Bahia Farm - Spring 2024

BAHIA FARM

ESTHER GOLDBERG

DRS STUDIO SPRING 2024

LOCATION

THE FARM IS LOCATED IN THE STATE OF BAHIA, IN BRAZIL. ITS CENTRAL LOCATION IS KEY, BEING CLOSE TO ONE OF THE BIGGEST PORTS IN THE REGION, AS WELL AS ITS PROXIMITY TO THE STATE OF MINAS GERAIS, WHERE A LARGE JEWISH COMMUNITY LIVES.

THE STATE OF BAHIA IS CHARACTERIZED BY WARM TEMPERATURES, SEASONAL RAINFALL PATTERNS, AND OCCASIONAL EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS. THE TROPICAL CLIMATE, WITH WARM TO HOT TEMPERATURES THROUGH THE YEAR. THE WET SEASON OCCURS FROM APRIL TO JULY, WHEN BAHIA RECEIVES THE MAJORITY OF ITS ANNUAL RAINFALL. THE DRY SEASON OCCURS FROM SEPTEMBER TO MARCH, WHEN THE WEATHER TENDS TO BE DRIER AND MORE STABLE.

THE TEMPERATURES IN BAHIA ARE WARM YEARROUND. AVERAGE TEMPERATURES RANGE FROM 23°C TO 28°C (73°F TO 82°F). DURING THE HOTTEST MONTHS, TEMPERATURES CAN OCCASIONALLY EXCEED 30°C (86°F), PARTICURLARLY IN COASTAL AREAS. HUMIDITY LEVELS ARE OFTEN HIGH DURING THE WET SEASON. THE COMBINATION OF HIGH TEMPERATURES AND HUMIDITY CAN MAKE THE WEATHER FEEL HOTTER.

AGROBUSINESS RESEARCH

IN ORDER TO DECIDE WHAT TO GROW IN THE FARM, IT WAS IMPORTANT TO LOOK INTO HOW TO MAKE IT PROFITABLE. ACCORDING TO THE KOPPEN-GEIGER CLIMATE CLASSIFICATION, THE STATE OF BAHIA’S SOIL IS FERRIC-ACRISOL (AF). THE SOIL IS OF CLAY-LIKE TEXTURE IN A RED AND BROWN COLOR, AND IT IS HIGHLY WEATHERED AND RICH IN IRON. SOME OF THE WELLSUITED CROPS INCLUDE TROPICAL FRUITS (BANANAS, PINEAPPLES, MANGOES), ROOT VEGETABLES (SWEET POTATOES, YAMS), LEGUMES (PEANUTS, SOYBEAN), OILSEEDS (OIL PALM), AND TUBERS (CACAO TREES).

ACCORDING TO IPEA NORTHEAST ANALYSIS (2013), BAHIA IS KNOWN TO GROW PAPAYA, PINEAPPLE, COTTON, WATERMELON, PASSIONFRUIT, SOYBEAN, COFFEE, AS WELL AS GRAZING OF COWS FOR MILKING AND LATER, FOR SLAUGHTER.

THE TOP EXPORTS OF BRAZIL ARE SOYBEANS, CRUDE PETROLEUM, IRON ORE, REFINED PETROLEUM, AND CORN, EXPORTING MOSTLY TO CHINA, UNITED STATES AND ARGENTINA (OEC WORLD). BAHIA IS THE MAJOR EXPORTED OR NORTHEASTERN BRAZIL (BRITANNICA).

BRAZIL IS FIRST COUNTRY IN THE WROLD ALLOWED TO EXPORT MEAT TO ISRAEL (DATAMARNEWS).

ZONING + PLANNING

THE FARM IS LOCATED IN BRAZIL, WHERE THE ZONING AND PLANNING LAWS ARE DIFFERENT TO THE REGULATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES. THE STATE OF FLORIDA IS USED AS THE SYSTEM OF LAWS FOR THIS PROJECT FOR UNDERSTANDING AND SIMPLICITY PURPOSES.

HENDRY COUNTY IN FLORIDA IS THE BASIS FOR ZONING AND PLANNING FOR THE PROJECT. THIS COUNTY WAS CHOSEN DUE TO ITS SIMILARITY IN SIZE, POPULATION, AND AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITY TO THE MUNICIPALITY OF ITANAGRA, IN BAHIA. HENDRY COUNTY IS LOCATED IN SOUTH FLORIDA. IT HAS A STRONG AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY, GROWIN SUGARCANE, CITRUS, AND VEGETABLES.

HENDRY COUNTY, LIKE ALL COUNTIES IN FLORIDA, HAS ITS OWN ZONING AND PLANNING LAWS ESTABLISHED TO REGULATE LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT WITHIN ITS JURISDICTION. THE LAWS ARE DESIGNED TO PROMOTE ORDERLY GROWTH, PROTECT NATURAL RESOURCES, PROMTOE SAFETY AND PROTECTION OF COMMUNITIES, AND MAINTAIN THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR RESIDENTS.

