We Deserve Better - Wandering Farmers co-op

Archives March 2023

Sustainable Sanity, by Us For Us

Sustainability is a buzzword that has been thrown around a lot lately, but what does it really mean? It’s no secret that our planet is facing a multitude of environmental challenges, from climate change to dwindling natural resources. However, what if we could move beyond simply discussing the problem and take tangible steps towards a solution?At our initiative, we believe that we can make a difference in the fight against climate change. We are a team of architects, engineers, and urban farmers who are working to create sustainable living solutions for the future. Our approach combines the best of green architecture, urban farming, and social connectedness to bring people together and tackle the issue of sustainability head-on.Our flagship project is a vertical farm and residential/commercial space initiative. Vertical farming is an innovative technique that allows us to grow crops indoors using a fraction of the water and land required by traditional agriculture. By utilizing hydroponic systems, LED lighting, and other cutting-edge technologies, we can produce high-quality, fresh food right in the heart of the city.In addition to providing sustainable food sources, our vertical farm is also designed to be a community hub. We want to bring people of all ages together to learn about sustainability, healthy eating, and the importance of environmental stewardship. Through workshops, classes, and community events, we hope to foster a sense of connection and empowerment among our users.But our initiative doesn’t stop there. We are also working to create sustainable residential and commercial spaces that prioritize green architecture and energy efficiency. From solar panels to rainwater harvesting systems, we are committed to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable living practices.We believe that our approach can not only help mitigate the effects of climate change but also improve the quality of life and mental health for users. By creating vibrant, sustainable communities, we hope to inspire a new generation of environmental stewards and create a future where sustainability is the norm.We invite you to join us on this mission. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply someone who cares about the environment, there is a place for you in our community. Together, we can create a more sustainable future for ourselves and for generations to come.

I have really respected the many different people whose wisdom and experience has been shared with me over the few decades I have been here already and how impactful their words have been in my life and work.

Many of the people I have encountered who’s professional experiences cover civil engineering, leadership management, professional development, nonprofit organizations, healthcare services, chemical engineering, agricultural production, medical manufacturing, social services, and retail services.

As a cultural nomad it is impossible for me to ignore the similarities and also the differences between the driving motivation for these different groups of people and my cultural desire to welcome supports and share the breath of my experiences with people I meet. in the last 15 years I’ve been ever more passionate about protecting the food supply of people who are in deep need of cost-effective services and food.

Growing up in a large family of always found myself gravitating towards the elderly and older generations to learn from them due to a very inquisitive mindset, which is why I find that my curiosity for having a more hands on approach to problem solving has really helped me in my nomadic nature due to life circumstances and being willing to learn new skills as I skip around the world with my family. Due to not sitting around for long periods, I find it’s crucial that I impart as much knowledge as I can to teach people how to sustain themselves instead of trying to be the foundation of their problem solving and I think that is what is missing in many of the differences that I have encountered been a part of or worked for. This has to change otherwise the future will not succeed in developing itself and the industry is necessary to support a sustainable development of our future societies.

Revolting against the Sahara

There are several ways that a renewable energy project to convert barren land into farms in Nigeria could be improved. Here are some suggestions:

  1. Use locally available renewable energy sources: Instead of relying on imported renewable energy technology, the project could use locally available resources such as solar, wind, and hydro power. This would not only reduce the cost of the project but also create job opportunities and help to develop the local renewable energy industry.
  2. Involve local communities in the project: The project should involve local communities in the planning and implementation process to ensure that it is sustainable and meets their needs. This would also help to promote ownership and a sense of responsibility among the local people.
  3. Focus on sustainable farming practices: The project should focus on sustainable farming practices that conserve soil and water resources and protect biodiversity. This would help to ensure the long-term productivity of the land and promote environmental sustainability.
  4. Use modern technology and innovation: The project could use modern technology such as precision agriculture, drones, and smart irrigation systems to improve productivity and reduce waste. This would also help to attract young people to farming and promote innovation in the sector.
  5. Promote value addition and local processing: The project could promote value addition and local processing of agricultural products to increase their value and create more job opportunities. This would also reduce post-harvest losses and promote food security.

By implementing these suggestions, a renewable energy project to convert barren land into farms in Nigeria could have a significant impact on the economy and environment of the country and the continent as a whole. It could promote sustainable development, reduce food imports, and create job opportunities for the local people.

The Sahel as a food basket

Sahel Semi-Covered Landfill Vertical Farm with Wind Turbine and Solar Panels

Project Description:

The Sahel region, located in Africa, is experiencing a significant land degradation and desertification due to climate change, human activities, and overgrazing. The region also suffers from food insecurity and poverty. The proposed project aims to address these challenges by building a semi-covered landfill that will function as a vertical farm, using renewable energy sources to grow food and combat pollution.

Project Goals:

The main objectives of this project are to:

Combat desertification and land degradation by constructing 800 semi-covered [landfill-cavities] that will reduce soil erosion, runoff, and water evaporation.

Address food insecurity and poverty by building a vertical farm that will produce fresh and healthy food, creating jobs and empowering local communities.

