Multifunctional Engineering: The Story of Engineers Without Borders in Ghana

Part One:

Though previously known as the Gold Coast, for the 40 percent of Ghana’s population who live on less than $1 a day, this name is far from accurate. Rather, the West African country is highly dependent upon subsistence agriculture, has limited resources at its disposal and is heavily indebted.

In September 2003 Mike Quinn, a newly minted mechanical engineer committed to assisting developing world communities, left for Ghana on a placement with Engineers Without Borders. Partnering with the Kumasi Institute for Technology and Education (KITE), Mike’s task was to contribute to human development by assisting the launch of the first multifunctional platform (MFP) in Ghana.

A MFP is a 10 hp diesel engine mounted on a steel chassis that can power various agro-processing machinery such as a corn mill and oil press. It can also drive an alternator to charge batteries, power a water pump, and light up to 200 bulbs. Though the technology itself is standard equipment, made of widely available parts, low in cost and can be maintained and run by local technicians, the successful integration of the MFP into rural Ghana has proved extremely complex. Ultimately, it is hoped that the MFP can be used to reduce the amount of time spent on domestic labour and to provide energy for additional income generating activities, diversifying and expanding sources of income for local entrepreneurs.

Soon after arriving in Ghana, Mike’s enthusiasm was quickly interrupted as the extensive pilot project was crippled. Caught in a cyclical catch 22, the pilot project was stunted due to a lack of funding, and no one would commit funding without a successful pilot.

With massive amounts of work and significant financial resources already invested in the project, Mike along with KITE had to make a decision: a decision that could fall heavily upon Ghana’s most impoverished citizens. Should they risk their funds, including their operating budget, in hopes of a successful initiative? Or should they abandon the project altogether and use their limited resources on a project with a stronger guarantee?

Look in next month’s Society Notes for the continuation of the MFP project in Ghana.

Engineers Without Borders (EWB) is a registered Canadian charity that helps people in developing communities gain access to basic engineering technologies that can reduce poverty, hunger and disease. Visit EWB’s website at www.ewb.ca to learn more.