Inclusive and Sustainable: Exchange Visit on Agroecology and Gender

From December 5 to 8, 2024, horizont3000 organized a vibrant exchange visit on agroecology and gender at the Karonghère Wati Nianning Agroecological Centre in Niaguis, Ziguinchor department. This event brought together participants to exchange ideas, learn from innovative practices, and strengthen capacities to promote sustainable, equitable, and resilient agriculture.

The visit gathered representatives, including gender focal points, from several partner organizations CAREM, OFAD, Symbiose, Alphadev, Caritas Kaolack, Caritas Ziguinchor, Caritas Tambacounda and ENDA Santé. Participants had the unique opportunity to explore the Centre’s gender-sensitive agroecological practices and engage in open discussions about adapting solutions to local challenges.

Under the guidance of the Centre’s director, Mrs. Mariama Sonko, attendees toured several key facilities:

• Biofertilizer Production: Participants learned about the sustainable production of liquid and solid biofertilizers made from organic matter, which enrich the soil ecologically.
• Farmers' Seed Bank: The team explored innovative seed conservation methods using clay canaries, which preserve seeds for up to 10 years, ensuring quality and germination. Alternative methods like plastic bags and cans were noted for their limitations in maintaining seed viability.
• Dormitories for Trainees: Free accommodation for learners and trainees was highlighted as an essential step to making training opportunities accessible for all.
• Poultry Farming Site: A cross-breeding program with local feed mixtures was showcased, contributing to sustainable poultry farming.
• Agricultural Fields: The group visited cassava fields, mandarin orchards, papaya plantations, and onion nurseries, learning about efficient sprinkler irrigation systems powered by fish farms and boreholes.
• Fish Farming: Tilapia cultivation, supported by the National Aquaculture Agency (ANA), was presented as a model for sustainable fish farming.
• Beekeeping: A visit to the Centre’s beehives provided insights into eco-friendly honey production practices.
• Mechanisation and Processing Unit: Although currently non-operational due to solar power limitations, this unit for grinding agricultural ingredients reflects the Centre’s commitment to minimizing environmental impact.

A significant moment was the visit to rice fields managed by the women of the "Nous sommes la solution" association. These fields, cultivated with local rice varieties, ensure food security and generate income for the women. As Ms. Sonko stated: “These rice fields are not only a source of nourishment but also a tool for economic empowerment.”

The discussions delved into the intersection of gender and agroecology, addressing key challenges such as women’s limited ownership of agricultural land. Although access to land is not a significant barrier in Ziguinchor, the lack of ownership curtails women's economic autonomy.

To address this, inclusive strategies have been implemented:

• Community market garden blocks to ensure collective access to resources.
• Mixed farming as a transformative practice, enhancing food security and providing a stable income.
• Awareness campaigns to highlight the vital role of women in agriculture.
• Income management models to empower women, dividing income into household needs (50%), savings (30%), and community activities (20%).

Training programs were also highlighted as a critical tool for empowering women. Approaches tailored for non-literate women ensure their skills are enhanced, enabling them to take leadership roles within local organizations. The center also focuses on involving youth and marginalized groups in agroecology, with specialized capacity-building programs designed to prepare the next generation for leadership.

While challenges such as limited land ownership persist, solutions such as interactive radio campaigns, community forums, and inclusive planning have shown promise. Recommendations: provide ongoing training in agroecological practices, facilitate networking with other organizations to enhance access to land and resources, support the creation of micro-businesses, and build women's leadership and management capacities.

The next steps:

• Organizing an Exchange Visit on good practices for beneficiaries of the projects: Partner organisations are planning to organize an exchange visit to the centre, offering participants the opportunity to learn from its exemplary practices in agroecology and gender-sensitive agricultural initiatives.
• Empowering Women Through Training: Training women from the vegetable gardens of the projects within the Senegal Programme at the centre will play a vital role in enhancing their autonomy and improving their ability to manage agricultural activities effectively. This initiative will further bolster women's leadership and economic independence within the community.
• Participation in Annual Events: Partners will be invited to attend the centre's annual events each September. These gatherings will serve as a platform for sharing best practices, showcasing agro-ecological innovations, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
• Capacity Building for Technicians: Leveraging the centre's expertise in biotechnology and soil science, technicians of the partner organisations can receive specialized training. These technicians will then be equipped to transfer their skills to project teams, ensuring that knowledge and expertise are shared and applied locally.
• Strengthening the Agroecological Network: horizont3000 could collaborate with the centre to support the agroecological network in its training efforts. By developing the capacity of technicians, this partnership would facilitate the local dissemination of valuable knowledge and sustainable practices.