LAND USE AND ZONING LAWS REGULATE THE USE AND DEVELOPMENT OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE REAL ESTATE. “ZONING IS THE MOST COMMONG FORM OF LAND-USE REGULATION, USED BY MUNICIPALITIES TO CONTROL LOCAL PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT. ZONING REGULATIONS TYPICALLY DIVIDE A MUNICIPALOTY (SUCH AS A CITY) INTO RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, AND INDUSTRIAL ZONES. THUS, ZONING LAWS ARE INTENDED TO MAINTAIN A LEVEL OF ORDER AND EFFICIENCY WITHIN A MUNICIPALITY, WHILE KEEPING EACH ZONE OPTIMIZED FOR ITS INTENDED PURPOSE” (THE FLORIDA BAR).

THE BRAZILIAN CONSTITUTION OFFERS A VARIETY OF TOOLS TO ADDRESS HARM TO ANIMALS AND THE ENVIRONMENT BY SETTING UP A TRIPLE-TIER SYSTEM OF ACCOUNTABILITY IN CASE OF INFRINGEMENT OF ARTICLE 225, WHICH MANDATES THAT ALL PRACTICES WHICH REPRESENT A RISK TO THE ECOLOGICAL FUNCTION, CAUSE THE EXTINCTION OF SPECIES OR SUBJECT TO CRUELTY SHALL BE PROHIBITED BY LAW (ARTICLE 225, PARA 1, ITEM VII). “IN PRACTICE THIS MEANS THAT A SINGLE INCIDENT OF HARM TO AN ANIMAL CAN BE SUBJECT TO LEGAL CHALLENGES UNDER CRIMINAL, ADMINISTRATIVE AND/OR CIVIL PROCEEDINGS. IT ALSO ESTABLISHED THAT NOT ONLY INDIVIDUALS, BUT ALSO LEGAL ENTITIES CAN BE HELD LIABLE FOR INJURIES TO THE ENVIRONMENT, INCLUDING HARM TO ANIMAL’S WELL-BEING” (HARVARD REVIEW OF LATIN AMERICA).

SOURCES:

https://www.floridabar.org/practice-areas/land-use-zoning/ https://revista.drclas.harvard.edu/the-legal-protection-of-animals-in-brazil/#:~:text=The%20Brazilian%20Constitution%20mandates%20that,para%201%2C%20item%20VII).

THE PRIMARY AIM OF THIS PROJECT IS TO EXPLORE THE DEVELOPMENT OF A HOMESTEAD WHILE IDENTIFYING AVENUES FOR PROFITABLE LAND UTILIZATION THAT REMAIN ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE. THE INITIAL INTENT WAS TO FOCUS ON FARMS IN PENNSYLVANIA, THE PROJECT EXPANDED TO ENCOMPASS VARIOUS LOCATIONS, REFLECTING A BROADER SCOPE OF EXPLORATION. A LARGE PART OF THE PROJECT WAS THE ENCOURAGEMENT TO DELVE INTO DIVERSE METHODS OF REVENUE GENERATION WITHIN AGRICULTURAL CONTEXTS.

THE PROJECT’S INCEPTION INVOLVED A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS BETWEEN THE STATES OF FLORIDA AND BRAZIL, HIGHLIGHTING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THEIR TRADE RELATIONSHIP AND THE ROLE OF IMPORTING AND EXPORTING WITHIN IT. THIS COMPARATIVE FRAMEWORK, PARTICULARLY WITH FLORIDA, WAS CHOSEN TO FACILITATE A CLEARER UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROJECT’S DYNAMICS AND FOR THE SAKE OF SIMPLICITY. IT IS IMPORTANT TO HIGHLIGHT THE ADDED COMPLEXITIES TO DEVELOPING A PROJECT IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY. CURRENCY EXCHANGE, COST OF LIVING, LABOR AND MATERIAL COSTS, CLIMATE, CULTURE, LANGUAGE, AMONG MANY OTHER ASPECTS MAKE LAND DEVELOPMENT IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES A COMPLEX PROJECT. THIS IS FURTHER DISCUSSED LATER ON.

THIS PROJECT STARTED IN THE FALL SEMESTER OF 2023, AND THROUGHOUT THE THE COURSE OF THE FALL AND SPRING SEMESTERS, I FOUND MYSELF IMMERSED IN THE MYRIAD WAYS THROUGH WHICH A FARM CAN GENERATE PROFIT. AS PART OF AN EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH, DURING THE FALL SEMESTER, I DEVELOPED THREE DISTINCT FARM SCENARIOS, EACH WITH ITS UNIQUE REVENUEGENERATING ASPECTS. THESE SCENARIOS ENCOMPASSED VARIOUS CROP TYPES, INFRASTRUCTURE STAGES, AND SCALES, WITH A COMMON EMPHASIS ON INTEGRATING THE HOMESTEAD. AT THE END FO THE FALL SEMESTER, AFTER EXPERIMENTING WITH THE DIFFERENT SCALES FARMS, IT BECAME EVIDENT THAT LARGER-SCALE FARMS TEND TO YIELD HIGHER PROFITABILITY. THE FOLLOWING PAGES DEPICT THE DEVELOPMENT OF MY PROJECT DURING THIS SEMESTER.

