MALI – The vast majority of the population in the countries where Join For Water operates depends on agriculture. That is why we continue to focus on “water for irrigation”, with an emphasis on good management. After all, both drinking water and water for agriculture are essential for a dignified life. This is also the case in Mali.
In Mali, Join For Water is active in 16 villages in three municipalities around the capital Bamako. In five of these villages, we are working with our partner CSPEEDA on vegetable cultivation on community-managed plots. CSPEEDA specialises in food security, smart irrigation, management of natural resources such as water, and support for local organisations.
In Farabana, in the municipality of Mandé, there was already a community vegetable garden, but it was in need of repair: the wells no longer provided enough water, and the fencing and water reservoirs were no longer adequate. A number of women continued to work in the garden, but it took them a lot of time and energy to fetch water early in the morning. To do this, they sometimes had to climb down the steep banks of the river, 500 metres away.
Pumps, basins… and a management committee
Join For Water carried out the renovation work through its partner CSPEEDA, just as it had already done in Koursalé. New solar-powered pumps and water basins were installed and the fence was repaired. In addition, CSPEEDA helped set up a management committee and provided training in administration and finance so that the women themselves can take care of maintenance and repairs. Today, the vegetable garden is back in full use, with 146 women growing vegetables for their own consumption and for sale.
The women’s lives have improved in many ways. We let them speak for themselves about the increased food security for their families, greater financial autonomy and cooperation between all the women.
Stronger food security
Due to a lack of water and other resources, the land was not very productive and there was not enough harvest to feed the families.
Aïssata Diallo, 38, mother of four children
‘Thanks to irrigation and training, we now produce enough to eat all year round. This season, for example, I harvested ten sacks of onions and seven sacks of tomatoes, which means we no longer have to buy these vegetables at the market.’
Increase in income
The women can sell what they do not use for their families at the market. This provides them with additional income and, thanks to the rebuilt vegetable garden and higher production, their own income has increased.
Salimata Keita, 30
‘Last season, I sold 120,000 FCFA worth of vegetables, an amount I never thought possible. With that money, I invested in a small spice shop to diversify my activities and increase my income.’
Greater economic and social security
Fatoumata Konaté, 40
‘I used to be completely dependent on my husband for household expenses. Now I am independent. With the 80,000 CFA francs I earned this season, I paid for my children’s medical expenses myself and, together with the other women in the village, I was able to invest in the savings group.’
Aminata Sidibé, 50
‘I was always afraid that I wouldn’t have enough money for emergencies, such as medicine if someone fell ill. Since my income has doubled, I set aside 20,000 CFA francs every month for unforeseen expenses. That gives me enormous peace of mind.”
Better organisation and cooperation between women
The management committee consists entirely of women.
Hawa Diarra, 45
“This project has not only given us resources, but also taught us to work together. Together with the other women, we have set up a common fund for collective expenses and unforeseen expenses. For example, we bought a new irrigation hose thanks to a contribution of 5,000 CFA francs from each of us.”
Assetou Camara, 28
‘By working in vegetable farming, we have learned to better manage our harvest and sales. Now we divide up the local markets to avoid competition and maximise our profits. Thanks to this strategy, I was able to sell 100 kg of vegetables to a wholesaler for 85,000 CFA francs in one go.’
Investing in education and health
The women have more income that they can use for their own development or that of their children.
Kadidia Sangaré, 37
‘Thanks to my income, I have been able to enrol in literacy classes. I want to learn to manage my money better and understand the administrative documents of our cooperative.’
Conclusion: the figures speak for themselves
On average, the women in Farabana have seen their income increase by 200% since the start of the project, from around 15,000 CFA francs per month to 45,000 or 50,000 CFA francs, depending on the season. Thanks to this increase, they are not only able to meet their basic needs, but also to save and invest in personal projects or community initiatives.
Here too, what appears at first glance to be a simple agricultural project is a lever for empowerment and sustainable development for an entire community.
* 15,000 FCFA = 23 EUR / 1 FCFA = 0.0015 EUR
More about our partner CSPEEDA
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