yesterday we ran some errands in the capital, Ouagadougou (pronounced as “Waw-gaw-doo-goo”, by far the world’s most fun-to-pronounce capital name), and arrived in Fada N’Gourma.
Today, we are going to visit the fields of the farmers in the cooperative that is receiving the tractor. We will inspect the ramp that they constructed for removal of the tractor from the container, and discuss preparations for the shed where the equipment will be stored. The picture in this blog posting shows Louis and Mark with the local farmers and their families who will be receiving the tractor and equipment.
The container is slated to arrive tomorrow (Thursday). On our drive, we spotted a few other tractors and, for the most part, they were not in great condition. Why do we believe that our project will be different?
- One of the conditions for the cooperative to receive the tractor was that they build a shed to protect it from the sun and rain. We (Tractors for Africa) are providing half of the funds to build this shed, the total cost of which is around $1,200. In this way, they will be invested in the project (skin in the game).
- Our Farmall 400 is a 1955 model tractor. This means that it is incredibly simple, reliable and easy to fix.
- We have included a plethora of spare parts and manuals in both French and English to facilitate the repair of the tractor
- I have compiled a maintenance schedule and manual with pictures and descriptions in French
- The cooperative structure requires the saving of funds to provide for emergency repairs and routine maintenance.
- Justin Diabri, a native of Burkina Faso, will be the project manager and will ensure that the maintenance is performed as scheduled. We know him well, and he has a history of dependability and stewardship.
With all of these precautions, we have given this project every chance to succeed. That said, we have entered it with eyes open, and are looking to learn everything we can. At the end of the day, agricultural land is a vastly under-utilized resource that could be used to alleviate poverty here in Burkina Faso.
Thanks to your help and the efforts of countless others, we are on the cusp of making that dream a reality. Thank you for following our blog – stay tuned!
Mark
