Pigeons have been bred in Egypt since the ancient Egyptian periods. Pigeons stuffed with rice is considered a special Egyptian meal. In addition breeding pigeons is practiced as a traditional hobby, specially those type of pigeons called 'Zagil' which are the first historical messages courier. Breeding pigeons is considered a good business for people in countryside specially that pigeons are easily fed with grains such as lentils, corn and barley. The farmer usually adds simple minerals to the … Read more
Hassan Fathy Architecture The Vernacular Architect of the Egyptian Architect, Hassan Fathy
Egyptian architect Hassan Fathy died in 1989 but left behind a legacy of 160 building projects ranging from small projects to large-scale communities complete with mosques and schools. Hassan Fathy is the most famous of the Egyptian Architects, who used traditional materials, means of construction, and vernacular styles in his search for an inexpensive form of architecture for the poor. His projects are based on the use of a narrow range of forms made from morphological and structural elements … Read more
Traditional Water Harvesting Systems Traditional water harvesting systems in North Africa and Southwest Asia
At present there are two main classifications of traditional water harvestng systems: firstly by Oweis et al. (2004), and secondly, by Prinz (1996. 2000). The classification by Oweis et al. (2004) (see below) starts by subdividing techniques on the basis of the size of the catchment area, which is the area from which water is collected. Small catchment areas (micro-catchments), are then further classifed as roof-top and on-farm techniques. By contrast, techniques that depend on large catchment … Read more
ٍScarecrow ‘khayal Miatah’ Traditional scarecrow for combating birds
In the Egyptian countryside farmers use a very simple way they believe it protects their fields from birds who feed on their gains. They distribute in the fields a fixture in the form of 2 cross wooden bars. they dress this fixture a 'gilbab', which is long Arab shirt worn by Egyptians in the countryside. The efficiency of such method is debatable. Yet Its a tradition in the countryside which farmers believe is efficient in combating birds. Its also an ecological solution which involves zero … Read more
Tagine Earthenware Pot A valuable multi-purpose cooking pot
Tagine is a historically Berber dish from North Africa that is named after the special earthenware pot in which it is cooked. A similar dish, known as Tavvas, is found in the cuisine of Cyprus. The traditional Tagine pot is formed entirely of a heavy clay, which is sometimes painted or glazed. The Tagine is used to bake staple bread. Each and every Algerian family has a Tagine, usually bought from rural villages where old women prepare them from clay and sell them. Tagines are also used and made … Read more
Climate Mitigation Reducing emissions and stabilizing the climate.
Climate change mitigation involves actions that limit the magnitude and/or rate of long-term climate change. Climate change mitigation generally involves reductions in human (anthropogenic) emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs). Mitigation may also be achieved by increasing the capacity of carbon sinks, e.g., through reforestation. By contrast, adaptations to climate change are actions taken to manage the eventual (or unavoidable) impacts of global warming, e.g., by building dikes in response to … Read more
Tamena Healthy Algerian roasted semolina
Tamena is a very famous Algerian pastry, traditionally served at the time of birth, when a new baby is born. It is a paste of roasted semolina (milled wheat), golden but not brown, honey and melted butter. Tamena is an important cultural gift that every family serves to people who come to congratulate the new born baby. In rural villages in Algeria, it is prepared and placed into pots and sold locally. Sales increase the local economy and can also be exported to other regional places. but it is … Read more
Rain Barrels Use of Rain barrels as rainwater collectors
A rain barrel is a water tank used to collect and store rain water runoff, typically from rooftops via rain gutters. A collection system can yield 623 gallons (2358 litres) of water from 1 inch of rain on a 1,000 square feet (93 m2) roof. Rainwater tanks are devices for collecting and maintaining harvested rain. Rainwater tanks are installed to make use of rain water for later use, reduce mains water use for economic or environmental reasons, and aid self-sufficiency. Stored water may be used … Read more
Bioswales Vegetated swales or watershed friendly landscaping
Also known as infiltration swales, biofilters, grassed swales, or in-line biorentention, bioswales are vegetated open channels specifically designed to attenuate and treat stormwater runoff for a defined water volume. Like open ditches, they convey larger stormwater volumes from a source to a discharge point, but unlike ditches, they intentionally promote slowing, cleansing and infiltration along the way. A sloped base to facilitate this water movement distinguishes bioswales from rain … Read more
Permaculture Demonstration Sites as Education Centres Multiple Use Co-operative Endeavours
The industrialization of food production is an issue of concern all over the world. We have become consumers of agricultural products packaged in plastic and travelling thousands of miles to get to us. Permaculture is about returning to the roots and re-establishing our connection with the land. Permaculture is a design tool mimicking and observing patterns of nature that can be utilised in the way we grow our vegetables and fruits, design our projects and teach our kids. Historically, … Read more
