そこで、この場所に井戸を作り、太陽電池で動くポンプを設置し、水を撒き、少しずつここを多様な植物が宿る場所に変えていこう、というプロジェクトを始めました。私たちのTeamのIkabongo博士を中心に進めています。

　今回は、レモングラスとベチバーというイネ科の植物をたくさん植えました。幾つかの木も植えることが出来ました。ザンビア大学農学部の学生と一緒にです。どうやったら一番こいつらが速く育つか、ということで、様々な肥料や土壌改良剤を試しているところです。

   I was in Zambia again, for a week or so. I went to Zambia to plant some plants. Plants do not grow well when soils are contaminated or when soil moisture is low. Also, human activities often decrease plants due to charcoal production (deforestation). This place is located right next to an ex-mining site and soils here show very high heavy metal contents. Also, plants suffer the extensive drying season in this area (Apr-Oct). 

   Thus, we started digging a borehole here and also set up a solar-powered pump. We sprinkle water on this land and aim to change this place to diverse plant-rich area. This project has been conducted mainly by Dr Mukumbuta in our team. 

   We planted a lot of lemongrasses and vetiver grass. Also, we planted some trees. We collaborate with local students at University of Zambia and testing various soil conditioners.