Crews working on the water basins at the site of the Keur Pathe Malick Market Garden
Our construction crews have been hard at work these past several months, and this year’s projects are really starting to take shape. The bulk of the work in the beginning months of this year has been focused on the five new market gardens we are building. In partnering with five new communities this year, the gardens will employ over 500 women! These women will have the opportunity to grow fruit and vegetables throughout the year that will give them many more nutritious options for themselves and their families, while also providing an income through the sale of additional produce.
Materials staged at the Keur Pathe Malick Market Garden site
We currently operate seven of these gardens and the communities have seen dramatic results. With more food on the table and money in their pockets, these women are building a better future. This means healthier families, more children in school because they can afford school fees, a more vibrant economy, as well as intangibles like affirming the dignity and self-determination of those involved. Their dedication is evident and their hard work is bearing fruit.
Construction of the housing for the storage tank and solar panels, next to the well that will feed the garden
Our crews – led by Construction Supervisor Abdoulaye Kane – have been building the water distribution systems that will allow the women to irrigate the garden easily throughout the year. Further, our Senegalese partner – FlexNRJ – is building the solar pump/panel housing and tank structure that will feed the basins. Utilizing local labor alongside outside experts, the systems will help the women bring the desert to life for years to come. These are simple and sustainable solutions and the return on investment pays for itself many times over.
Lead Contractor Abdoulaye Kane (right) going over construction of the latrine at the Kouthieye Market Garden. When the gardens are some distances from surrounding homes, we build a latrine that the women can use when working at the site.