Eco Village

One of the newest projects is the development of this rural site into an ecovillage, which will provide a base for visitors to work in the rural community. The photograph shows a site, which can house 100 people comfortably, but which is based no more than 400 yards from the local rural Kamuru village.

The objectives of the project are as follows:

A place to develop and test strategies for poverty alleviation
A place to stay and experience life in rural Kaduna
A provider of employment for local people in ecotourism
A means for visitors to immerse themselves in local culture
A place where visitors can live safely and comfortably, while they use their skills to support local Ikulu people
A Centre for local people to experience what life is like in a high tech environment, essentially - a "stimulus centre" for children and young adults

Any comments on the project would be appreciated

Last comment added: Sun, 17 Feb 2008 02:36:35 PST

Comment 1 on Eco Village

Ben, it's a brilliant idea - I've been mulling over how we might bring volunteer-tourists into our project in Kenya, and have been researching ethical volunteer tourism a bit.

I really support the idea that you're viewing it as a back-and-forth process, and that locals will also come to the centre and make use of it as a resource. Fantastic!

I'll post some links once I have a few notes codified.

Please keep us posted on the progress of this fascinating project.

Comment 2 on Eco Village

Jon Alexander said:

Ben, it's a brilliant idea - I've been mulling over how we might bring volunteer-tourists into our project in Kenya, and have been researching ethical volunteer tourism a bit.

Jon, I am interested in hearing more about your idea of volunteer tourism. I have envisioned myself and my children spending a year or two in various places learning and teaching the local youth. My problem with this idea has been that I am not University educated and have not been able to attach myself to any agency that would sponsor my family. I know in my heart I can be of use in any region throughout the globe. Its just a matter of finding someone to believe in me enough to put this idea into a working reality.

Comment 3 on Eco Village

Ben, your eco-tourism house is a pleasant idea. Did you really intend to write 100 people or did you mean 10? This house looks somewhat small for 100 people. Regardless, it is a fantastic idea as the world is looking for eco-tourism sites to visit. I believe Nigeria would be an African country that many are awaiting to visit.

Comment 4 on Eco Village

Just a quick response - each of the "huts" has three large bedrooms that could take four people each with ease. There is also a massive house, not pictured, which I expect could take 60, although I've not been inside, due to the spiders!