IMPROVED IRRIGATION TO FEED CHILDREN
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WHAT: Introduce appropriate, low-cost irrigation technology and training to an existing community garden, farmed by 210 women, in order to increase crop yield and supplement the lunches provided at the Community Nursery School.
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| WHY: The
agricultural sector is the most important sector of Gambia's
economy, contributing 32% of the gross domestic product, providing
employment and income for 80% of the population, and accounting for
70% of the country's foreign exchange earnings.
It remains the prime sector for raising income levels, for investments, for improving food
security and reducing levels of poverty.
The women of the Sohm village have expressed interest in upgrading their community garden in order to achieve more sustainable, year-round income from an irrigated garden, and to increase food production in order to help feed school children. The women recently received a grant from the US Embassy in Gambia to construct a fence around the garden to keep animals out.
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HOW: The project has 3 components:
- Purchase 4 foot pedal pumps; two for two already existing open wells, and two for two new wells.
- Install a drip irrigation system which would consist of several water tanks and the accompanying piping.
- Train the women in maintenance of the systems, as well as sustainable gardening techniques.
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| EXPECTED RESULTS: By the end of the project:
- 200 children of the community Nursery school will have improved nutritional status.
- 210 women of Sohm community will get more sustainable year/round income from an irrigated garden.
- 35 group executives of Sohm community will have improved knowledge in effective leadership and management.
- 210 women of Sohm community will have access to a storage facility and
relief from the burden of sitting under the hot sun during resting
periods.
- 60 women from the five community groups of Sohm community will have gained skills in food/vegetable processing and preservation and marketing skills.
- The garden would successfully increase production and significantly reduce work time.
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