10th of August 2009

In Ouan(north-eastern Mali), not far from Mopti, we made in a large experimental field one meter deep long trenches (all 'contour trenched'). The rainwater flowed in them. Erosion was avoided and the harvest was plentiful! On and near the dams - as you can see - we planted Jatropha-Curcas. 

After 2 years the women will be able to have a harvest of Jatropha seeds from which oil soap and bio-carburant can be produced.
Look quickly at the next photo with the surprising good news!

November 2009

What does the man on the ridge next the trench say?

" This whole area was practically infarmable for years; the rapid run-rains destroyed all the young maize and millet plants. The water of these rains had no 'time' in order to penetrate the ground. Now the water runs quietly in the trenches and the soil gets opportunity to 'drink' all the water. So underground reservoirs were created ...
Our efforts were amply rewarded; the harvest this year has never been so good! "