Gender and Technology Training Guidelines
Although a technically more efficient two-burner was later introduced, it proved more
costly to maintain and its adaptation has thus been very limited.
Evaporating dishes have also changed from earthenware to enamel basins, which give
a whiter salt. But enamel was more costly and less accessible. Therefore all salt
processors use rectangular shaped evaporating dishes made from scrap metal and
drums. These are made locally and always freely available.
The skill level of the operators of the salt-from-silt extraction technology is the most
crucial element in determining the quality of the salt. Making an efficient funnel
requires a very careful process of lining and plastering. The boiling operation on the
other hand involves the skilful regulation of the fire, in order to facilitate the
crystallisation of pure salt (sodium chloride), while preventing the crystallisation of
bitter magnesium salts and burning the final product.
The more experience a salt producer has, or the more skilled she is, the whiter and
purer her salt. The transfer of skills and knowledge in salt processing, the sharing of
information about new ideas, practices and technologies, happens through
observation of older women and at a personal level among the women producers.
The Government's attempt at large scale solar salt producing failed due to
environmental and technical problems. Women's technology has survived through the
years adapting to changing circumstances and becoming more efficient.
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