Skat Foundation’s Visit to SHIPO in Tanzania

by Valérie Bertschy | Aug 16, 2024

Njombe, Tanzania – Since 2001, the Southern Highlands Participatory Organization (SHIPO) has been a beacon of community development in the region. Partnering with Skat Foundation since 2012, SHIPO has made significant strides in promoting improved access to safe water through innovative projects. Recently, our project Manager, Karla Schlie, visited SHIPO to witness the impact of their work firsthand.

SHIPO’s SMART Center

SHIPO’s SMART Center is a hub for training local artisans and farmers in SMARTechnologies (Simple, Market-based, Affordable, Repairable Technologies). This approach empowers individuals by providing business and technical skills essential for entrepreneurship in wielding, bore siting, pump production and installation, and organic farming technologies

SHIPO’s SMART Center has:

Training Facilities: Training halls, workshops for pump construction, and tools for bore siting and welding. The facility also includes a zero-waste cascade farm and test plots for organic farming.
Training Sessions: Ongoing courses during in business skills, agroecology, bore siting theory, manual bore drilling, and solar pump construction.
Sustainability Efforts: SHIPO’s commitment to sustainability is evident in their solar installations and efforts to become a zero-waste facility.

Field Visits and Community Impact

The visit extended beyond SHIPO’s premises to various project sites in Njombe:

Water Projects: Several boreholes and wells equipped with rope or solar pumps, showcasing their use in private, neighborhood, and public settings. These projects highlighted the versatility and challenges of shared water points.
Organic Farming Initiatives: Small-scale organic gardens, an avocado plantation with a well, and an organic farm producing organic pesticides and fertilizers.
Water Source Protection: A water source protection project, which highlights community efforts in sustainability beyond Skat Foundation’s initiatives.

Spotlight on Success: Njombe Organic Garden (NOG)

Mr. Mdendemi, who always aspired to be a farmer, turned to SHIPO for technical training in organic farming in 2018. Starting with a 45m²plot, he tested market demands and tailored his production to customer needs. His success led to the founding of NOG in partnership with another farmer. Today, NOG employs around 10 people and operates greenhouses producing various vegetables.

The core values of NOG, such as LOVE, CARE, and HUMANITY, are displayed at the entrance of each greenhouse, ensuring a positive work environment. Despite challenges, particularly in securing capital, Mr. Mdendemi remains resilient and aims to expand into export markets. He continues to engage with SHIPO, taking advanced courses and assisting new trainees, embodying the continuous learning and community spirit that SHIPO promotes.

A Testament to Sustainable Development

The visit to SHIPO underscored the profound impact on sustainable community-driven initiatives. The partnership between Skat Foundation and SHIPO exemplifies how targeted training and support can transform lives, fostering entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency in rural communities. The stories and experiences from this visit serve as a testament to the dedication and resilience of the people in Njombe, driving forward the mission of sustainable development.