Reduce pollution and improve air quality by installing a vertical wind turbine that will suck in pollution, moisture, and dust.

Promote renewable energy by covering the surface of the landfill with solar panels, generating clean and sustainable electricity.

Project Design:

The semi-covered landfill will have dimensions of L 130m x W 400m x H 95m, providing a large surface area for the vertical farm. The structure will be built on-site, using local materials and labor, and designed to withstand harsh weather conditions.

The vertical farm will use hydroponic and aeroponic systems to grow crops, which will be arranged in vertical layers. The systems will use a combination of natural and artificial lighting, as well as temperature and humidity controls, to optimize plant growth and yield. The crops will include vegetables, fruits, and herbs, providing a diverse and nutritious diet for the local population.

The vertical wind turbine will be installed at the top of the landfill, using the prevailing winds to suck in pollution, moisture, and dust. The turbine will be designed to be efficient, silent, and low-maintenance, using modern materials and technologies.

The surface of the landfill will be covered with solar panels, which will generate electricity for the vertical farm and the local community. The solar panels will be designed to be durable, efficient, and easy to install and maintain.

The biomass produced from the vertical farm will be converted into food using various systems, such as anaerobic digestion, composting, and vermicomposting. The food waste will be recycled back into the vertical farm, completing the circular economy loop.

Project Impact:

The proposed project will have a significant impact on the Sahel region, addressing the challenges of desertification, food insecurity, poverty, and pollution. The project will create jobs, empower local communities, and promote sustainable development. The project will also serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges, demonstrating the potential of renewable energy and vertical farming to create a sustainable and resilient future.

The project will also feature residential facilities for the staff and have a 24/7/365 staffing to keep the facilities running even if the staff need to take vacations for a few days using machine learning and many types of system automation to control critical operations.

Nigeria is one of the largest food importers in Africa, with an average of $3.2 billion worth of food imports per year between 2015 and 2017.

A dent in food imports of 28% could have a significant impact on Nigeria’s economy and environment. If Nigeria were to reduce its food imports by 28%, it would save approximately $896 million per year. This would reduce the country’s dependence on foreign currencies and help to strengthen its economy.

Furthermore, reducing food imports would also reduce Nigeria’s carbon footprint and the environmental impact associated with the transportation of goods. By using renewable energy sources to produce more of its food domestically, Nigeria could reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable development.

Overall, reducing food imports and increasing the use of renewable energy in agriculture could provide multiple benefits to Nigeria, including improved food security, stronger economic growth, and a more sustainable environment.

Building 8000 facilities like this would be a powerful step, as would building a similar system in every nation around the world.

Next steps are to turn the ideas into designs and then build the models to begin implementing them in the style of sunken gardens.

Open Source Engineering solutions to food security

Investing in agricultural technology can be a game-changer for African economies, freeing up their 1 billion population from food insecurity and allowing them to focus on clean and sustainable industrial expansion. Food security is essential for economic development because it ensures that people have access to the necessary nutrition to maintain their health and productivity. When people are food secure, they can work to their full potential, driving economic growth and creating opportunities for themselves and their communities.

One of the benefits of investing in agricultural technology is that it can increase food production and efficiency, making food more readily available and affordable for people. Technology can be used to improve crop yields, reduce water usage, and decrease the use of harmful chemicals in agriculture. By investing in these technologies, African countries can improve their food production, reduce their dependence on imports, and create new opportunities for their citizens.

Moreover, by ensuring food security, African countries can provide a foundation for the growth of their economies. When people are food secure, they are better able to focus on education and training, which can lead to better employment opportunities and higher incomes. Additionally, when people have access to nutritious food, they are less likely to suffer from malnutrition and other health issues that can lead to reduced productivity and increased healthcare costs.

Investing in STEM training in agricultural technology can also create new opportunities for African populations. By training young people in these fields, they can develop the skills and knowledge necessary to build and maintain these technologies, creating new employment opportunities and driving innovation. This can lead to the development of new industries, including the production of agricultural machinery, software, and other related products.

Open source engineering solutions can also play a critical role in supporting agricultural development in Africa. By making these solutions available to everyone, regardless of their economic status, it ensures that the benefits of technology are accessible to all. Additionally, the profits generated from the sale of these technologies can be used to fund STEM training schools, ensuring that young people have access to the education they need to drive innovation and create new opportunities for themselves and their communities.

Finally, investing in agricultural technology can help ensure that the next Einstein, or any other great innovator, has the opportunity to thrive. By ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious food and quality education, we can unlock the full potential of the African continent, creating new opportunities for innovation and growth.

In conclusion, investing in agricultural technology is critical for African economies. By ensuring food security, providing opportunities for STEM education, and promoting open source engineering solutions, we can create a foundation for economic growth and innovation, driving sustainable and clean industrial expansion. By investing in these areas, we can unlock the potential of Africa’s 1 billion population, creating new opportunities for the next Einstein and other great innovators to thrive.

