When it comes to appropriate technology in the developing world, you'd think it's hard to beat solar energy. As an energy source for the home it has all the advantages of conventional electricity and few of the drawbacks. But a bigger stumbling block is the cost of a solar panel and battery. Now they are about to launch a 'solar chicken' project that could dramatically improve many farmers' lives and livelihoods. One of the biggest problems faced by people here in Eastern Zimbabwe is the long production cycle of the staple crop, maize.
Growers face months of uncertainty each season as the crop grows to maturity.
Everything they have is tied up in their fields. Most families will have gone into debt to buy seed in the hope that they will be able to repay what they owe at harvest time. Assuming there isn't a drought. Or too much rain, this season's fear. Farming is always a gamble, but at least with maize the farmers get a guaranteed price from the government cereal marketing board.