The final step for sustainability and to provide a model for all nomadic communities in Niger at the Tamesna Center for Nomadic Life is to drill a deeper well.
Nomads quest for water occupies most of their time. Taking herds to the well and hauling water can take 14 hours a day during the dry season when temperatures rise and water levels fall. The Tamesna Center for Nomadic Life now has two small wells which supply the school, medical clinic and adult education center, but in order for the community to grow it needs a larger deep well to supply an increased population and their herds. Abundant water exists in the region, but the costs of drilling and powering a well are beyond the means of nomads. With abundant solar powered water well, the community can grow and free up time for the adults to pursue other productive activities, including agriculture and for the children to go to school. By charging a nominal fee, which the nomads would pay happily, the community can earn income to pay salaries, maintenance and have a sustainable future.
