In Senegal, pedal pumps and reservoirs help a garden grow

Inhabitants of the village of Kabatekenda in eastern Senegal are tantalized by the sight of the waters of the Gambia River flowing by. As elsewhere on the dry continent of Africa, getting what water there is available to the field can make the difference between a reasonable crop and no crop at all. In Kabatekenda, they are planting fruit and vegetables with a better than ever chance of success, thanks to help from the TeleFood Fund.

"We never thought we could have this kind of project," said Fanta Saidaho, president of a women's group with 43 members in charge of the new garden. "We haven't grown potatoes before although we have grown other vegetables. If we get enough water it will work out."

The project, which aims to grow 15 tonnes of vegetables and 3 tonnes of bananas and papayas per year to sell to a nearby mining exploration camp, started in February. Two pedal pumps were purchased for US$250 and four water reservoirs were dug and lined with cement for US$500. The project provided seeds, tools, fertilizer and pesticides. The mining company donated pesticides and promised to buy the produce.

The village men helped out with the heavy work of preparing the land, located on the bank of the river, for planting. The villagers also had to build barriers to keep the local hippos from marauding through the fields.

"Our men are our strength. They supported us and helped us. We always work with them," said Saidaho.

The village was chosen because it had a reputation for being well organized. "We are watching to see if things go well and we can show TeleFood viewers that their money has been well used," said Mr E.K. Tapsoba, FAO Representative in Senegal. "Then, of course, we'll have more money for other villages."

As with all TeleFood projects, participants are given technical guidance and an audit is done on the disbursement of funds.