As Joss posted, today is our last full day in Kopeyia. Tomorrow we must go to Accra to prepare for our departure back to the U.S. on Monday. The last three weeks have brought great progress on the Dagbe Antelope Project, leaving me greatly impressed with the abilities of the Ewe people to move a project forward quickly and effectively. Three weeks ago, all that existed of the project were many ideas and plans; now, the hunters have a net and are already in the bush working to capture animals, and the enclosure is rapidly growing.
As with all projects of this nature, much remains to be done, both here in Ghana and in the U.S. Joss and I will continue to raise funds for the project once we get home, and Emmanuel and his staff will continue to build and arrange for the antelope. But I am not daunted by the work that remains. If anything, what has taken place her over the last three weeks has given me more energy than ever.
Happy New Year. Long life and prosperity to you and your families.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Pre-Departure Update
Somehow three weeks have flown by, and we are scheduled to leave for Accra tomorrow, and will fly out on Monday. So much has been accomplished - we have procured a net for the hunters, almost 200 feet long, which will be used to corral them in the bush. Had we acquired it earlier in the trip perhaps we'd already have antelope waiting in the temporary enclosure, but things move here as they will. But we're excited to know that at any moment, we could get news of our first antelope. Who knows, maybe we'll see one before heading out!
In addition to the net, the mason (Moses) has finished forming the additional blocks needed for the foundation, and the crew has begun laying them out into the trenches that were dug over the past week. Soon the other cement and gravel will fill in and create the base for the chain link fence - although we'll have to arrange for more funding to purchase the needed metal piping for the supports once we get home.
Today we met with the chief of Kopeyia, Torgbui, at his palace home on the other side of Kopeyia. Kopeyia isn't just a small village - it's a conglomeration of compounds and smaller village-areas, and he is the head of the whole area. He is an avid supporter of science education and is enthusiastic to help us succeed in our project, for which we are quite grateful. After our discussion, Torgbui took us on a walking tour of his village area, which is where the Ewe initially settled 600 years ago - there is a mango tree there that is said to be that old, and seeing its size, I believe it!
If we are able to get online in Accra we'll post further, but for now, this might be the last until we arrive home and can more easily post video, pictures, and a fuller story. We hope you've enjoyed the ride, it certainly has been amazing for us! More soon, Akpe!
In addition to the net, the mason (Moses) has finished forming the additional blocks needed for the foundation, and the crew has begun laying them out into the trenches that were dug over the past week. Soon the other cement and gravel will fill in and create the base for the chain link fence - although we'll have to arrange for more funding to purchase the needed metal piping for the supports once we get home.
Today we met with the chief of Kopeyia, Torgbui, at his palace home on the other side of Kopeyia. Kopeyia isn't just a small village - it's a conglomeration of compounds and smaller village-areas, and he is the head of the whole area. He is an avid supporter of science education and is enthusiastic to help us succeed in our project, for which we are quite grateful. After our discussion, Torgbui took us on a walking tour of his village area, which is where the Ewe initially settled 600 years ago - there is a mango tree there that is said to be that old, and seeing its size, I believe it!
If we are able to get online in Accra we'll post further, but for now, this might be the last until we arrive home and can more easily post video, pictures, and a fuller story. We hope you've enjoyed the ride, it certainly has been amazing for us! More soon, Akpe!
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Photos of construction
Trenches dug! And, the local school's soccer team came this morning and moved all the blocks (a lot. of blocks!) Here are 2 photos of the beginning of construction.
We'll be posting photos of some similar structures soon so you can get a sense of what the overall gestalt is for the fencing - meanwhile, today we procured a net for the hunters! Who knows, maybe we'll luck out and an antelope will be procured before we leave. Doubtful, but regardless the endeavor feels successful and we both feel great about progress.
Ruben pouring libations into the ground.
Christian and Moses survey the land after the first level of ground was broken
(note the 2 intersecting lines meeting)
We'll be posting photos of some similar structures soon so you can get a sense of what the overall gestalt is for the fencing - meanwhile, today we procured a net for the hunters! Who knows, maybe we'll luck out and an antelope will be procured before we leave. Doubtful, but regardless the endeavor feels successful and we both feel great about progress.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Construction begins
Yesterday we began construction on the enclosure. The cement blocks made last week were now finally dry enough to be used to build the foundation, and so on the day after Christmas, work began. The first step, of course, was to pour libations to ask the ancestors for their blessing and on-going engagement in the project. Reuben Agbeli, senior member of the Agbeli family, presided over the ceremony, and all of the staff of the Dagbe Center participated. During the ceremony, Joss and I read out the names of the major donors to the project so far, and they were thanked by Reuben and the staff for their vital participation in the project.
After libations, the hard work began. We marked out the lines for the foundation, which will create an enclosure that is 100 x 100 feet. With machetes, we cleared the vegetation along the lines, and then Moses, the primary mason directing this part of the project, marked out the dimensions for the trenches that need to be cut for the cement blocks: about 14 inches wide. With picks and shovels, the Dagbe staff, Joss, and I began the task of cutting the trenches to a depth of about 18 inches. I cannot possibly describe completely how hard the ground is, baked by the sun and bone dry in this season of no rain. All of the work here is done manually (which is a subject I want to explore on this blog at a future time); while in the States we would be looking to rent mechanical devices to do the trenching and stump removal, here in Ghana, such devices are unavailable or priced out of the reach of projects such as this. We do the work by hand, or it doesn't get done at all.
