Slow Construction

The Slow movement has been gaining traction, though Stateside, the challenge of living slow (food grown locally, usually organically, clothing made outside the factory system etc) is either expensive or incredibly time consuming. Much of life in Ethiopia can be classified, I believe, as meeting "slow" qualifications, but, like anything, there are multiple factors at play.

construction site in Addis

You can tell where lots of construction is happening because the people that make doors and windows and gates set up shop alongside the road, near construction sites. They build these items close to where they will be utilized, minimizing transportation challenges and expense.

portable metal working shop

one method of transport

When driving, you notice excavation to make road beds and shoulders. On one hand, there is not a long drive from a far quarry. However, on the other, the loss of topsoil contributes greatly to erosion and renders farming impossible.

Locally grown eucalyptus provides easily accessible lumber for building, and wood for fires. But, it is not an indigenous tree, drinks heavily and can poison the soil. What is a good solution, then, for a city that is growing and demands firewood for daily cooking?

young eucalyptus planted in front of old growth trees
just outside Addis 

One of the many women who carry the wood into town

I'm thrilled to buy beautiful, hand made items here - slow products. However, those who make those items are often paid pitifully, and most of the profit goes to middle men (link to post about making clay pots), although it is possible to seek out and buy from artisans, or from organizations that pay a living wage, often employing people with physical handicaps.

Potter's child, from Soddo