Fighting Poverty and Securing Livelihoods in the Sahel through better Management of the Environment
From June to August 2010, Emilie Smith, a student at Bangor University, spent 6 weeks with Sahel Eco in Tominian undertaking field research towards a Masters degree in Agroforestry in collaboration with the World Agroforestry Centre. During her stay in the village of Bambara, Emilie worked with local farmers to explore knowledge about natural regeneration and management of woody vegetation in their fields.
Emilie was keen that her research should also contribute to the work of Sahel Eco and before she left, she held a feedback session to share her findings and conclusions with farmers’ leaders and Sahel Eco staff. Click to view and read about Emilie's dissertation.
"With 13 people on our crew, it is difficult to facilitate activities which are enriching and engaging for all. After a few rough days of travel through Burkina Faso, it was extremely rewarding to watch our participants excitedly dig in to the process of making shea butter. Our friends with Sahel Eco were tremendously welcoming, and created a warm environment in which we were free to exchange thoughts, learn about the environmental issues of the region, and become fully immersed in a culture completely different from our own. We look forward to sharing three more cups of tea in the future!"
Lauren K. Cole