SITE INFORMATION

CURRENT INFRASTRUCTURE

THE SITE IS A FARM CURRENTLY FOR SALE IN ITANAGRA, BAHIA, BRAZIL. THE PROPERTY WAS FOUND ON A BRAZILIAN REAL ESTATE ADVERTISING WEBSITE, IN WHICH ALL THE PROPERTY DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS WERE FOUND. THE 222 ACRE PROPERTY INCLUDES: A HOUSE, AN OUTDOOR GOURMET SPACE, AN ORCHARD, IRRIGATION SYSTEM, WATERFALS, SPRINGS, A FORESTED AREA, A LAKE, CORRAL, FEEDING MACHINES, LIVESTOCK SCALE, PASTURE DIVISIONS, CHICKEN COOPS, AND SHEEP STABLE, AMONG OTHER AMENITIES.

BUSINESSES

PROBLEMS

THE FARM HAS SOME INFRASTRUCTURE. THERE ARE LIMITED ELECTRICAL LINES THAT WOULD NEED TO BE EXTENDED TO THE AREAS WHERE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE HOMESTEAD, AND THE OTHER BUSINESSES ARE LOCATED. IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF ITANAGRA, 75.45% OF THE POPULATION HAS ACCESS TO POTABLE WATER, AND 22.71% OF THE POPULATION HAS ACCESS TO SEWAGE. THE SOIL IS CLAY-LIKE, MAKING SEWAGE SYSTEM A CHALLENGE AS WELL.

HOMESTEAD

HOMESTEAD

FINANCIAL BENEFIT

WHAT IS A HOMESTEAD?

THE HOMESTEAD ACT OF 1862 PROVIDED THAT ANY CITIZEN COULD CLAIM 160 ACRES OF SURVEYED GOVERNMENT LAND. CLAIMANTS WERE REQUIRED TO LIVE ON AND “IMPROVE” THEIR PLOT BY CULTIVATING THE LAND. AFTER FIVE YEARS ON THE LAND, THE ORIGINAL FILER WAS ENTITLED TO THE PROPERTY, FREE AND CLEAN, EXCEPT FOR A SMALL REGISTRATION FEE (NATIONAL ARCHIVES, 2022).

IN THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA, A HOMESTEAD PROPERTY IS A DWELLING PRIMARILY USED BY AN OWNER AS HIS OR HER PERMANENT HOME. THE HOMESTEAD PROPERTY INCLUDES LAND UNDER THE DWELLING, AS LONG AS IT IS OWNED BY THE SAME PERSON WHO OWN THE DWELLING (CENTRE COUNTY, 2015).

IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA, A HOMESTEAD IS A PROPERTY THAT ONE OWNS AND LIVES AS A PERMANENT RESIDENCE. ONE IN ONLY ALLOWED TO HAVE ONE HOMEASTEAD (FLORIDA HOMESTEAD CHECK, 2020).

IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA, THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION IS A $25,000 IS APPLIED TO THE FIRST $50,000 OF ONE’S PROPERTY’S ASSESSED VALUE IF ONE’S PROPERTY IS ONE’S PERMANENT RESIDENCE. ONE MUST OWN THE PROPERTY ON JANUARY 1ST OF THE TAX YEAR. THIS EXEMPTION APPLIED TO ALL TAXES, INCLUDING SCHOOL DISTRICT TAXES.

AN ADDITIONAL EXEMPTION OF UP TO $25,000 WILL BE APPLIED IF ONE’S PROPERTY’S ASSESSED VALUE IS BETWEEN $50,000 AND $75,000, NOT APPLIED TO SCHOOL DISTRICT TAXES (HENDRY COUNTY, 2024).

KOSHER SLAUGHTERHOUSE

STEP #1 GRAZING AND SELECTION

COWS GRAZE UNTIL DEEMED HEALTHY AND FREE FROM DISEASES THAT WOULD MAKE THE MEAT NON-KOSHER.

SHOCHER INSPECTS THE ANIMALS TO ENSURE THEY MEET REQUIRED STANDARDS.

STEP #2 ‘SHERITA’ - SLAUGHTERING

THE ACT OF SLAUGHTER IS PERFORMED BY THE SHOCHET, A CERTIFIED JEWISH SLAUGHTERER.

USING A SHARP KNIVE, THE SHOCHET SLAUGHTERS THE ANIMAL BY SEVERING ITS CAROTID AND TRACHEA, ENSURING THE ANIMAL LOSES CONSCIOUSNESS QUICKLY AND MINIMIZES ITS SUFFERING.

