Agriculture

Water for the earth

Cemented community garden wells are designed for the irrigation of vegetable crops. They are generally located within a large garden divided into 3 or 4 parts, each of which is farmed by a family.

They are open, and equipped with a motorized pump, which draws water up into the basins. These then feed into pipes to irrigate large gardens that produce fruit, vegetables, spices, and cereals. Each well is used by several gardeners who are responsible for the well’s and the pump’s upkeep. Crops are sold locally or in Agadez markets, and generate substantial income.

“ You don’t pull on a flower to make it grow. You water it and watch it grow… patiently. “

African proverb

Thanks to the development of local agriculture, 28 varieties of produce are grown, including garlic, onions, tomatoes, and cabbage, as well as flour, couscous, and the famous ‘local Maggi’ cube (containing sesame, ginger, garlic, etc.). Produce is processed by women's cooperatives (dried or canned). As a result, the population has access to varied, high-quality food all year round, making the lean season (between the dry and rainy seasons) less difficult to get through.

180
jardins maraîchers

At the end of 2023, we helped create more 180 market gardens by funding market garden wells and gardening equipment. These fenced-in gardens enable us not only to develop an income-generating activity, but also to offer children a diversified diet.

While the primary aim of these gardens is to combat malnutrition and generate income, they also help to develop the vegetation cover, making the area more attractive and pleasant. Climate change can be felt here: temperatures are rising year on year, and the rainy season is getting shorter and shorter. Whereas rainfall used to average from early July to mid-September, in recent years it has only been raining in August. What's more, water can't cannot penetrate such dry soil, so it causes flooding and destruction.

Developing market-gardening areas means contributing to a richer diet, but also helping to combat soil erosion.

1. 
2. 1000+
3. people

Benefit directly from the produce harvested in the gardens irrigated by the community garden wells.

1. 
2. 120
3. people

Have received training in arboriculture and agriculture, and, with incomes multiplied by 10, they can make a living from this new profession.

1. 
2. 16
3. cooperatives

In the Valley export produce from the community gardens to various markets in the sub-region.

See also...