Semana's enhanced nourishment through drip-line irrigation
Semana is a remote village located approximately 80 kilometers south of the capital city, Bamako. With a population of around 4,300 residents, including over 920 students in the local school, the village has long faced significant challenges in accessing water and nutritious food. The village well would dry up during the summer months, forcing residents to walk several miles each day to collect water, while reliance on rainwater limited agricultural productivity, particularly for corn.
To address these issues, the Mali Wellness Foundation drilled a 220-foot deep well that remains functional year-round, incorporating an advanced filtration system to provide pure, potable water. This well is connected to a drip-line irrigation system, which supplies water to a new community vegetable garden measuring 50 meters by 50 meters.
Village women received training on how to cultivate a variety of crops, including tomatoes, cucumbers, okra, watermelons, squash, carrots, lettuce, and beets, as well as how to maintain the drip-line irrigation system. Taking sole responsibility for the garden is a significant honor for these women, fostering empowerment within the community. This garden serves as a vital source of nourishment, contributing to the health and well-being of adults, youth, and infants alike.
