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Photo & Caption

Photo: USAID/Odalis Perez

Rogelio inspects a load of lumber drying in a solar-powered kiln.

Rogelio has been harvesting and drying wood for years. He works for the Agro-Forest Producers Association of Zambrana in the Dominican Republic. It’s hard work, and until recently he did not know there was a way to dry wood that was more efficient and that could actually increase his earnings.

Rogelio was eager to find out more, so he joined a USAID-sponsored program that uses solar kilns to dry harvested wood.

Not only is using solar energy more environmentally friendly, but the solar drying process makes better quality wood than traditional drying. This means harvesters like Rogelio can sell their wood for higher prices, bringing more income home and putting more food on the table for their families.

This program is part of a larger USAID effort to support the twin goals of helping to protect the environment while providing new economic opportunities in the Dominican Republic.

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