Coshocton Rotary announces water pump grant to Mercy Air
Donation: The Coshocton Rotary Club recently gave a $1,000 grant to Mercy Air Inc. to fund an agricultural irrigation program in sub-Saharan Africa. Pictured from left are Heather Rainwater, president of the Coshocton Rotary Club and David Baker of Mercy Air Inc. Photo contributed to The Beacon
COSHOCTON – The Coshocton Rotary Club announced a $1,000 grant to Mercy Air Inc. to fund an agricultural irrigation program in sub-Saharan Africa. Funding will support distribution of manually operated water pumps in remote villages in Mozambique to benefit local food cultivation.
According to Heather Rainwater, president of the Coshocton Rotary Club, “Rotary International has a long tradition of supporting clean water initiatives around the world. The irrigation water pump project enables our club to make lasting impact through a very basic yet highly functional technology. Mercy Air is an ideal partner due to their longstanding relief operations in sub-Saharan Africa and their relationship with MMS Aviation at Coshocton Airport.”
David Baker of Mercy Air Inc., responded, “Coshocton Rotary Club’s generous grant will enable motivated residents in isolated village to better feed their communities including many widows and orphans. Beyond the obvious health benefits of improved nutrition, the program can nurture greater self-sufficiency, reduce dependence on international aid, and create opportunities for micro-commerce.”
Baker continued, “Mozambique is blessed with fertile soil that can grow various fruits and vegetables and staple crops such as corn, cassava, beans, and rice. Large rivers cross Mozambique bringing water from other parts of Africa and in some areas shallow wells, only three feet below the surface, contain water even during dry season. Despite these vital resources the people of Mozambique routinely face hunger due to monsoonal flooding, seasonal droughts, and lack of irrigation. The irony is seeing fields of dry, shriveled corn lying near flowing rivers. The people simply need inexpensive water pumps and basic instruction to move life-sustaining water into their gardens.”
Andy Kuret, a Swiss agronomist and former agribusiness manager who heads Mercy Air’s agricultural programs, recognized the vast potential of local farming to improve wellness, increase independence, and introduce agricultural-based commerce. His vision is gradual introduction of basic irrigation and sustainable farming practices to feed local populations and improve nutrition throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
“Our three-year trial has been widely successful,” Baker stated. “The foot pump has proven easy to install, operate, and maintain by indigenous people. By simply connecting the hoses and pumping the foot pads a liter of water can be moved per step. Thanks to proper irrigation and cultivation, local produce is now feeding thousands of people who previously faced hunger. Commerce is also taking root. Proceeds from the sale of excess produce are providing funds for seeds, drip irrigation hoses, and additional pumps.”
Rainwater continued, “Our partnership with Mercy Air can create meaningful impact in an area where needs are great and change is often beyond reach.”
Mercy Air is a nonprofit humanitarian relief organization that uses lightweight, high performance aircraft and helicopters to deliver culturally sensitive medical, educational, and agricultural programs that empower women, infants, and children, strengthen families, and stabilize communities in southern Africa. Our programs respect indigenous cultures, embrace local solutions, and provide resources needed to nurture self-sufficiency rather than perpetuate dependence on international aid. For more on Mercy Air, visit www.mercyair.org.
Category: Clubs & Organizations
My friend David Baker, who is in Africa at the moment, making the presentation of funds to Mercy Air. David is from Coshocton, Ohio and is very active in civic affairs. He is the business administrator of Roscoe Village, a major tourist attraction for the state of Ohio and is also where my mother, Margaret (Palmer) Johnson was born.