Conservation

by Brandon Lundy, São Domingos, Cape Verde

Water is very limited in Cape Verde, and conservation is a must for everyone who lives here. Other than times of abundance—one month a year—most water must be purchased from a chafariz in limited and regulated amounts. Therefore, all household chores, including laundry, baths, dishes, toileting, cleaning, etc,. must be accomplished with only about five buckets of water per family.

Farmers conserve rainwater in huge concrete basins for weeks or even months for their crops. Others pump water from wells, but the government closely monitors the amount they extract. Desertification is a major concern here in Cape Verde, so the government also helps farmers build rock walls and plant trees. Teaching new techniques such as drip irrigation to farmers is also very important.