THREE years ago, there was no electricity in Kondamara village in Lewa subdistrict. Though that part of East Sumba in the East Nusa Tenggara Province is considered the island's 'food barn', few villagers prospered.

"Back then, agriculture was still done the traditional way. There were many water sources, but no irrigation, so we depended on the rainy season," said Made Raspita to Tempo in early April.

Made, a 59-year-old Balinese man, has been livin