As a part of our tour, we drove to the deepest part of the valley: the salt lake near Dawari.

Because the fall rains have been abundant this year, the salt gleaning season has already finished. The migrant workers who normally populate the area from July through October have departed, returning to their homes until next year's dry season.

When the lake water is low, workers can dig up the salt as a source of income. It's big business here!--everything from table salt for human consumption...to additives for animal feed...to scouring pads for pots and pans.

Once the salt has been pulled from the lake, it is analyzed for its texture and purity, then categorized by number according to its quality. Large white mounds are made, and potential buyers are welcomed to choose which mound they will buy.

Once purchased, arrangements are made for trucks to haul the salt away to refineries. . .even as far away as Rwanda and Uganda!

Of course, once the rainy season arrives, as it is now, the water helps to return the residue back down to the lake.

Note the size of the hut in comparison to the salt mound!

We also got to talk with them about how this business impacts their economy. During years of drought, when the crops fail and the agricultural economy is suffering, the salt harvest is more abundant. But when the rains are abundant and the crops flourish, the salt harvest is "not so good." What a blessing to this region: a stable regional economy come rain or shine!