EQUIPMENT

SLAUGHTER

REFRIGERATION UNITS

PACKAGING

CLEANING AND SANITATION WASTE DISPOSAL CERTIFICATION

KOSHER CERTIFICATIONS (ORTHODOX UNION, OK KOSHER, STAR-K, INCLUDING OTHERS)

STEP #3 ‘BEDIKA’ - EXAMINATION

AFTER SLAUGHTER, THE CARCASS GOES THROUGH AN EXAMINATION TO CHECK FOR SIGNS OF ABNORMALITIES OR DISEASES THAT WOULD MAKE THE MEAT NON-KOSHER.

THE LUNGS ARE SPECIFICALLY INSPECTED - IF THE LUNGS ARE FREE FROM DEFECTS, THE MEAT IS KOSHER.

STEP #4 ‘KOSHERING’ - PREPARATION

ONCE THE INSPECTION IS COMPLETE, THE MEAT UNDERGOES THE KOSHERING PROCESS USED TO REMOVE THE REMAINING BLOOD, WHICH IS NOT KOSHER.

KOSHERING CAN BE DONE THROUGH SALTING THE MEAT AND ALLOWING IT TO DRAIN. THE MEAT IS THEN WASHED TO REMOVE THE SALT.

STEP #5 PACKAGING

ONCE THE MEAT HAS BEEN PROPRERLY PREPARED, IT IS PACKAGED AND LABELED WITH A KOSHER CERTIFICATION SYMBOL, INDICATING THAT IS HAS MET THE REQUIREMENTS OF KOSHER DIETARY LAWS AND IT IS SUITABLE FOR KOSHER CONSUMPTION.

SKILLED LABOR

SHOCHER

RABBINICAL SUPERVISION

SANITATION WORKERS

PRODUCTION

PROFIT/COW = $2,666

PROFIT/CHICKEN = $4.50

CASSAVA PROCESSING FACILITY

STEP #1

HARVESTING AND WASHING

HARVEST MATURE CASSAVA ROOTS FROM THE FARM. WASH THE HARVESTED CASSAVA ROOTS THOROUGHLY TO REMOVE DIRT AND OTHER CONTAMINANTS. THIS STEP IS IMPORTANT TO ENSURE CLEANLINESS OF THE FINAL PRODUCT.

STEP #2

PEELING AND GRATING

PEEL THE WASHED CASSAVA ROOTS TO REMOVE THE SKIN.

GRATE THE PEELED CASSAVA INTO PIECES TO FACILITATE THE FOLLOWING STEPS.

STEP #3

PRESSING AND DEWATERING

IN THE HYDRAULIC PRESS, EXTRACT EXCESS MOISTURE FROM THE GRATED CASSAVA. THE COLLECTED WATER IS STORED FOR LATER USE IN RAMMED EARTH CONSTRUCTION.

STEP #4

FERMENTATION

WRAP AND HANG THE CASSAVATO ALLOW FOR THE FERMENTATION PROCESS.

THE FERMENTATION PROCESS HELPS RECUDE THE CYANOGENIC COMPOUNDS IN CASSAVA, MAKING FLOUR SAFER FOR CONSUMPTION. IT ALSO IMPORVES THE TEXTURE OF THE FINAL PRODUCT.

STEP #5

DRYING AND MILLING

DRY THE FERMENTED CASSAVA USING A CABINET DRYER. MILL THE DRIED CASSAVA INTO A FINE POWDER USING A DISK MILL.

EQUIPMENT

CASSAVA ROOT

SINK

PEELING EQUIPMENT

HYDRAULIC PRESS

WATER STORAGE

STRING

MILLING EQUIPMENT

CERTIFICATION

FOOD SAFETY

CERTIFICATIONS

(ISO 22000, HACCP, MARKET DEPENDANT)

SKILLED LABOR

MACHINE OPERATORS

QUALITY CONTROL

TECHNICIANS

MAINTENANCE STAFF

ADMIN. PERSONNEL

PRODUCTION

1 ACRE = 10 TONS

10 TONS = $3,700

SOLAR FARM

STEP #1

FEASIBILITY STUDY AND DESIGN PLANNING

CONDUCT A THOROUGH FESIBILITY STUDY TO ASSESS THE SITE’S SUITABILITY FOR A SOLAR FARM. FACTORS SUCH AS SOLAR IRRADIANCE, LAND AVAILABILITY, ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT, GRID CONNECTION FEASIBILITY, AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS ARE EVALUATED.

STEP #2 PERMITTING AND REGULATORY

OBTAIN NECESSARY PERMITS AND REGULATORY APPROVALS FROM LOCAL, STATE, AND FEDERAL AUTHORITIES. THIS MAY INVOLVE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS, LAND USE PERMITS, ZONING APPROVALS, AND INTERCONNECTION AGREEMENTS WITH UTILITY PROVIDERS.

ENGAGE WITH COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO ADDRESS CONCERNS AND ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATIONS.

STEP #3

ENGINEERING AND PROCUREMENT

FINALIZE ENGINEERING DESIGNENS AND PROCUREMENT PLANS BASED ON THE APPROVED PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS.

