Family Farming

Inspiring encounter in Liberia: When the board members discover women’s ingenuity in market gardening
Family Farming

Traveling to the community of Kunakata, located in the Margibi region, the board members were able to meet a group of women engaged in a local, innovative, and resilient agro-economic practice: the Kwagaiye. A symbolic name carrying optimism and cohesion, which means “together we can make it”. This collective of women specializes in market gardening, specifically in the production of vegetables. Beyond the economic aspect, the Kwagaiye group represents a

Access to water opens new possibilities for women in northern Ghana
Family Farming

The Upper East region of Ghana is one of the country’s driest and poorest. The long dry season means those that live there often rely on dugouts to provide water for crop production, tree growing, and livestock which run dry early into the season. Further, the intense dry contributes to wildfires which spread throughout grasslands threatening crops and forest landscapes. Shifting rainfall patterns in the face of climate change have

The Processed Rice of Senegal: The Epic Journey of UJAK’s Women
Family Farming

In the latest installment of our weekly column, “Gems of Family Farms,” we delve into the agricultural riches of Senegal to uncover a unique and inspiring story. Senegal, a land of traditions and innovations, offers us an epic tale revolving around rice, driven by the bold and determined women of UJAK. The Union of Young Farmers of Koyli Wirnde (UJAK) is an organization founded in 1987. Initially focused on marketing

Togolese rice: UGFRTO paves the way for women’s empowerment
Family Farming

Togo’s rice cultivation is experiencing an unparalleled revolution thanks to the Union of Female Rice Producers Groups of Togo (UGFRTO). In the 17th installment of our weekly column “Gems of Family Farms”, we dive into this initiative that goes beyond just boosting agricultural yields. It’s reshaping Togo’s socio-economic landscape, placing women at its core. For those unfamiliar, UGFRTO is a collective organization of women dedicated to rice production in Togo.

Toward harmonious cohabitation between herders and farmers through CNCR's efforts
Family Farming

In Goudiry, nestled within the Tambacounda region and over 600 km away from Dakar, a pressing challenge emerges: how to ensure peaceful coexistence between herders and farmers? Recognizing the gravity of this matter, the Conseil National de Concertation et de Coopération des Ruraux (CNCR) embarked on an initiative, backed in part by the “Joint Sahel Program in Response to the Challenges of COVID-19, Conflicts, and Climate Change (SD3C)”. The CNCR

Harnessing collective efforts for a resilient agricultural sector in Burkina Faso: New initiatives from the Confédération Paysanne du Faso
Family Farming

The Confédération Paysanne du Faso (CPF), a member of the Network of Farmers’ and Agricultural Producers’ Organizations of West Africa (ROPPA), convened an important session of the Cellule d’Analyse des Politiques et d’Etudes Prospectives (CAPEP) on August 24 and 25, 2023, in Koudougou. This meeting signifies a crucial step in CPF’s long-standing fight for inclusive and sustainable agriculture in Burkina Faso.   For over 20 years, CPF has been shaping

Zado Chicken: Where tradition and innovation merge to make history
Family Farming

In the vibrant atmosphere of Zogodomey in Benin, a bold initiative is shaping the new era of traditional poultry farming. Zado chickens aren’t just poultry. They embody a symbol of innovation, resilience, and a collaboration that goes beyond the conventional borders of agriculture. Chicken, ever-present in African family meals, has always been central to celebrations and shared moments. However, in Zogodomey, chicken takes on a fresh dimension. Driven by an

The Gourma Honey: A model of sustainable development and prosperity
Family Farming

The Gourma honey, a flagship product of the Eastern region of Burkina Faso, is the result of an ancestral beekeeping practice. In the past, beekeeping was an artisanal activity, with honey mainly intended for family consumption or for cultural rites. However, in 1986, a Swiss missionary based in Fada N’Gourma saw the economic potential of this activity and encouraged a group of twelve peasant beekeepers to band together to produce

MAPTO breaks down barriers to agricultural financing in Togo
Family Farming

In the framework of ROPPA’s series “The Gems of Family Farms”, they spotlight a remarkable initiative by the Peasant Alliance Movement of Togo (MAPTO). This organization has implemented an innovative approach to facilitate access to agricultural financing for its members, despite the reluctance of financial institutions to invest in what is perceived as a risky sector. MAPTO conducted a comprehensive study on agricultural financing, input supply, marketing, and value chain