A dawn for resilient households in Senegal: The story of the GIE Malouthiandi market garden
In southern Senegal, in the department of Goudomp, the market garden of the GIE Malouthiandi in Anice has become a concrete symbol of women’s resilience. This transformation is part of the AVENIR project, funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by MEDA in collaboration with the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT. The rehabilitation of the fence, the establishment of a living melliferous hedge, and the reconnection of irrigation basins have strengthened site security and water management. In a country where agriculture accounts for about 17 percent of GDP and where women make up nearly 40 percent of the agricultural labor force in Sub-Saharan Africa the daily work of the women in Anice shows that appropriate infrastructure combined with structured technical support can sustainably transform household food security and economic autonomy.
- Climate Action
- food security
- Senegal
- women in agriculture
A dawn for resilient households in Senegal: The story of the GIE Malouthiandi market garden
In southern Senegal, in the department of Goudomp, the market garden of the GIE Malouthiandi in Anice has become a concrete symbol of women’s resilience. This transformation is part of the AVENIR project, funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by MEDA in collaboration with the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT. The rehabilitation of the fence, the establishment of a living melliferous hedge, and the reconnection of irrigation basins have strengthened site security and water management. In a country where agriculture accounts for about 17 percent of GDP and where women make up nearly 40 percent of the agricultural labor force in Sub-Saharan Africa the daily work of the women in Anice shows that appropriate infrastructure combined with structured technical support can sustainably transform household food security and economic autonomy.
Women make up 40 percent of the agricultural labor force in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Anice, that reality is visible at dawn
Women account for around 40 percent of the agricultural labor force in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Anice, this statistic has a face. At first light, members of GIE Malouthiandi gather at the garden. They distribute water, inspect beds, and discuss planting decisions. Every movement is part of a collective rhythm shaped by necessity and experience. Climate variability has intensified in several parts of Senegal. This means longer dry spells, unpredictable rainfall, and fragile yields. In this context, discipline becomes an adaptation strategy. The women observe the soil carefully, adjust planting calendars, and share knowledge built from seasons of trial and learning.
“We are here every day. If we do not come, nothing grows,” says Khadijatou Sadio.
The garden is not only a production site. It is a space of women’s governance. Decisions are shared. Responsibilities rotate. Maintenance is organized collectively. Their work goes far beyond planting and harvesting. It structures a local economic system rooted in cooperation.
In a region where resources are limited, this organization creates stability. The garden becomes a buffer against climatic and economic uncertainty. In Anice, women’s leadership is expressed through steady, consistent action