The Aissat community garden, which is about 150 square meters in size, is found in the Diallo neighborhood of Yirwal and is cultivated by local women and young people. The principle crops are lettuce and watermelon, but they also grow zucchini, sorrel leaves, eggplant, onions, and cabbage.
The soil is fertilized through the exclusive use of manure, while diseases are fought with natural methods, like ashes, hot peppers, and the use of other plants.
Not far from the garden there is a well, though its use in irrigation is still somewhat problematic as the well is very deep.
The Aissata community is supported by the “Maia” association, which brought about the founding of this garden.
“Maia” is a local association that was created in 1994 and recognized by the government of Burkina Faso in 1998 as an NGO. Its aim is to found revenue-creating activities for the financial autonomy of women who live in rural areas. Another of the association’s primary goals is to improve the sanitary conditions of the communities with which it is involved.
For more information see their web site:
www.associationmaia.org
Area
Diallo neighborhood, Yirwal village, Bobo-Dioulasso region
Coordinator
Aminata Diallo