“What Pegman saw” is a weekly challenge based on Google Streetview. Using the 360 degree view of the location provided, you must write a piece of flash fiction of no more than 150 words. You can read the rules here. You can find today’s location on this page, from where you can also get the Inlinkz code. This week’s location is Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.
Climate Change
The rice in Salimu’s field glowed emerald. Salimu leaned on his hoe and mopped his face. He frowned. There was only just enough water in the field to prevent the plants drying out. The concrete tank he’d built to catch rain was only half full. Would there be enough for two crops in the year?
When he’d started farming, it had been easy. Meltwater running from the icefields of Kilimanjaro fed a brawling river. He’d taken all the water he needed without thought, with plenty left for his neighbours. Now the river was muddy and sluggish, and Salimu was careful to take no more than he needed.
He sighed. His neighbours had suggested trickle irrigation, but it cost so much to lay the pipes. Besides, he had heard that the water shortage was going to become worse with climate change.
Even trickle irrigation needs water.
How could he carry on?
Autumn Leaves 