Investing in
women
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Women
irrigate cabbages in a vegetable garden in
Mali
FAO/13710/
J. Isaac
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In much of the developing world, women do not own
land. Without this collateral, they cannot obtain
credit. However, a recent FAO project in Kayes
Nord, Mali, has established a revolving fund to
enable women to buy seed, fertilizer, water pumps
for irrigation and mills to grind millet and
sorghum. The women, many of whose menfolk work in
distant cities, have created home and market
gardens that are putting money in the purses and
essential ingredients in the diets of their
families.
More than 900 villagers also received training
in tree cultivation, reforestation, soap
manufacture and masonry. Market stalls have been
refurbished. Nurseries for banana, lemon, neem and
eucalyptus trees have been established. Milling
machines were provided or repaired. Sheep raising
was introduced in 13 villages. Reservoirs have been
built, wells drilled and water management groups
set up. In addition, ten village pharmacies were
opened.
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