Keeping sane in times of instability | Fund management

When looking to set up a good foundation for running a secured #funding solution for my project I’ve decided that the best solution would be to use a #trust.

When it comes to financial planning, selecting the right financial institution to entrust your funds is crucial. One option worth considering is working with a fiduciary bank to save funds in secured investment volumes using a trust to own different services and assets. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of this approach.

What is a Fiduciary Bank?

A fiduciary bank is a financial institution that has a legal obligation to act in the best interest of its clients. This means that they must put their clients’ interests first, even if it means foregoing their own interests. Fiduciary banks are held to a higher standard of care and loyalty compared to other financial institutions. They are required to disclose any conflicts of interest and ensure that all transactions are fair and transparent.

Secured Investment Volumes

Working with a fiduciary bank allows you to invest your funds in secured investment volumes. This means that your funds are invested in a way that minimizes risk and maximizes returns. Fiduciary banks have access to a broad range of investment opportunities, including stocks, bonds, and other assets that may not be available to the general public.

When working with a fiduciary bank, you can expect a personalized investment strategy tailored to your specific financial goals and risk tolerance. Your investment portfolio will be regularly reviewed and adjusted to ensure that it remains aligned with your objectives.

Trust Ownership of Different Services and Assets

A trust is a legal entity that can own assets and manage them on behalf of its beneficiaries. Working with a fiduciary bank allows you to use a trust to own different services and assets. A trust can be used to protect assets from creditors, minimize estate taxes, and ensure that assets are distributed according to your wishes and objectives. When running this kind of open source focused on the African continent we will be coming up against a lot of resistance from it and from former colonial institutions with a lot to loose. Especially now in the 21st century as the youth are working to break all connections to the past and the limitations created against our ability to become self sufficient.

Fiduciary banks can act as trustees, providing a range of trust services such as estate planning, asset protection, and charitable giving. By working with a fiduciary bank, you can ensure that your assets are managed in a way that aligns with your financial goals and values.

Benefits of Working with Fiduciary Banks

Expertise – Fiduciary banks have a legal obligation to act in the best interest of their clients. This means that they will provide expert advice and guidance to help you achieve your financial goals. They have access to a wide range of investment opportunities and can create a customized investment strategy that aligns with your specific needs and objectives.

[(Operating under contract law instead of commercial)]

Transparency – Fiduciary banks are required to disclose any conflicts of interest and ensure that all transactions are fair and transparent. This means that you can trust that your investments are being managed with your best interests in mind.

Risk Management – Fiduciary banks have access to sophisticated risk management tools and strategies that can help minimize risk and protect your investments. They will regularly review and adjust your investment portfolio to ensure that it remains aligned with your risk tolerance and objectives.

Legacy Planning – Fiduciary banks can help you create a comprehensive estate plan that includes trusts, wills, and other estate planning tools. This can help protect your assets and ensure that they are distributed according to your wishes.

Personalized Service – Fiduciary banks provide personalized service and attention to their clients. They will work closely with you to understand your financial goals and create a customized plan that meets your specific needs.

Working with a fiduciary bank to save funds in secured investment volumes using a trust to own different services and assets offers numerous benefits. Fiduciary banks are held to a higher standard of care and loyalty compared to other financial institutions. They can provide expert advice and guidance, access to a broad range of investment opportunities, transparency, sophisticated risk management tools, estate planning assistance, and personalized service.

In conclusion, trusts are an excellent way to manage financial investments in certificate deposits via credit unions. Trusts offer many benefits, including protecting assets, reducing estate taxes, and ensuring assets are distributed according to your wishes.

Working with credit unions offers many benefits, including lower fees and higher interest rates on deposits. By investing in certificate deposits, you can earn a higher yield on your savings than traditional savings accounts. Additionally, credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives that are owned by their members, so they prioritize their members’ financial well-being over profits.

Trusts can help you manage your certificate deposits by allowing you to designate beneficiaries and avoid probate. Probate is the legal process of settling an estate, which can be time-consuming and costly. By avoiding probate, you can save your beneficiaries time and money and ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. in this case the members of the Co-Op become equal members to vote in the projects they adopt through funding and participation per the terms they adopt and vote to consent on.

When creating a trust, it’s essential to work with a qualified attorney to ensure that it meets your specific needs and goals. An attorney can help you navigate complex tax laws and ensure that your trust is structured in a way that minimizes taxes and maximizes the benefits for your beneficiaries.

One of the benefits of using trusts to manage financial investments in certificate deposits via credit unions is the ability to manage assets during incapacity. If you become incapacitated, the trustee can manage your assets on your behalf, ensuring that your bills are paid and your investments are managed appropriately. This can provide peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.

Trusts also offer flexibility, allowing you to make changes to the trust document as your circumstances change. For example, you can add or remove beneficiaries or change the distribution of assets as needed.

Overall, trusts offer many benefits for managing financial investments in certificate deposits via credit unions. By working with a qualified attorney and credit union, you can ensure that your financial goals are met, your assets are protected, and your beneficiaries are provided for. With proper planning, you can create a legacy that lasts for generations to come.