SUSTAINABLE, ECO-FRIENDLY FARM
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WHAT: A section of an existing community farm will be developed as a model farm where farmers can learn new, sustainable, eco-friendly farming technologies.
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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.With
the importance of agriculture to Gambia's economy, attention to
sustainable, eco-friendly farming practices is essential to make
people's lives more prosperous.
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HOW: The model farm has 4 components:
1. Integrated Crops and Livestock Farming:
About 10 acres of the land will be planted alternatively with forage
for cows and goats and vegetables for sale. The forage will feed the
cows and goats within the compound. The organic and sustainable
vegetable farm will be introduced for duplication to the women
vegetable farmers in the area.
2. Cow and Goat Fattening: Ten cows and 10 goats will be fed with the grasses from the farm.
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3. Construction of Bio-Gas Digester: Cow and goat waste will be used to generate energy and the construction of the bio-gas digester will serve as a learning tool.
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4. Construction of a Water Reservoir: The reservoir will be used to irrigate the community garden, as well as the garden of the local women's' organization.
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RESULTS:
The Abundance Fund supported this longstanding project in which 500
women farm a one kilometer plot of land to help feed their
community. However, this is also a business for the women and each year,
each woman farmer earns about $750 from the produce she is able to
sell. To date, the Abundance Fund has financed the digging of 15 new
wells, the renovation of dilapidated wells, and the purchase of rapid
organic compost to help revitalize depleted soil. The farmers are being
trained how to create organic compost themselves in order to ensure
continued vibrant and healthy crops. The women have proposed
constructing a modern borehole and pump system, which would help ease
the water needs of the whole community and provide better quality and
more sustainable water than the small wells are able to do.
While some of the project's initial objectives were not met, we are proud of the many ways in which Abundance Fund support has helped better the lives of this community through the application of improved, sustainable farming techniques.
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