I have been planning to visit my birth country (Côte d’Ivoire) since the beginning of this year. And early spring seemed to be an opportune time.
I visited Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso in March. The parched lands of Burkina Faso, waiting for the rains to arrive, held a stark contrast with the greening landscape of Côte d’Ivoire. March is crucial from an agricultural point of view in both countries. It is the month farmers begin preparing for their crops and wait patiently for rain.
Makomas Foundation
Makomas Foundation was founded with the vision of creating self-sufficient and resilient women farmers in West Africa. The main objective of the foundation is to achieve the social and economic betterment of the women of the local communities.
The foundation firmly believes women are capable of bringing about a positive impact on their families and communities despite all hardship. By encouraging and inspiring these women, there can be a lasting positive socio-economic impact on their families and communities.
Makomas Foundation provides rural women farmers with adequate training, tools, resources, and access to marketing opportunities. The farming techniques increase their productivity while protecting local environments for generations.
My plan for this trip was to explore the various programs held by the Makomas Foundation. These included farm tours, field visits, invaluable training sessions, and community garden programs.
Field Trip to Burkina Faso
I had long wished to attend the various programs conducted by the Makomas Foundation in Burkina Faso. I began my adventure after signing up for one of the field trips. I was informed that there will be a few students accompanying me on this trip. Although this was not my first field trip, it was a first for them.
The weather was dry, the landscape almost barren, the women farmers were soaked in sweat, and their hands were covered with mud. Some of them were huddled while discussing the latest techniques. As always, I was deeply moved by the labours and efforts of these farmers. It is indeed a shame that the tremendous efforts of women farmers go unnoticed.
Despite the weather conditions, there was almost a feverish excitement amongst the group of students. The students were told that the farmers were preparing for the rainy season. The students were from a school in a nearby town for a field trip assignment as part of their environmental studies course. Not only did the students have many questions, they wanted to get their hands dirty. And they succeeded 🙂
Ana, Steve, and Hakim: The volunteers made the field trip informative and fun for the students and me. The trio had contacted the Makomas Foundation by filling out a contact form. All were over 18 years of age and attended an orientation before volunteering. They were environmental enthusiasts with an ingrained love for nature and sustainable organic farming methods.
Every one of the students, farmers, and volunteers I met left me feeling happy, encouraged, and inspired. I have never met a more zealous set of folks in my entire life.
This trip will forever be etched in my memory, and I am forever grateful to have been a part of the Makomas Foundation.
Who would have thought that what started as a mere personal philanthropic venture has grown today to have an actual impact on the lives of over 500 rural women farmers? I feel proud of myself and my MAKOMAS tribe ✨✨
Do you wish to be involved with the MAKOMAS movement and are unsure how to start?
1. Shop for our products at MAKOMAS, where every purchase contributes to the economic independence of West African rural women farmers.
2. Browse our Gift Catalog for the best gifts that could bring hope and cheer to others.
3. Volunteer for Makomas Foundation (opportunities available in Africa and the USA).
4. If ever in Côte d’Ivoire or Burkina Faso, book a Family Farm Walk for one of our organic fields and animal pens by contacting us at info@makomasfoundation.org.
Cheers!
Magbè