PROCURE SOLAR PANELS, INVERTERS, MOUNTING STRUCTURES, ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, AND OTHER COMPONENTS.

CONTRACT WITH CONSTRUCTION FIRMS OR IN-HOUSE TEAMS FOR THE INSTALLATION OF THE SOLAR FARM INFRASTRUCTURE

STEP #4

CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION

EQUIPMENT

SOLAR PANELS

INVERTERS

MOUNTING STRUCTURES

TRANSFORMERS

MONITORING AND COLTROL SYSTEMS

CERTIFICATION

COMPLIANCE WITH LOCAL REGULATIONS.

POTENTIAL FOR CERTIFICATION FOR CARBON OR RENEWABLE ENERGY CERTIFICATES.

PRODUCTION

2.5 ACRES = 1 MW

72 ACRES = 57,652 MWh/ YEAR

1 MWh = $45

CLEAR THE SITE OF ANY VEGETATION OR OBSTACLES AS PER ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS AND SITE PLANS.

INSTALL MOUNTING STRUCTURES, SOLAR PANELS, INVERTERS, TRANSFORMERS, AND OTHER NECESSARY INFRASTRUCTURE.

LAY OUT ELECTRICAL WIRING, CONDUCT TESTING, AND ENSURE PROPER CONNECTION TO THE GRID.

IMPLEMENT SAFETY MEASURES AND ADHERE TO CONSTRUCTION TIMELINESS AND BUDGET CONSTRAINTS.

STEP #5

COMMISSIONING AND OPERATION

CONDUCT COMMISSIONING TESTS TO VERIFY THE FUNCTIONALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF THE SOLAR FARM.

OBTAIN NECESSARY CERTIFICATIONS AND APPROVALS FOR GRID CONNECTION AND OPERATION. MONITOR AND MAINTAIN THE SOLAR FARM REGULARLY TO OPTIMIZE PERFORMANCE, ADDRESS ANY ISSUES, AND ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS.

IMPLEMENT MEASURES FOR DECOMMISSIONING AND END-OF LIFE DISPOSAL OF SOLAR PANELS IN ACCORDANCE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS.

INFRASTRUCTURE IMPLEMENTATION

ELECTRICITY

THE FARM HAS ELECTRIC INFRASTRUCTURE TO THE EXISTING HOME. IT IS NECESSARY TO EXPAND TO THE NEW BUILDINGS ON SITE. THERE ARE 10 BUILDINGS TO BE ADDED TO THE FARM, IN VARIOUS SIZES. ALL BUILDINGS NEED A METER BOX AND DIRECT ACCESS TO POWER LINES.

1’ EXTENSION OF POWER LINE= $10

NEEDED FOOTAGE = 1,757‘

TOTAL COST OF POWER LINE EXTENSION 1,757’ = $17,570

1 METER BOX = $1,500

10 METER BOXES = $15,000

IT IS IMPORTANT TO HIGHLIGHT THE SIGNIFICANT PRESENCE OF SOLAR PANELS IN THE BAHIA FARM. WHEN COMPLETED, THE 72 ACRES OF SOLAR PANELS WILL PRODUCE 57,562 KWh/YEAR. FOR REFERENCE, AN AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD IN AMERICA CONSUMES 9,600 TO 12,000 KWh/YEAR.

SEWAGE

IN THE STATE OF BAHIA, 55.14% OF POPULATION IHAS ACCESS TO SEWAGE (SNIS, 2021). THIS DATA HIGHLIGHTS THE SIGNIFICANT GAP IN SANITAION INFRASTRUCTURE. IN REGIONS LIKE ITANAGRA CHARACTERIZED BY THE LAY-LIKE SOIL, TRADITIONAL SEWAGE, SUCH AS SEPTIC TANKS, MIGHT FACE CHALLENGES IN INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE. TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE EFFECTIVELY, THE IMPLEMENTATION OF INCENERATING TOILETS PRESENT A PROMISING SOLUTION.

THESE TOILETS ARE SELF-CONTAINED UNITS THAT ELIMINATE WASTE THROUGH HIGH-TEMPERTURE INCINERATION, REDUCING IT TO STERILE ASH. INCINERATING TOILETS AVOID THE NEED FOR EXTENSIVE EXCAVATION AND COSTLY SEWAGE NETWORK INSTALLATION, MAKING IT SUITABLE FOR AREAS WITH CLAY-LIKE SOIL. BY PROMOTING THE USE OF INCINERATING TOILETS, THE COMMUNITY CAN IMPROVE ITS SANITATION STANDARDS WHILE MINIMIZING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSOCIATED WITH TRADITIONAL SEWAGE SYSTEMS.

