02/27/08 The Johnny Appleseed of Treadle Pumps

"Never underestimate the power of a few committed individuals to change the world. It is the only thing that ever has" Margaret Mead once said. Today I would have to challenge her quote considering the impact one man has had on third world agriculture. Paul Polak brings a new meaning to the term "golden years" at age 74 the man still works 80 hours a week to make sure that his treadle pumps are available to the world poorest farmers. Called the "Johnny Appleseed of treadle pumps" to date about 2.2 million third world farmers have bought his foot powered irrigation mechanism (similar to an exercise bike) for a nominal fee of around $30.00. He asks that the farmers pay a small price believing a personal investment will insure the pumps are used. Yet educating substance farmers to comprehend the value of increasing crops requires a staff of 550 worldwide and aggressive campaign tactics like free concerts and demos and recruiting the best farmers in the region. Paul Polak recently received another affirmation when the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation awarded his group 27 million last month. Sorry Margaret Mead& in the case of Paul Polak one man can change the world and has!