Solar Midwives and Families

Report on Providing Solar Power and Water Filters to Families in Central Guatemala

Over the past few months, The Appropriate Technology Collaborative has made substantial progress in delivering solar power and clean water to some of the most remote and impoverished communities in the Comalapa region of central Guatemala. This work is crucial for human development, particularly for families with young children and those expecting new births. By collaborating with midwives and volunteers, we ensure that the most vulnerable families receive much-needed assistance.  We have listened to the midwives and also provided our insight into how we will be improving this program over the next 90 days.

We had two groups of volunteers join us to install solar power and provide water filters to families living far from towns and the electric grid. The experience of visiting a family living in a home with a dirt floor, cooking over a wood fire in the middle of the kitchen and burning oil lamps to see at night is like traveling back in time to visit a family from the Middle Ages.

Solar Power: Lifting Families Out of Poverty:

Solar power is more than just an energy source—it is a pathway out of poverty for many rural families without access to the electrical grid. For an average cost of $150 per household, we provide high quality solar systems that offer essential lighting, which leads to significant long-term benefits. A study by Grimm et al. demonstrated that access to solar lighting significantly improves household income and reduces the reliance on costly and hazardous alternatives like kerosene lamps and candles. In our experience, families report saving around $2.50 - $5.50 per week on fuel for lighting, plus they earn an extra $35 per month after 18 months of using solar lights—an amount that can move a family out of poverty in rural Guatemala.

The positive effects on education and health are particularly noteworthy. Solar lights enable children to study at night, increasing their likelihood of staying in school and completing their education. Access to solar lights positively affects children’s homework completion and kids stay in school longer, contributing to their educational success. Additionally, solar lighting significantly improves the conditions for midwives delivering babies in remote homes, reducing risks during childbirth. Studies have also shown that maternal health outcomes improve with access to reliable lighting, as highlighted by Barrington et al.

Clean Water: Protecting Children’s Health and Growth:

Children are particularly vulnerable to waterborne diseases, which contribute to malnutrition and stunting. According to a study by Guerrant et al. chronic parasitic infections are a leading cause of malnutrition in children, which can cause stunting and cognitive development, leading to generational poverty.

Water filters play a crucial role in preventing these diseases. Research shows that access to clean water reduces the incidence of diarrhea and parasitic infections, significantly improving health outcomes for children. A study by Clasen et al. (2007) found that water filters can reduce the prevalence of diarrhea by 40-50%, highlighting their importance in preventing waterborne illnesses. This reduction in disease burden is critical for improving nutrition and reducing stunting, as noted by Checkley et al. (2008), who found that repeated diarrheal infections during childhood are a major risk factor for stunted growth.

Expanding Our Impact:

While we have made remarkable progress, the need for continued support is urgent. We are pleased to announce that we have been selected to receive a grant to further expand our "Solar Midwives" program, which provides solar power to families with young children and expectant mothers. However, this funding is limited to solar installations. To continue providing clean water to these remote communities, we will need to raise additional funds to supply water filters, ensuring that families not only have access to clean energy but also to safe drinking water.

In conclusion, our work in bringing solar power and water filters to rural Guatemala is about empowering families with the tools they need to escape poverty. The benefits of clean water and reliable lighting extend beyond immediate cost savings—they lay the foundation for healthier, more educated, and more prosperous communities. With continued support, we can help more families build a brighter future for their children.

References:

- Barrington, D. J., Et al. Improving community health through access to solar lighting: Outcomes from a participatory approach in remote rural Uganda. *Journal of Public Health*

- Checkley, W., Buckley, Et al. Multi-country analysis of the effects of diarrhea on childhood stunting. *International Journal of Epidemiology*

- Clasen, T., Roberts, Et al. Interventions to improve water quality for preventing diarrhoea: Systematic review and meta-analysis. *BMJ*, 334(7597), 782.

- Grimm, M., Et al. A first step up the energy ladder? Low-cost solar kits and household’s welfare in rural Rwanda. *World Development*, 82, 48-61.

- Guerrant, R. L., Et al. The impoverished gut—a triple burden of diarrhoea, stunting, and chronic disease. *Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology*, 10(4), 220-229.

- Kudo, Y., Shonchoy, Et al. Can solar lanterns improve youth academic performance? Experimental evidence from Bangladesh. *The Energy Journal*, 41(5).

Overview:  Our initiative to bring solar power and high-efficiency water filters to rural Guatemalan families and the midwives serving them continues to yield transformative results. This program addresses the urgent need for affordable, reliable lighting and clean water in underserved communities, significantly impacting their quality of life.

Impact on Families:  The introduction of solar power has alleviated the financial burden on families who p  reviously relied on candles for lighting. Midwives report that families were burning up to ten candles each night, with each candle costing 25 cents. This expense amounted to as much as $17 per week, a substantial financial strain. One midwife highlighted, "And some families don't have money to purchase candles," emphasizing the critical need for our solar solutions.

Clean Water for Better Health:  In addition to solar power, we provide high-efficiency water filters to these communities. These filters significantly reduce parasites in children, leading to improved health outcomes. (70% of children where we work are stunted due to parasites and overall poor nutiritio) The clean water has had a profound impact, with children now free from the parasites that once stunted their growth. This dual approach of providing light and clean water is essential for the overall well-being of the families.

Benefits for Midwives:  Midwives, essential healthcare providers in these rural areas, have expressed immense gratitude for the program. One midwife shared, "I am grateful because my families who receive solar are happy." The availability of solar power ensures better-lit homes, improving safety and the overall well-being of the families they serve. Additionally, the health benefits from clean water make their work in maternal and child care more effective.

Community Feedback:  The feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. A midwife from Comalapa expressed her appreciation, saying, "Thank you for supporting the poorest families in Comalapa." This sentiment reflects the broader community's relief and gratitude for the support provided by our program.

Conclusion:  Our solar power and clean water initiative is making a significant difference in rural Guatemala, providing essential lighting and clean water to families and supporting the vital work of midwives. By reducing the financial burden of candle use, offering a sustainable lighting solution, and improving children's health, we are contributing to a brighter, healthier, and more hopeful future for these communities.