POTABLE WATER

IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF ITANAGRA, 75% OF THE POPULATION HAS ACCESS TO POTABLE WATER (SNIS, 2021), WHERE THE TERRAIN IS PREDONINANTLY HILLY. GIVEN ITS TOPOGRAPHY, IMPLEMENTING TRADITIONAL CENTRALIZED WATER TREATMENT FACILITY MIGHT BE CHALLENGING AND COSTLY. RAINWATER HAREVSTING WITH ON-SITE TREATMENT FOR POTABLE USE IS A PROMISING APPROACH. RAINWATER, WHEN COLLECTED, REQUIRED PROPER DISINFECTION TO ENSURE ITS SAFETY TO DRINK. UV DISINFECTION CAN EFFECTIVELY ELIMINATE HARMFUL BACTERIA AND VIRUSES. IT CONSUMES LITTLE POWER AND BOASTS FASTER DISINFECTION TIMES. BY INTEGRATING ON-SITE UV DISINFECTION SYSTEMS INTO RAINWATER HARVESTING INFRASTRUCTURE, CTHE COMMUNITY CAN ENHANCE THEIR ACCESS TO SAFE DRINKING WATER WHILE MITIGATING THE CHALLENGES POSED BY THE LOCAL TERRAIN.

SOURCE: https://www.freshwatersystems.com/blogs/blog/how-to-collect-rainwater-for-drinking#:~:text=The%20best%20filtration%20options%20for,such%20as%20leaves%20 and%20twigs.

COMMUNITY

ITANAGRA IS A SMALL MUNICIPALITY IN BAHIA, WITH 5,914 INHABITANTS. THE FARM’S LOCATION AND CONNECTION TO THE COMMUNITY ALLOWS VIBRANT COLLABORATION BETWEEN COMMUNITY AND THE FARM. THIS PARTNERSHIP WOULD BENEFIT NOT ONLY THE FARM BUT EMPOWER STUDENTS AND ENHANCE COMMUNITY RESILEINCE THROUGH HANDS-ON ENGAGEMENT.

THE CORE OF THE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IS THE COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY SKILL-BUILDING. THE FARM SERVE AS AN EDUCATIONAL HUB, PROVIDING REAL-WORLD SETTING FOR STUDENTS TO APPLY THEIR NEWLY ACQUIRED SKILLS. AS A MAIN ASPECT, STUDENTS FROM NEARBY PUBLIC SCHOOL ARE INVITED TO PARTAKE IN CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS HOSTED AT THE FARM, FOCUSING ON VEGETABLE HARVESTING, AND ESPECIALLY RAMMED EARTH CONSTRUCTION.

RAMMED EARTH CONSTRUCTION IS BEST FIT FOR HOT AND ARID CLIMATES. THIS CONSTRUCTION TYPE IS FURTHER DISCUSSED IN THE ‘HOMESTEAD’ PAGE. THE WORKSHOPS NOT ONLY WILL TEACH PARTICIPANTS VALUABLE CONSTRUCTION SKILLS, AS WELL AS CONNECT STUDENTS WITH THE LAND AND CULTURE OF BAHIA. AFTER CONSTRUCTION, THE HOMESTEAD UNITS WILL BE PUT FOR SALE. DURING THIS PROCESS, THE UNITS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR NIGHTLY STAYS IN THE FARM, ALLOWING VISITORS TO EXPERIENCE A RAMMED EARTH BUILDING.

THE FARM HAS DIVERSE BUSINESSES, INCLUDING HOMESTEAD HOMES, A KOSHER SLAUGHTERHOUSE, A CASSAVA PROCESSING FACILITY, AND A SOLAR FARM. THE BUSINESSES PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT, SERVING AS PILLARS OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY, OFFERING EMPLOYEMENT TO INDIVIDUALS FROM THE LOCAL COMMUNITY. THROUGH HANDS ON EXPERIENCE WITH THESE BUSINESSES, COMMUNITY MEMBERS GAIN INVALUABLE SKILLS THAT STRENGTHEN THEIR EMPLOYABILITY AND CONTRIBUTE TO THE REGION’S ECONOMIC VITALITY.

BY ACTIVELY ENGAGING WITH THE FARM AND ITS VARIOUS BUSINESSES AND EMPLOYEMENT OPPORTUNITIES, COMMUNITY MEMBERS BECOME STAKEHOLDERS IN THEIR OWN DEVELOPMENT, PAVING THE WAY FOR LONG-TERM PROSPERITY AND RESILIENCE.

IN PHASE #1 OF DEVELOPMENT OF THE BAHIA FARM, 5 BUILDINGS WILL BE BUILT AS DESCRIBED, AND THE EXISTING ONES WILL BE USED BY OCCUPANTS (HOUSE AND EXISTING CHICKEN COOP). ELECTRICITY AND SEWAGE INFRASTRUCTURE WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FOR CURRENT AND FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROPERTY. WHILE THERE ARE NO RESIDENTS OWNERS LIVING IN THE HOMESTEAD UNITS, THEY WILL BE RENTED FOR NIGHTLY STAYS FOR $110/NIGHT. PROFIT WAS UNDERESTIMATED AND INVESTMENT OVERESTIMATED.