By the end of the day yesterday we had one side completely trenched, and today we completed two more sides. I anticipate that we'll complete the trenching by tomorrow if we can get an early enough start. (Today we began at about 7:30 in the morning, but by 11:00 it was way too hot to continue; by the time we stopped, my clothes were completely drenched and I was beginning to feel a little light-headed.) Then we have a few stumps to remove, after which I think we'll be ready for the cement blocks.
As soon as I can, I will upload photos of this process, but right now I am not able to establish a secure enough link to the 'net to handle the upload. But trust me, the photos make clear that the people involved in the project here at the Dagbe Center are totally committed to bringing this to life ... as are Joss and I.
After libations, the hard work began. We marked out the lines for the foundation, which will create an enclosure that is 100 x 100 feet. With machetes, we cleared the vegetation along the lines, and then Moses, the primary mason directing this part of the project, marked out the dimensions for the trenches that need to be cut for the cement blocks: about 14 inches wide. With picks and shovels, the Dagbe staff, Joss, and I began the task of cutting the trenches to a depth of about 18 inches. I cannot possibly describe completely how hard the ground is, baked by the sun and bone dry in this season of no rain. All of the work here is done manually (which is a subject I want to explore on this blog at a future time); while in the States we would be looking to rent mechanical devices to do the trenching and stump removal, here in Ghana, such devices are unavailable or priced out of the reach of projects such as this. We do the work by hand, or it doesn't get done at all.
By the end of the day yesterday we had one side completely trenched, and today we completed two more sides. I anticipate that we'll complete the trenching by tomorrow if we can get an early enough start. (Today we began at about 7:30 in the morning, but by 11:00 it was way too hot to continue; by the time we stopped, my clothes were completely drenched and I was beginning to feel a little light-headed.) Then we have a few stumps to remove, after which I think we'll be ready for the cement blocks.
As soon as I can, I will upload photos of this process, but right now I am not able to establish a secure enough link to the 'net to handle the upload. But trust me, the photos make clear that the people involved in the project here at the Dagbe Center are totally committed to bringing this to life ... as are Joss and I.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Photos for you
A Maxwell's Duiker, one of the most common antelope sold as bushmeat
in Ghanaian Markets. We photographed this one in Ho - didn't see any others.
We did, however, see plenty of grass-cutters (Greater Cane Rats) for sale.
And we bought one for dinner.
Men making the first batch of cement blocks for the construction of the base of the antelope enclosure.
Sand and cement for the blocks.
Meeting with local Hunters
Progress, continued! The concrete block makers arrived and formed a LOT of blocks for the base of the enclosure. (I'll post a photo soon.) The well is dug, but we haven't connected a motor for the pump yet since we still need to dig the trench and lay the piping. Stacks of fencing and wire are stored in Emmanuel's spare room and waiting to be formed into the main walls of the enclosure, which hopefully will begin to rise up on Monday. Before beginning to dig the foundation lines, we'll pour libations and request a successful path for the endeavor.
Meanwhile, we are taking various tracks for acquiring the actual antelope: the first track has the game wardens helping us find and anesthetize the antelope with a dart gun, and then move them to the finished enclosure. The second path, which is concurrent with the first, requires the help of local hunters. On Wednesday we went to Ho, a larger town north of Kopeyia - you can see it on Google Earth. We met with five of the area's traditional hunters and also one of the regional chiefs, who also is a hunter. After introductions, Emmanuel explained our project and they felt very enthusiastic about helping us procure antelope. We're working on finding them a proper sized net, and then they assure us that within a few days they can corral the antelope and catch them live and unharmed. So now that various folks are actively helping with that end of the work, we are able to continue to raise the walls as quickly as possible. One other positive result of the meeting is that the hunters were able to tell Emmanuel specific trees and other habitat needs that would be preferable for duikers, which will help greatly.
More soon!
Meanwhile, we are taking various tracks for acquiring the actual antelope: the first track has the game wardens helping us find and anesthetize the antelope with a dart gun, and then move them to the finished enclosure. The second path, which is concurrent with the first, requires the help of local hunters. On Wednesday we went to Ho, a larger town north of Kopeyia - you can see it on Google Earth. We met with five of the area's traditional hunters and also one of the regional chiefs, who also is a hunter. After introductions, Emmanuel explained our project and they felt very enthusiastic about helping us procure antelope. We're working on finding them a proper sized net, and then they assure us that within a few days they can corral the antelope and catch them live and unharmed. So now that various folks are actively helping with that end of the work, we are able to continue to raise the walls as quickly as possible. One other positive result of the meeting is that the hunters were able to tell Emmanuel specific trees and other habitat needs that would be preferable for duikers, which will help greatly.
More soon!
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Sand arrives!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)