In the village of Bendougou, about 20 kilometres west of Dédougou in Burkina Faso, 100 fruit trees stretch 500 metres along the banks of the Mouhoun River. Somwaoga François Zida is the owner of the orchard. This morning, he cut branches that had broken during strong winds the day before during the first rainfall. His bright face reflects his joy. He planted the trees to prevent the soil from washing
In the heart of the Sahelian region, where climatic and economic challenges shape daily life, a beacon of hope shines in Bourra, Mali. It’s the story of a radical transformation initiated by determined agro-pastoralists aiming to change their destiny. This epic, rooted in the fertile lands of Bourra, is a model of cooperation and innovation, revolutionizing the commercialization of onions in a Mali-Niger cross-border dynamic. The protagonists are members of
As we begin 2024, ROPPA shares the 33rd issue of “Gems of Family Farms,” highlighting a quiet but powerful revolution in Komondjari. Thanks to Habbanaye, an initiative by the Diéma Association of Gayeri (ADG/K), a beacon of hope has been lit, reducing the socioeconomic vulnerability of many, particularly women and youth, in this insecurity-ravaged region. Since 2015, Habbanaye has charted a remarkable path towards empowering rural communities, focusing on solidarity
In the relentless quest for sustainable harmony among various actors in pastoralism and agriculture, an extraordinary project has emerged in the Mouhoun Loop region of Burkina Faso. This initiative, focused on social cohesion and peaceful pastoral mobility, stands as a beacon of development for rural communities. It embodies the very essence of ROPPA’s weekly column “Les Pépites des Exploitations Familiales” (The Gems of Family Farms), which celebrates its 30th edition.
In a promising development for Sahel farmers, a recent monitoring mission by the National Council for Rural Consultation and Cooperation (CNCR) of Senegal revealed the successful adoption of new production technologies in the Niakhar municipality of the Louga region and the Ouarkhokh municipality of the Fatick region of Senegal. As part of the Sustain Sahel project, the CNCR team visited six relay producers who are putting these research-backed techniques into
In the heart of Burkina Faso, the National Federation of Cooperative Societies of Livestock Farmers of Burkina Faso (SCOOP-CA/FEB) stands out as a beacon of resilience and harmony, showcasing the transformative power of social engineering in resolving community conflicts related to the exploitation of natural resources. It is with immense pleasure that we share this inspiring story in the 24th issue of our weekly column ” Gems of Family Farms”
SUPPORTING YOUTH AND THE GENERATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY OF FAMILY FARMING Organized within the framework of the UN Decade of Family Farming (2019-2028) and hosted by the World Food Forum, the Young Farmers’ Roundtable promotes youth engagement and seeks to ensure the generational sustainability of family farming. Ageing in family farming across the world is a serious issue. Action must be taken to preserve and pass on the precious knowledge of long-experienced
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
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
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
