Technologies
Our current set of core technologies includes: drip irrigation systems, fuel-efficient barrel ovens, and biodigesters. Over the past two years, we have taken existing knowledge of these three technologies and have modified designs to improve functionality, reduce system costs, and increase the use of local materials. We strive to incorporate other appropriate technologies in our work, and our number of core technologies will increase over time.
Drip Irrigation – Fighting food security and increasing incomes
Drip irrigation is a low-cost, low-tech irrigation method that uses less water than traditional methods. Through the use of plastic tubing with small holes at consistent intervals (commonly known as drip tape), water is distributed directly to the root of a plant. A drip irrigation system requires a water source and typically consists of: a storage device, a piping system, a filter, and drip tape. We have installed systems that use rivers, wells, and potable water for the primary source and are working on low-cost methods to harvest rainwater to allow farmers in the driest, most water scarce areas to increase yields and grow vegetables during the dry season. Our system uses a metal barrel as a storage device, durable plastic hose for the piping system, and plastic connectors that connect drip tape to the plastic hose. All materials are purchased in Nicaragua.
Drip irrigation exists in Nicaragua, but systems are expensive to install and are only marketed to very large-scale farmers. EOS is working to make systems available for small-scale families that live on $1-$2 per day. Our first drip irrigation system was installed in March 2009 at an elementary school garden in San Jose, Nicaragua. These farmers are now harvesting crops during the six-month dry season. Our team of engineers has taken existing concepts and designed a system that costs less than $20, an amount farmers can make from one growing season. In order to further reduce costs, our team is designing a new storage device made of plastic bags, which will lower system cost to around $7.
For those looking for more specific information about our drip irrigation design, please see the attached documents below:
For more information about our drip irrigation systems, please contact Wes at wesley.meier@eosintl.org.
Biodigesters – Preventing deforestation while saving families time and money
A biodigester is a simple technology that converts animal and organic wastes into biogas and nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer. The biogas can be piped to a simple gas cooking range and used as fuel, while the fertilizer can be put back on crops to increase yields. Biodigesters can yield up to five hours of gas per day, allowing families to stop cooking on wood-burning stoves. This change drastically improves their health by removing the toxic wood smoke from the kitchen, and saves a significant amount of time and money spent to provide firewood.
EOS has installed more than 20 biodigesters in Nicaragua and recently began a project with a small co-operative to install 20 biodigesters in their village. While there are different types of biodigester designs, the design we use consists of a plastic bag to harness the biogas and PVC pipe to connect the chamber to the gas range. All components are purchased in Nicaragua and each system costs $115.
For more information about our biodigesters, please contact Wes at wesley.meier@eosintl.org.
Fuel-efficient Barrel Ovens – Empowering women with a safe, simple method to create income
Traditional ovens in Nicaragua are made of dirt with one cavity to place coals and bake. They are dangerous, slow, and require a tremendous amount of firewood. The EOS oven design consists of a metal barrel, bricks, and rebar and uses 75% less wood than traditional ovens. This design is much safer to use and allows for continuous baking.
When EOS began building these ovens late in 2009, we had an overwhelming response. Each oven costs around $40 and upon installation depending on location and resources. We provide information on how to create a business by selling baked goods to neighbors and at market. An oven can be paid off in seven weeks by simply baking twice a week.
For those looking for more specific information about our oven design, please see the attached documents below:
For more information about our fuel-efficient barrel ovens, please contact Wes at wesley.meier@eosintl.org.
Rosa Hernandez (pictured, lower left) of El Valle de San Antonio, Nicaragua loves her new oven. Here’s what she has to say about it:
“My new oven uses less wood, requires less work and is much safer to use than my old traditional oven. I no longer have to move hot coals in order to bake. My old oven was larger, but I can cook more than twice as fast now. I have begun to bake more frequently and think the taste is much better on my new oven.”
Future Projects
There are many other technologies that can help rural families increase their incomes and improve their health. EOS International is working with other development groups and engineers to develop new technologies and pursue future projects. Currently, our team is working on developing low-cost rainwater harvesting systems to allow farmers in dry areas to have ample water to irrigate crops during the dry season. We are also working with engineers from Iowa State University to develop a low-cost solar fruit dryer to allow families to preserve and add value to extra fruit through a solar dehydration process. Look for more information on these technologies in the near future.