Notes from Jim Myers – 18 Dec
18 Dec 2009
Health & Primary Needs of Haitian Residents
- In Borgne, 80% of childhood disease is because of unsanitary drinking water
- Over 50% of all water projects fail and less than 5% of projects are visited; far less than 1% of project have long term monitoring
- Life expectancy is 57 years
- Water access is difficult; women are responsible for acquiring and transporting water
- Average travel distance is 4 miles
- Boiling water is an important need
- Number 2 concern to HHHaitians is indoor air pollution
- Deforestation is not as much of a local concern as it is to outsiders
Stoves
- Most indoor stoves are about the size of a coffee can
- Weigh around 5-7 lbs.
- Portable use is desirable; 50% of cooking is communal (i.e. w/extended family)
- Street vendors will have the most use of advanced cooking options and the most resources
- Most likely to invest in a new stove design
- Vendor stoves cost ~ $7 – 10.00
- Top of stove is hammered out, sheet metal is oxy-acetylene welded
- Burns from cooking are usually from kerosene stoves; rarely from charcoal
- Total cooking time is around 1.5 hours
- Most Haitians only eat 1 meal per day
- 12-15 hrs. cooking per week
- 1 stove usually serves 6-8 people
- Most cooking is for boiling and frying
Cooking Fuel
- Charcoal is primary fuel source; obtained from local wood
- Derived from hardwoods/fruit trees (i.e. mango trees)
- Charcoal is often re-used
- Reed can be used to start fire for cooking
- Charcoal usually costs 5-7 cents per lb.
- Cost is the biggest obstacle in cooking feasibility
Misc.
- Cell phones are an important new need
- Charged from truck battery
- Some village residents express technical competency
- Many people like to tinker with mechanics
- Education is an important factor in exposing Haitians to technical problems and mechanical troubleshooting