July 13, 2003
MFC Site Visit in Tabacoro
Here are some brief notes and lots of pictures from our site visit in Tabacoro. In this village, the Mali Folkecenter has installed a number of solar panels, and they also operate a training center for solar hardware technicians. We collected some fantastic design feedback on the Kinkajou, which we summarized on video before leaving town.
This was our first overnight stay in a village, and conditions took a little getting used to. For example, by three in the morning everyone had given up trying to identify the various creepy animal sounds in the bedroom.
The first stop in the morning, after lunch at the gare in Koumantou, was the solar training center. As an example for the region, the MFC constructed the buildings in the training center without using an wood. Using arches, domes and barrel vaults, they were able to do without the usual wooden beams used over doors and in the roof. This is an important innovation in a region threatened by desertification. Given the thick walls and domed ceilings. the buildings were relatively cool inside. They were also nice to look at.
We got loads of useful feedback in a design review of the Kinkajou with a team of solar trainers from the village.
Our last stop before heading back to Bamako was the village health clinic. The community doctor gave us a tour of the facility, which included a pharmacy and a maternity with a solar-powered refrigerator and lights.
