In the winter of 1999 Todd assisted Richard Kroeker on a project in Africa. They worked with a group of Gambian students in the design and manufacture of several projects, ranging from a self-build water pump to multiple versions of lifesaving equipment for fisherman at sea. Critical to these projects was the necessity that they be manufactured in The Gambia using local materials and skills. Another notable aspect was that each project could be broken down into a set of components (building elements). These components and their assembly were based on many visits made to local craftspeople before and during manufacture.

All photos and drawings of Gambia projects shown here were done by Richard Kroeker and Todd MacAllen.