Solar Irrigation Project

Individual or Group Name: Kaira Humanist Group

Location of Group and Project: Bundung, The Gambia

Email: isatooutouray4328@gmail.com

Phone: +220 736 4821890

Members

● Ladies (5)

○ Awa Touray – 29 years

○ Fatou Jallow – 34 years

○ Mariama Sanyang – 22 years

○ Binta Ceesay – 41 years

○ Haddy Bojang – 27 years

● Men (6)

○ Lamin Darboe – 38 years

○ Ebrima Sanneh – 31 years

○ Modou Njie – 45 years

○ Isatou Touray – 26 years

○ Bakary Camara – 52 years

○ Alieu Manneh – 19 years

What Humanism Means to Us

My name is Isa, and I am a young humanist from The Gambia. Humanism means choosing to live with honesty, compassion, and responsibility toward other human beings. It means believing that our lives have value not because of any promise of heaven or fear of punishment, but because of what we do for one another here and now.

I do not believe in God. This does not make me immoral or empty; instead, it makes me deeply aware that this life is the only one I am certain of. Because of that, we must take care of each other, reduce suffering, and work for justice in our communities. I base my values on reason, evidence, and empathy rather than religious doctrine or tradition.

Growing up in a very religious society, being a humanist is not always easy. Many people assume that without belief in God, a person cannot be good. I strongly disagree. My morality comes from understanding human needs, respecting human dignity, and recognizing that our actions have real consequences for real people. Humanism gives me the courage to think freely and the responsibility to act ethically.

For me, humanism is also about hope—hope that young people in The Gambia can build a future based on education, critical thinking, and mutual respect. It is about standing for human rights, equality, and peaceful coexistence regardless of religion or belief. Humanism helps me live truthfully, care deeply, and work toward a better society for everyone.

Project Description

The Kaira Humanist Group proposes a critical infrastructure upgrade to our shared agricultural plot in Bundung, The Gambia. While our initial efforts to cultivate a community yam garden demonstrated the dedication and cooperative spirit of our members, the farm is currently dying out due to severe water scarcity and an inability to sustain crops through the dry season. To rescue the farm and ensure its long-term viability, we are seeking $1,400 to establish a solar-powered pumping machine and a comprehensive irrigation network system.

This intervention will transform our seasonal, vulnerable plot into a resilient, year-round farming operation. The project involves installing a solar submersible pump to draw consistent water, paired with an overhead storage tank to ensure reliable water pressure. From there, an irrigation network of PVC pipes and drip lines will efficiently distribute water directly to the crops, minimizing water waste and reducing the intensive manual labor previously required by our members.

By implementing this solar irrigation system, the farm will no longer be at the mercy of unpredictable rainfall. This will allow the Kaira Humanist Group to not only revive the dying yam crops but also diversify into growing other high-yield, short-cycle vegetables during the dry months. The steady, year-round harvest will drastically improve food security for our members and create a sustainable, continuous stream of income to fund our humanist outreach and educational programs. Ultimately, this project serves as a lasting, practical demonstration of how applied science and shared responsibility can overcome environmental challenges and uplift a community.

Budget

Total Requested: $1,400

● Solar Water Pumping System: $650

○ Includes: Solar submersible pump, solar panels (min 200W), and basic wiring/charge controller.

● Water Storage System: $350

○ Includes: 2000-liter overhead plastic water tank and materials for constructing a sturdy elevated wooden/metal stand.

● Irrigation Network Materials: $300

○ Includes: Mainline PVC pipes, drip irrigation tapes/hoses, control valves, elbows, T-connectors, and end caps.

● Installation Labor and Transport: $50

○ Includes: Hiring a local technician for the solar pump installation, plumbing the irrigation network, and transporting bulky materials to the farm.

● Maintenance & Farm Tools: $50

○ Includes: Spare PVC glue, replacement drip fittings, and basic tools for system upkeep.

Expected Income from Project, with Timeline

The installation of the solar pump and irrigation network will begin immediately after funding is received and is expected to take 3 to 4 weeks to fully complete and test.

Because this system allows for year-round farming, the farm's productivity will no longer be limited to a single 5–6 month wet season. With continuous irrigation, the group expects to revive the yam production and intercrop with faster-growing vegetables (like peppers or tomatoes) that mature in 2–3 months. Based on local market prices and the ability to sell produce during the dry season when market demand and prices are highest, the group conservatively estimates earning approximately $350–$500 per extended harvest cycle. This continuous production model ensures the farm remains financially self-sustaining long into the future.

Benefits to the Community

This project will directly save a vital community food source from failing while establishing a model of climate resilience for the surrounding area. By upgrading to solar-powered irrigation, the project demonstrates an environmentally friendly, evidence-based approach to overcoming local agricultural challenges.

It will provide a reliable, year-round source of nutritious food and consistent income for the members of the Kaira Humanist Group. Furthermore, managing this modernized infrastructure will teach our youth members highly valuable technical and agricultural skills. The thriving, green garden will stand as a physical testament to the values of humanism showing that through human ingenuity, teamwork, and practical solutions, we can solve our own problems and build a more secure future for our community.