All of the challenge statements listed below were created in close collaboration with rural communities in Ghana. All project ideas were generated by local individuals. This list will continue to be updated throughout October/November 2004. Please check back often to find additional challenges. We are always open to additional insight or information regarding any of the challenges listed below. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any comments and/or questions.

Water is in extremely scarce supply throughout the Adaklu communities. The problem is compounded by an annual four month period of no rainfall. A method of supplying and/or conserving safe drinking water is needed.

The single track dirt road connecting Adaklu to Ho is an essential resource for the local communities. The road is often in a terrible state and a way to maintain it locally is needed.

Loose and shifting ground at the foot of Adaklu Mountain causes many buildings to crack during or soon after construction. A way of adapting current building styles to work with the local environment is needed.

Temporary school structures are being put to permanent use in the Adaklu communities due to lack of alternative buildings. These buildings have little protection from environmental and weather conditions and are at risk of collapse. A way of adapting the temporary structures for long-term use is needed.

Fufu and other popular local dishes are made by pounding Cassava into a dough with an oversized pestle and mortar. This process is time consuming and extremely hard work. A new, less time consuming method of pounding Cassava is desired.

Honey production is an important source of supplementary income for people in the Adaklu communities. Hives are made from hollow hardwood logs. However it takes 3 to 4 years before the centre of the log can be removed. An alternative, quicker way of creating hives would be appreciated, enabling local honey producers to increase production over a smaller period of time.

Currently honey producers only distribute their honey to local communities and Ho. They would like to sell their honey to the tourist market in Accra. However a cost effective way of bottling and sealing the bottles is needed.

Moisture must be extracted from cassava before cooking. Currently, cassava is placed in a sack and large rocks are placed on top. This moisture extraction can take more than 3 days. A quicker and safer way of extracting moisture from cassava is desired.

Gin Distillation from Palm Wine is a traditional local process and a source of supplementary income. However, the process currently has a number of areas in which improvement is desired.

Cracking palm nuts to release the kernels is a time consuming and labour intensive process. Currently this is done manually using rocks. A safer, more efficient method of separating kernels from shells is desired.

Currently tailors and seamstresses can buy either a hand operated sewing machine or a more advanced and more costly model with a treadle. An easy way to convert a hand operated machine to a treadle one would allow more efficient production of garments.

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