One of Those Things That Is Constantly Running In the Background of My Mind

Lately, my grandfather and I have been trying to solve the problems of southern Sudan one step at a time. The main issue they have is lack of water due to seasonal fluctuations that cause the Nile to flood or recede. During the wet season, when the Nile floods, there is plenty of overflowing water for farmers in the surrounding areas. However, in the dry season, a tall bank separates the farm lands from the water in the Nile. The farmers need some way to get water to their crops, thus supporting their families and hopefully creating economic growth.

My first idea involved economic principles, rather than a purely physical solution. If the farmers would grow only crops that they could trade at a high price up the Nile, they could trade for other goods they need. They would have comparative advantage in growing the crops, meaning that they could grow those crops at a lower opportunity cost than someone else. The most work to be done would be to find a crop that could grow well despite the conditions of the dry season. If the farmers could be convinced to grow only those advantageous crops rather than all of the crops they need to eat, they could trade and ultimately raise their standard of living.

My grandfather proposed a pump that runs on hydro power from the river flow. The pump would pump water from the river, over the bank, and onto the flat land above the water level. Once on the flat land, the water could be distributed to the farmers as needed. This would solve the issue of the dry season, with little expense. I have been working on the design for the pump, as it would have to convert horizontal mechanical energy into vertical mechanical energy. In order to minimize drag, we are contriving a way to turn the blades of the energy harvesting part of the pump once the blades have done the working part of the rotation. Then the blades would have to stay flat until the top of one half-rotation, then turn again to catch the flow of the water.

It's not an easy problem to solve, but it is possible with the simple combination of economic principles and engineering to move the water cheaply. Although it is still in the early conceptual stage, it would be great if this project could grow into something real.

Harmony and I in Newburyport after the Chocolate Tour.