Tekfarms

GOAL: To integrate Tekfarm concepts in workable, experimental ways for open real world development.

HOW: Five trips to communities in diverse regions worldwide seeking alternative energy systems and digital communication tools.

Volunteer teams working with local leaders to integrate new technologies relevant and scalable for their region and needs.

 

TASKS:

• Plan journeys for the AMO team and volunteers in various rooted communities.
• Build the Second Life model Tekfarm during proof of concept phase, EcoCommons and AMO Islands.
• Help volunteers plug into tekfarm opportunities around the world for testing and open development.

EXPERIENCE: Village planners will get a menu of options to pick from along with easy to use solutions for financing their new energy production programs, a planning phase followed by implementation and follow-up via wiki.

TIMELINE:

• Proof of concept 2008
• Journeys begin winter 2008 - winter 2009. Documentary captures in process throughout each expedition.
• First draft checks end of winter 2009.
• Additional production journeys and followup video/communications through late 2009-2010.

RESOURCES and PARTNERS:

• Solar panel manufacturing system template
• Solar installation, energy and LED systems with Toyshoppe Productions
• Biofuels farming assistance
• Water purification systems through Playpumps,
• Organic agriculture and seeds from
• Computers and software donated by Techsoup/Compumentor and technology partners
• Additional connectivity equipment (sources?)

• Disaster planning and mobile design by How to Live Wiki/Vinay Gupta, Toyshoppe Productions/Brent Heyning

 

ENERGY: Water, solar and human powered alternatives including biofuels, hydrogen and other hybrid technologies as region appropriate with integrated energy distribution solutions.
DEADLINES: First documentary cuts 2010, report due end of 2009, full findings and documentary released end of 2010.

DELIVERABLES: Video and print document with detailed training guide for the establishment of DIY Tekfarms for any region released early 2010.

PROCESS: Helping people be resourceful no matter what is available, we source global solutions and look locally for best practices to integrate into working community systems for power, communication and education.

SCOPE: Integrating alternative energy systems, digital communication tools and local broadcast methods for regenerative energy production and long term village viability.

 

Vinay Gupta's thoughts:

30 SECOND STORY

Currently half of the people on this planet die of poverty, because they do not have basic access to resources.

• Starvation and food/water borne diseases * Smoke inhalation from indoor cooking fires

Simple things contribute to over 30 million deaths a year.

 

Open technology can prevent half of global death -- can we prevent several holocausts a year by sharing open technology?

http://www.globalswadeshi.net/forum/topic/show?id=2097821%3ATopic%3A1941 A video with Vinay Gupta of http://howtolivewiki.com

http://openfarmtech.org/weblog/ Model communities, other examples welcome at http://amoration.pbwiki.com/Tekfarms

 

How do we do it together?

Build out these models, document and blog thoroughly, work with projects like disastr.org .... we are currently building a widget that will search for basic human services by zip code, one click anywhere to food, shelter and medical care. We're doing this as a simple google tool under the Transitions project, a virtual team working on homelessness

 

Microgeneration: Look for the book "Small is Profitable" for generating new models for villages and small city/towns. Size is essential in scalability, the hexayurt is a prime example of making a process simple for anyone to pick up on around the world. Open appropriate technology groups under the GPL or similar protections publish openly, simply. Mobile technologies are key: simple search and communication.

 

Water Purification: Many simple tools can be scaled easily in conjunction with solar projects. Best practices, companies to partner with for scalability?

 

Gardening! Increase food supply = increased food security = prosperity and happiness. Add your favorite links here.

 

Open appropriate technology groups under the GPL or similar protections.

Mobile technologies are key: simple search and communication designed throughout.