RETURN OF INVESTMENT

PHASE #2

PHASE #2 SITE PLAN INVESTMENT LENGTH PROFIT

IN PHASE #2 OF DEVELOPMENT OF THE BAHIA FARM, 4 BUILDINGS WILL BE BUILT AS DESCRIBED, AND THE EXISTING ONES WILL BE USED BY OCCUPANTS (HOUSE, EXISTING HOMESTEAD UNITS, SLAUGHTERHOUSE, AND CHICKEN COOP).

THE SOLAR FARM WILL BE EXPANDED DURING

PHASE #2. THE COST OF SOLAR PANELS PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION PER ACRE IS $45,000, AND THE PROFIT OF ONE ACRE/YEAR IS OF $35,976.25.

THE COST OF EACH COW IS $1,150.

P. FACILITY

PHASE #2 INVESTMENT

P. FAC.

CASSAVA (ACRES) INFRASTRUCTURE

PHASE #1 RETURN OF INVESTMENT

$3,905,747.36

PHASE #3

PHASE #3 SITE PLAN

IN PHASE #3, THE BAHIA FARM REACHES ITS PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT COMPLETION. THE SOLAR FARM IS COMPLETED, WITH THE FINAL INSTALLATION AND EXPANSION OF THE REMAINING 24 ACRES.

THE FARM’S REOCURRING EXPENSES AFTER THIS PHASE INCLUDE THE PURCHASE OF COWS, CASSAVA ROOT, AND INFRASTRUCTURE MAINTENANCE. AFTER THE ALL THE INVESTMENTS ARE DONE, THE SOLAR FARM CAN GENERATE $2,590,290 YEARLY.

PHASE #3 INVESTMENT

PHASE #1 RETURN OF INVESTMENT

HOMESTEAD

BAHIA IS VERY WARM AND HUMID. IN ORDER TO INCORPORATE THE CULTURAL ASPECT INTO BUILDING CONSTRUCTION, THE USE OF RAMMED EARTH IS IMPORTANT. THE MATERIAL HAS GOOD THERMAL MASS CONDITIONS, REDUCING THE INFLUENCE OF OUTDOOR TEMPERATURE IN THE INSIDE OF THE BUILDING. IT ALSO KEEPS NOISE OUT.

IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE HOMESTEAD UNITS, THE USE OF WASTEWATER FROM THE CASSAVA PROCESSING FACILITY MAKES THE RAMMED EARTH WALLS MORE DURABLE, WITH HIGHER COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH, AND LOWER WATER ABSORPTION.

A HOMESTEAD UNIT IS 600 SQ FT. ITS TOTAL COST COMES TO $69,640, WITH $40,668 GOING TOWARDS MATERIALS, AND THE OTHER 28,986 DIRECTED TO LABOR. THESE NUMBERS WERE CALCULATED CONSIDERING THE MATERIAL AND LABOR RATES IN BRAZIL (AECWEB, 2024).

SOIL PREPARATION AND MIXING

FORMWORK INSTALLATION AND RAMMING

HOMESTEAD FLOOR PLAN

https://www.aecweb.com.br/revista/noticias/veja-o-valor-do-metro-quadrado-na-construcao-civil-neste-mes/18498

HOMESTEAD

THE MODEL SHOWS HOW THE HOMESTEAD UNIT LOOKS LIKE. THE CORRUGATED CARDBOARD MATERIALIZES THE RAMMED EARTH WALLS, WHILE THE GRAY MATERIAL SHOWS THE FUNCTIONAL WALLS OF THE UNIT (WIRES AND PIPES). IN THE MODEL, THE ROOF IS MADE OF WOOD AND SAWDUST TO DEPICT SHOW THAT THE HOMESTEAD UNITS HAVE A GREENROOF.

FINANCES

PROPERTY

PROFIT POTENTIAL

1

INVESTMENT

1 CHICKEN/YEAR = 300 EGGS

12 EGGS = $3

PROFIT/COW/YEAR = $8,800 CHICKEN COOP

1

1 COW/YEAR = 2,200 GALLONS

1 GALLON = $4

CONCLUSION

IN THE PURSUIT OF LAND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN FOREIGN LANDS, IT IS IMPORTANT TO APPROACH EACH TOPIC WITH CAREFUL CONSIDERATIONS, RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF THE INDIVIDUAL STEPS TO ENSURE SUCCESS AND SUSTAINABILITY. IN ORDER TO HAVE A SUCCESSFULL LAND DEVELOPMENT IN FOREIGN LANDS, FOLLOW THE TOPICS DESCRIBED THROUGHOUT THIS BOOKLET. THE BELOW TOPICS ALLOWS ONE TO CREATE AND DEVELOP PROJECTS IN FOREIGN LANDS.

NOTE: THIS PROJECT DOES NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT TAXES. THE PROJECT IS PURELY FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES AND IS NOT A SERVICE.

