These are a few accesories that exemplify Afrocentric craftsmanship, functional, beautiful and albeit quite cool, an intersection of technology and art…
Via Timbuktu Chronicles
USB case mod from Sao Tome e principe
It does not appear to be available for purchase at this time yet, but will be available in future. The portuguese site to check is here, ofcourse if i find out how to get this, i will update this entry.
A carved Lion ipod stand crafted by Kenyan artisans.
There are 5 types of stands available for purchase, one for each of the ‘big five’ animals, including Giraffe, Hippo, Cheetah and elephant. The ‘big five’ is a popular touristy reference to the main attractions at the renowned Kenyan wildlife parks.
The larger part of Africa’s population do not have access to “processed” fuels like natural gas or modern cooking equipment. This means they are primarily dependent on open wood fires, a method of cooking that it extremely inefficient and harzardous to the environment.
The Kenya Ceramic Jiko (”jiko” is the Swahili word for cooker) solves two problems simulataneouly by addressing the issue of high cost of raw material for making the cooking equipment as well as reducing the amount of biomass required to cook by using available energy more efficiently.
This ingenious application of appropriate technology is composed of a fired ceramic heat containing liner fitted inside a metal housing. This housing is typically made from metal sheeting from discarded packaging - such as the ubiquitous 55 gallon steel drum - that would otherwise have ended up as hazardous waste in the environment. The liner essentially acts as an insulator when burning wood or charcoal containing the heat generated to ensure that it goes to cooking rather than escaping into the environment. This means that the ceramic cooker typically uses between 25 to 40% less fuel than a regular jiko.
You can find more information about this ingenious invention at the following links:
I wanted you all to know that Afrigadget has been mentioned in DATA’s despatches.
“One year later, DATA (Debt AIDS Trade Africa) published its annual report, providing a country-by-country analysis of the G8’s commitment in debt relief, AIDS treatment and prevention, development assistance and trade. Although links can be found at some blogs, likeAfriGadget,there is considerably less commentary on the DATA report from the general blogging community. Interested bloggers and readers can find the full report, conclusions and recommendations at the DATA Report site.”
It proves that there is still much to do in terms of bringing Africa’s problems to the attention of the rest of the world, so will you please start mentioning Africa and Afrigadget in your blogs or on the forums whenever you deem it appropriate to do so.
Even better link back to this post here at Afrigadget and to DATA
Tools for specific needs can be expensive or hard to come by in some places in Africa. It could be something as simple as a certain sized wrench that is needed to remove a particular bolt.
I decided to take a short walk in Nairobi and just see what caught my eye. Bernard runs a small engine repair shop on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya. Mostly, he fixes lawn mower engines for the wealthy people living nearby, however he also fixes about any other small engine that you can think of.
The tools shown below are just what he works with. Many times he has to fabricate pieces that would be impossible to buy, or to expensive for him to make a profit on. It is really amazing to see him work, and to watch the problem-solving take place. As Bernard shows us in this video and pictures, your imagination and ingenuity are the only things holding you back.
Below, a piece of rebar is bent, and the end hollowed-out to make a specific sized wrench:
Below, a bolt from a truck tire is welded to a piece of metal to make a specific sized Allen wrench for small engines:
Bernard took me to see Stephan, an auto mechanic who is a master of fixing things with very few tools or supplies. Stephan is truly amazing, an example of an African who uses his ingenuity to solve problems that would seem insurmountable to others.
One of the things Stephan has done, is figured out a way to rebuild alternators with limited materials. Below are some pictures and a video that discuss how he does it. Supplies needed:
I stumbled upon the site of this rather oddly named device and immediately thought of Afrigadget. This is a really clever solution to a very common problem. These “Hippo Rollers” would be perfect in Botswana’s rural villages where there is normally a centrally located water supply and the soft Kalahari sand would provide no navigational obstacles. Currently residents make the daily trip to fill a container with water and then carry the heavy load back. (Normally it is woman doing this task I might add). I have seen wheel barrows being used for this purpose but the deep sand makes it rather difficult. Of course the real solution is to provide running water to each home. I am sure I dont know all the facts but it seems to me that this should be possible in Botswana as the population is relatively small (1.8 million) and the Government of Botswana has plenty of cash.
Practical Action is a group that endevors to help solve problems in developing nations from the perspective of those in poor or rural areas. One of their projects is to help solve transportation needs.
The programme employs the following to improve transport:
Introduction and improvement of affordable means of transport such as bicycles, trailers, animal carts, pack animal and push carts
Development of local level transport services
Improvement of transport infrastructure such as foot paths and tracks as well as roads
Non-transport interventions to bring facilities closer to people e. water wells and grinding mills.
The karts shown here were designed to carry 180 liters of water. The owners make money by either hauling goods, or by leasing out the kart to others.
Broadcast Your Podcast (BYP) could allow Africans the ability to broacast their messages on a local FM channel. This technology allows podcasters the ability to reach the millions of listeners that don’t have access to the web. The BYP can broadcast up to 100 meters, is made to be rugged and portable, and takes easy-to-find 9 volt batteries.
