The key to achieving financial independence in southern Madagascar is water cultivation.
They reside in Ankilinanjosoa village in Anosy, a region that has experienced a string of droughts resulting in multiple crop failures.
A group of twenty-five women created a growers association with the assistance of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to obtain water for their project.
Tenefo Votsirasoa belongs to a female farmers’ group in the community of Ankilinanjosoa.
We aspire for a dependable method of watering their plants that not only strengthens their resilience against drought, but also gives them the autonomy to allocate their finances as they see fit.
In preparation for World Water Day, which falls on March 22 every year, farmer Tenefo Votsirasoa emphasizes the crucial role of having access to water.
², 50% of the plants are roses”
“This garden spans approximately 500 square meters and 50% of its vegetation consists of roses.”
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We cultivate various crops: maize, courgettes, greens, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and occasionally beans. Maize, in particular, requires ample water.
We obtain village-provided water at a cost of 100 ariary (equivalent to 2 US cents) per 20-liter container. Our daily water expenses amount to approximately 2,000 ariary (equal to 44 US cents).
Previously, in order to grow crops, we were required to purchase water that had been sourced from the river. This typically cost anywhere from 500 to 1,000 ariary (equivalent to 11 to 22 US cents) per jerry can, making it a costly endeavor to produce food.
We have a system of irrigation provided by UNICEF, which means our crops always get enough water. We do have to rent the pump to irrigate the field, but we hope one day as an association we will be able to buy our own pump, which will ultimately save us money.
Water is on tap for the first time in Ankilinanjosoa village.
Supporting the family
I am a parent to a total of eight kids, with five daughters and three sons. Thanks to my access to resources on family planning, I have no plans for any additional children in the future.
After school, the girls assist with tasks in the field. In our culture, it is not customary for boys to join. They typically stay at home to focus on studying or other responsibilities, such as caring for livestock. Meanwhile, my husband has left home in search of employment and is currently living far north of our country.
Currently, I am able to supply sufficient nourishment for my household and can also sell the surplus to cover expenses such as education for my children and healthcare. I am also setting aside some funds for savings.
SDG 5
SDG 5: Empowerment of all women and girls.
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Stop all types of prejudice and aggression towards females and young females.
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We must put an end to damaging customs like underage and coerced marriages, as well as the harmful practice of female genital mutilation.
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Revise and bolster laws to advance gender parity and empower females and young females
- Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership in political, economic and public life
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Ensure equal and widespread availability of sexual and reproductive health services for all individuals.
Worldwide, nearly 50% of married women do not have control over their sexual and reproductive health choices.
Village associations
The village’s population stands at approximately 1,200 residents. Our group of farmers consists of primarily women who have limited opportunities available to them. Despite not producing enough to sustain the entire village, some individuals are able to purchase food from the market.
The most significant transformation in my life is the self-sufficiency I have attained through farming. I no longer have to rely on men for financial support and I am not bound by their instructions, which makes me feel more equal. I believe that men now view our independence with respect and acknowledge our value as individuals.
I have no desire to have more power than men; they likewise have a presence in the village, allowing us to collaborate with one another in our respective associations.
We have successfully completed four harvests until now, and I am extremely pleased with our progress. Being a part of an association has proven to be beneficial.
A helpful suggestion for a successful crop is beans. By planting 10 sacks of seeds, you can yield 100 sacks of beans.
UN in Madagascar
Various United Nations organizations collaborate in multiple nations, including Madagascar. The following are a few illustrations of their initiatives within the community of Ankilinanjosoa:
- high water tower in
the village of Sake, in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.UNICEF provided assistance to construct a well and water tower measuring 10 meters in height in Sake village, located in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo.3 tank to collect and store fresh water as well as irrigation systems. Two kiosks selling water were opened, and water troughs were provided for farm animals.
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The FAO has given training to farmers.
- such as reproductive health, family planning, and antenatal care.
The UNFPA and WHO provide a mobile clinic service that regularly visits and offers a variety of services, including reproductive health, family planning, and prenatal care.
Source: news.un.org
