The solar greenhouse project
“Fresh and healthy vegetables are served on our table, and this is like a dream come true,” says Tsegmid, a father of five children aged 3 to 16. Mongolia endures one of the harshest climates globally, with a brief warm season of about two months and a long winter where temperatures can plummet below -50°C. This extreme climate severely limits vegetable planting. Consequently, Mongolia imports over 80% of its annual vegetables from China, which often comes with health risks due to unknown origins and high chemical fertilizer use. Ensuring healthy vegetable production is crucial for public health and food security.
The Solar Greenhouse Project aims to grow vegetables efficiently, ensuring food security for poor and low-income households while increasing their income sources. Solar greenhouses, used in cold regions like China, Central Asia, and the Himalayas, are designed with a half-roof and three walls, facing south to maximize solar energy absorption. This design extends the growing season by retaining warm air during cold periods. The heat stored in the soil and walls is released at night and on cloudy days, maintaining a warmer internal temperature than outside.
All 75 project beneficiary households received training in sustainable agricultural techniques, including various vegetable seedling plantations and care practices. Local coaches provided face-to-face guidance, ensuring families and children had access to fresh vegetables year-round. Participants also learned to generate stable incomes and sell surplus vegetables through market and financial training. This project's impact is evident in the significant increase in food security among the beneficiaries. In 2022, 25% of households had insufficient access to food, but by 2023, this figure had risen to 92%.
Tsegmid, a 39-year-old father of five, is a notable beneficiary. Previously a rescuer, he suffered a severe injury in 2021, leaving him unable to work and provide for his family. The Solar Greenhouse Project offered him a lifeline. Through training and expert guidance, he built a greenhouse and began harvesting vegetables within weeks. This project not only provided his family with nutritious food but also restored his hope and dignity. Tsegmid’s story is one of many successes, with beneficiaries now selling vegetables in local markets, contributing to community food security and economic stability.
Tsegmid recalls his journey with a mix of gratitude and emotion. “Once, I was a prideful rescuer as a government staff. Everyone used to see me as a strong man. And since the accident, I have become a broken man inside and outside. The children were hungry, and I even asked for bread from every possible source. Some gave us bread. But I knew days couldn’t go any further. Depending on our family situation, one of my children was registered in the World Vision Child Sponsorship Program. Some months later, my family was selected as one of the beneficiaries of the Solar Greenhouse Project. Through the project, we were provided with training on proper planting. And we built our greenhouses ourselves through the expert’s instruction. Experts constantly visited us and guided us properly. I planted the vegetables and started to harvest them only some weeks later. My harvest started with the lettuce. I burst into tears in gratefulness. Can you imagine my joy back then? My children are eating healthy and constant food now. All those healthy vegetables I planted are served on our table. We even started to give our planted vegetables to a herder family and take meat instead. The project gave us many chances. This project gave me not only a vegetable but hope and joy. Today, my health situation is not better than before, and that is true. But I am happy to work in my greenhouse every day, and my children help me with the planting.”
The Solar Greenhouse Project has not only provided immediate relief but has also laid the groundwork for long-term sustainability. The training sessions covered various aspects of vegetable cultivation, from seedling plantations to advanced care practices. Beneficiaries learned about crop rotation, pest management, and organic farming techniques, ensuring that their produce is not only abundant but also healthy and free from harmful chemicals. The project also emphasized the importance of community support and collaboration. By forming small groups, participants could share knowledge, resources, and market opportunities, creating a robust support network that extends beyond individual households.
The project’s success is also reflected in the broader community. Local markets have seen an influx of fresh, locally grown vegetables, reducing the dependency on imported produce. This shift has not only improved the nutritional quality of the food available but has also stimulated the local economy. Farmers who were once struggling to make ends meet are now thriving entrepreneurs, contributing to the overall economic resilience of their communities.
The Solar Greenhouse Project has transformed lives by providing sustainable food sources and economic opportunities. Tsegmid’s journey from despair to hope exemplifies the project’s success. As more families benefit, the project continues to foster resilience and self-sufficiency in Mongolia’s harsh climate. This initiative not only addresses immediate food security needs but also builds a foundation for long-term community well-being.
The project’s impact extends beyond the immediate beneficiaries. It has inspired other communities to adopt similar initiatives, creating a ripple effect of positive change. The knowledge and skills gained through the project are being passed on to future generations, ensuring that the benefits of the Solar Greenhouse Project will be felt for years to come.
In conclusion, the Solar Greenhouse Project is a testament to the power of sustainable development and community resilience. By leveraging innovative solutions and fostering collaboration, the project has not only improved food security and economic stability but has also restored hope and dignity to those who needed it most. Tsegmid’s story is just one example of the many lives transformed by this initiative. As the project continues to grow and evolve, it will undoubtedly continue to make a lasting impact on the communities it serves, inspiring others to adopt similar approaches and contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future for all. The ongoing success of this project highlights the importance of community-driven solutions in addressing global challenges.