Thursday, November 6, 2008

Reforestation and Gardening Center *Updated*



Under the mango tree: community members gather in one of five target villages to prioritize community needs.

Introduction: When the word “Africa” is spoken in the United States, problems to overcome such as infectious diseases, economic stagnation, and poor governance are often clumped together as if the continent were one big country. Truth be told, problems need to be addressed not only on the macro-scale, but also on a community-based approach. As Peace Corps Volunteers, it has been surprising to hear how much problems and priorities vary, even from villages a few kilometers away from each other. Below is a description of our community, Ogaro, and the struggles with which they are afflicted.

Problem: Ogaro is a cluster of twelve small villages located in the northeast of Togo. Like many communities in this region, increasing desertification, defined as the degradation of soil, increased aridity, and diminishing rainfall, has exacerbated the level of hunger and poverty. When members were asked to prioritize their community needs, it is no surprise reforestation and gardening were voted most pressing. There are, however, three paramount problems to overcome.

Firstly, water poses a tremendous problem for the better part of the year. As the rainy seasons continues to curtail, rivers and wells providing year-round water are increasingly harder to find. Secondly, domesticated animals are free to roam. The lack of foliage during dry season, extending from November to May, makes planting near impossible as animals are apt to trample or eat the seedlings. Lastly, expendable income within the community is tight. A large scale project without monetary assistance is difficult to complete.



A lookout near Ogaro: once thick with foliage, trees and flora are now sparse.

Solution: This project will tackle these obstacles by building a tree nursery and gardening center. A fence with a cement foundation will be built to fend off animals. A well, providing year-round water, will be dug. Proceeds from selling tree seedlings and vegetables will be funneled into future projects as well as maintenance and upkeep of the center. And last but not least, throughout planning and implementation of this project, the citizens of Ogaro will increase their capacity to mobilize themselves towards a collective goal.

Why we should do it: Right now, you may be asking yourself, “Aren’t there bigger fish to fry?” According to the citizens of Ogaro themselves, no. You see, the merit of this project rests in the system of food production and preparation. All inhabitants use firewood to prepare daily meals. A rapid population expansion has increased the demand for both wood and food. This project’s comprehensive approach will first increase yields by replenishing lost nutrients to poorly kept land by adopting the use of nitrogen fixing plants. Secondly, intensive gardening during the dry season will enhance variation in local diets. Thirdly, local populations will acquire the skills to properly manage firewood so resources are not depleted.

The consequences of not acting are already evident in Ogaro. Increasing erosion and violet winds are telltale signs that collective action is needed to combat encroaching desertification. Malnutrition continues to retard the development of children and lowers productivity of the general population. This project, as well as future projects such as clean-water wells, schools, and latrines, will remain grossly insufficient without appropriate funds.



One bean, one vote: various grains serve as ballots in an anonymous vote. Reforestation and gardening won by a landslide.

What you can do:
This is where you come in. With your help through the Peace Corps Partnership Program, the citizens of Ogaro can successfully implement this project. Construction of a wall, well, and storage building tallies near $14,000. The community will contribute 25% percent of all costs through monetary contributions and physical labor. Our job is to raise the rest, $10,500.
With your help, this goal can be met. You can give a 100% tax deductable donation now through the Peace Corps official website. The link can be found on the left-hand side of this page entitled "Donate now to Ogaro!"

Thank you all and warm regards from Ogaro,

Trace and Katrina McKellips
Peace Corps, Togo