EcoVentures International

The EEDI is undertaking a number of projects.  On this and the following pages, we highlight some of the current work of EEDI members.  If you have any questions about the work, don't hesitate to contact EcoVentures or the EEDI members themselves, whose contact information is listed on their organizational pages.

Global Education Partnership

Jatropha development and Business Training

EcoVentures International was initially invited to Lushoto to conduct the Environmental Enterprise Training Program for one semester at the Global Education Partnership (GEP).  GEP is an international organization with programs in a number of countries, however their international headquarters in Washington DC has recently shut down and the various programs have been advised to run their centers as separate and new organizations, implementing the current funded projects.  Mr. Hatibu Lugendo, the director of the Lushoto GEP program is now working to make GEP-Tanzania a self-sustaining entity and to find funding for the institution so that they may continue their good work.  He was also an integral part of the formation of Lushoto's Environmental Enterprise Development Initiative.

Earlier this year, GEP received funding from the Artemisia Foundation through EEDI.  Mr. Lugendo has used this funding to invest in ten additional computers for their office so that they can have more students and bring in more sustainable income.  Additionally, Lugendo has invested Artemisia funds into beginning a Jatropha production and dissemination site at GEP.

Goal: To grow and distribute jatropha seedlings to local farmers as a potential source of cash income and to benefit from the various uses of the plant.  The Lushoto region is suffering from erosion and depletion of soil nutrients due to intense cultivation of the mountainous slopes.  Jatropha can provide fuel for the kitchen, biological soil erosion control, act as a natural barrier to animals, and provide cash income through sale of oil.

   GEP carried out the first training on jatropha growing techniques and potential usage for EEDI-Lushoto members.  Mr. Lugendo is now planning the second training for local women and has already been supplying local farmers with Jatropha seedlings and growing information.