The next steps for SALEM-Togo
14.06.2011The Education Centre SALEM Togo is completed. How does it look and how are things going? A report from the field.
“Thank you for thinking of us”, said Oukpane ALI, who manages a small farm near the new education centre of SALEM-Togo in Baghan, a village in northern Togo. Because the harvests of his village’s small fields were not enough to survive, he decided to move his family from the village to a larger town to try his luck. Just a few months ago, Ali thought that anything was better than to staying in that village.
For now he has a new sense of hope. Because of discussions with the employees of SALEM-Togo and because of what he noticed at the property next door. A seminar centre was built on this property. The centre is used as a place to teach small farmers methods of agriculture. Lessons are discussed and tested by the farmers in the nearby fields. Like many farmers, Oukpane ALI hopes for solutions to soil degradation and deforestation.
This year, at least 10,000 trees will be planted in the nursery beds in a reforestation program. The trees are watered by a water-efficient drip irrigation system.
According to Gbati Nikabou, project manager of SALEM-Togo, “Tree planting is the second step. We start first with things that can be accomplished in one season”. Gbati knows from experience. As an example green fertilizer was introduced and increased yield up to 35%.
The approach will provide an immediate improvement in income for families and creates confidence in the effectiveness of the new SALEM project. In the past, many aid organizations have been here already and failed. A sense of resignation had begun to set in.
Such doubts about success gave Gbati Nikabou an additional incentive. He wants to show that SALEM-Togo makes a difference. With a well-designed and thought out long-term approach, SALEM-Togo has developed a sustainable model.
In a few years, the centre plans to be self-financing, through such activities as the sale of trees and rentals. For now, however, the project needs around € 500 per month for operating costs and salaries. Your help is requested!
Back to top