CULTURAL SENSITIVITY

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE LOCAL CULTURE, TRADITIONS AND VALUES OF THE FOREIGN COUNTRY. UNDERSTANDING THE CULTURAL CONTEXT IS ESSENTIAL FOR DESIGNING BUILDINGS THAT RESONATE WITH THE LOCAL PEOPLE AND THEIR WAY OF LIFE. CULTURAL SENSITIVITY IN DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT HELPS BUILD POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS, FOSTERS ACCEPTANCE, AND MINIMIZES POTENTIAL CONFLICTS.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

ASSESS AND MINIMIZE THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THE PROJECT INTENT. CONSIDER FACTORS SUCH AS LAND DEGRADATION, HABITAT DESTRUCTION, WATER USAGE, AND POLLUTION. IMPLEMENT SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES TO CONSERVE NATURAL RESOURCES. ASSESS THE AVAILABLE RESOURCES, AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS IN THE LOCATION.

INFRASTRUCTURE

UNDERSTAND THE LEGAL AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS GOVERNING LAND DEVELOPMENT IN THE COUNTRY OF THE PROJECT. ASSESS ZONING LAWS, ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS, BUILDING CODES, AND PROPERTY RIGHTS. COMPLIANCE WITH LOCAL LAWS IS ESSENTIAL TO AVOID DELAYS, FINES, OR LEGAL ISSUES.

EVALUATE THE AVAILABILITY AND DEQUACY OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND ESSENTIAL SERVICES SUCH AS ROADS, UTILITIES, WATER SUPPLY, AND SANITATION. MAKE SURE THAT THE LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN TAKES INTO ACCOUNT EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE OR INCLUDES PROVISIONS FOR NECESSARY UPGRADES FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROJECT.

CONCLUSION

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

ENGAGE WITH LOCAL STAKEHOLDERS, INCLUDING RESIDENTS, COMMUNITY LEADERS, AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, THROUGHOUT THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS. COMMUNICATING WITH THE COMMUNITY IS IMPORTANT TO ADDRESS CONCERS AND INCORPORATE COMMUNITY FEEDBACK INTO THE PROJECT DESIGN AND PLANNING. BUILDING A STRONG RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY FOSTERS TRUST, COOPERATION, AND SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE.

ESTABLISH PARTNERSHIPS WITH LOCAL PROFESSIONALS, CONSULTANTS, CONTRACTORS, AND SUPPLIERS WHO HAVE EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE IN THE COUNTRY OF THE PROJECT. COLLABORATING WITH LOCAL STAKEHOLDERS CAN PROVIDE VALUABLE INSIGHT, ACESS TO RESOURCES, AND HELP NAVIGATE CULTURAL, LEGAL, AND LOGISTICAL COMPLEXITIES.

ECONOMIC VIABILITY

ASSESS THE ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY AND MARKET DEMAND FOR THE PROPOSED LAND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT. CONDUCT MARKET RESEARCH, FEASIBILITY STUDIES, AND FINANCIAL ANALYSIS TO DETERMINE THE PROJECT’S PROFITABILITY, POTENTIAL RETURN ON INVESTMENT AND LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY.

RISK MANAGEMENT

IDENTIFY AND MITIGATE POTANTIAL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH LAND DEVELOPMENT IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY. THIS INCLUDES POLITICAL INSTABILITY, LEGAL UNCERTAINTIES, CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS, AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS. DEVELOP CONTIGENCY PLANS AND RISK MITIGATION STRATEGIES TO ADDRESS UNFORSEEN CHALLENGES AND ENSURE PROJECT RESILIENCE.

LONG-TERM VISION

ADOPT A LONG-TERM PERSPECTIVE AND CONSIDER LASTING IMPACT OF THE ARCHITECTURAL INTERVENTION ON THE LAND AND ITS INHABITANTS. PROJECT THE LONGEVITY OF THE PROJECT BY PLANNING FOR MAINTENANCE, MANAGEMENT, AND ADAPTATION TO THE EVOLVING NEEDS AND CONDITIONS OF THE LAND.

NOTE

IT IS IMPORTANT TO HIGHLIGHT THE COMPLEXITY OF MOVING AND STARTING OUT A LIFE IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY. AMONG MANY FACTORS, THE LANGUAGE, LEGAL STATUS (NATURALIZATION OR VISAS), AND COSTS SLOW DOWN THE PROCESS OF LAND DEVELOPMENT ABROAD.

THERE ARE COUNTRIES THAT ENGOURAGE IMMIGRATION AND OFFER BENEFITS (FINANCIAL, FISCAL, OR OTHERS). STARTING 2009, SPAIN AND CZECH REPUBLIC STARTED ENGOURAGING IMMIGRATS TO MOVE, OFFERING TRANSPORTATION INCENTIVES, AMONG OTHER THINGS. ISRAEL HAS A SIMILAR IMMIGRATION POLICY, OFFERING RELOCATION INCENTIVE, AS WELL AS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IN THE NEW CITIZEN 6 MONTHS IN THEIR NEW COUNTRY.

SOURCE: https://www.migrationpolicy.org/article/pay-go-countries-offer-cash-immigrants-willing-pack-their-bags