SayPro AquaHarvest Project Proposal
Submitted to: SayPro Development Competitions Office
For: SayPro Monthly May SCDR-3 Science and Innovation Competition
Submitted by: SayPro Youth Innovation Network
📌 Project Title:
SayPro AquaHarvest: A Smart Atmospheric Water Harvesting Solution for Climate-Resilient Communities
🧭 1. Executive Summary
Water scarcity is a growing challenge in many African regions, especially in arid and semi-arid zones where rainfall is unpredictable and groundwater is depleting. The SayPro AquaHarvest project proposes an innovative, sustainable solution that captures water from the atmosphere—specifically fog and dew—using nanotechnology-based mesh materials and solar-powered, sensor-integrated systems. It empowers SayPro youth with technical skills and offers clean water access to underserved communities, addressing both the climate crisis and youth unemployment.
🎯 2. Project Goals and Objectives
Overall Goal:
To design, test, and deploy a community-based, smart atmospheric water harvesting system that delivers clean water, builds local capacity, and promotes sustainable development.
Specific Objectives:
- Innovate: Develop a low-cost, scalable water harvesting system using nanotech and solar-powered IoT.
- Empower: Train SayPro youth in fabrication, programming, and maintenance of the system.
- Deploy: Install pilot systems in at least 5 climate-affected communities.
- Educate: Raise awareness on sustainable water practices and STEM innovation.
- Scale: Develop a roadmap to expand AquaHarvest to 50+ communities in two years.
⚙️ 3. Methodology and Approach
Phase 1: Research and Development (Month 1–2)
- Analyze humidity data and dew/fog patterns in target regions.
- Prototype 3 mesh types with nanocoatings (e.g., hydrophilic-hydrophobic materials).
- Build solar-powered units embedded with humidity, temperature, and flow sensors.
- Develop a mobile dashboard app to monitor water yield and unit performance.
Phase 2: Pilot Testing (Month 3–4)
- Deploy units in 5 selected communities.
- Conduct baseline surveys on water needs and quality.
- Train local SayPro youth (minimum 20) to install and manage the systems.
- Collect performance data (L/day/unit, maintenance frequency, community usage).
Phase 3: Evaluation and Optimization (Month 5)
- Analyze sensor data and user feedback.
- Refine the mesh materials and system design.
- Prepare technical documentation, usage guides, and training modules.
Phase 4: Awareness and Advocacy (Month 6)
- Host community workshops and school presentations.
- Document stories and testimonials from users.
- Publish open-source blueprints and a SayPro innovation impact report.
📊 4. Expected Results and Impact
| Impact Area | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|
| Water Access | 10–30 liters/day of clean water per unit for drinking or farming |
| Youth Empowerment | 20+ youth trained in IoT, renewable energy, and social enterprise |
| Climate Resilience | Increased community adaptation to water scarcity |
| Health Improvement | Reduction in waterborne diseases and plastic bottle dependency |
| Innovation Culture | Youth-led innovation clubs active in design and scaling |
🌍 5. Scalability and Sustainability
A. Scalability Strategy
- Open-source hardware designs allow local replication.
- Modular construction enables use in homes, schools, and farms.
- Future versions to include rainfall harvesting and water purification add-ons.
B. Financial Sustainability
- Community cooperatives will manage systems via micro-fees (R1–R2/day).
- Youth groups supported to create AquaHarvest social enterprises.
- Explore CSR partnerships with eco-tech firms and water NGOs.
C. Policy and Institutional Support
- Engage municipal water departments and the Department of Environment.
- Align project with SDGs 6 (Water), 7 (Energy), 9 (Innovation), and 13 (Climate).
🧮 6. Budget Estimate (for Pilot Phase)
| Item | Unit Cost (ZAR) | Qty | Total (ZAR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mesh material (nano-coated) | 350/m² | 10 | 3,500 |
| Structural frame materials | 400/unit | 5 | 2,000 |
| Solar kits + batteries | 1,000/unit | 5 | 5,000 |
| Sensors + IoT components | 750/unit | 5 | 3,750 |
| Mobile app + dashboard dev | — | 1 | 6,000 |
| Youth training workshops | 500/person | 20 | 10,000 |
| Travel & Deployment | — | — | 3,000 |
| Total Estimated Budget | 33,250 ZAR |
📅 7. Timeline
| Month | Activity |
|---|---|
| May | Finalize design and source materials |
| June | Build and test prototype units |
| July | Train youth teams and deploy pilots |
| August | Monitor and gather user feedback |
| September | Evaluate, refine, and report |
📞 8. Contact and Project Lead
Project Coordinator: Sipho Maseko
Organization: SayPro Youth Innovation Network
Email: projects@saypro.org
Phone: +27 10 880 5059
Website: www.saypro.online
✅ 9. Conclusion
SayPro AquaHarvest is more than a water project—it’s a model for how science, technology, and youth can co-create a more sustainable future. By addressing a core development challenge through innovation and empowerment, the project embodies the spirit of the SayPro Monthly Science and Innovation Competition and aligns perfectly with the broader mission of SayPro Development Royalty.
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