This project uses an agricultural technology known as alley cropping. Trees are planted in alleys and alternated with crops to improve soil quality, improve water retention, prevent erosion, provide wood for fodder and fuel, prevent deforestation, eliminate much labor and thus make a sustainable system of agriculture.
A local river will provide water for needed irrigation, using a system of cisterns, a motorized pump, and movable piping.
This project is being carried out under the direction of Peace Corps Volunteer Christine Remein.
Sitchope Cooperative is located in the village of Kologan on the outskirts of the county of Agou, Togo. The cooperative decided to use sustainable agricultural practices in their planting and irrigation, and settled upon a method of agroforestry that will provide for their needs while maintaining the quality of the soil.
Community members are primarily cultivators. The village suffers from deforestation and poor soil quality. As population increases, rainfall and farmable land decrease. Despite daily efforts of the community members, particularly women, to feed their families, malnutrition is a reality.
The cooperative has thus far prepared for the cisterns that will be installed, bought cement for the cisterns, and also planted the tree nursery. In the weeks to come they will build the cisterns, tend to the tree nursery, and buy piping for the irrigation.
Project funds will be used for the purchase and transportation of seeds and the construction of the irrigation system. The community will provide the labor for the project.
This project will benefit a community of 1,000 people.
A sustainable system of agriculture is invaluable to the beneficiaries of this project. Their livelihood depends on their capacity and ability to yield food from their farms and also make a profit. The system makes good use of the available water, as it closes the nutrient cycle of the soil.
This project has now been funded, through the generosity of The Soneva SLOW LIFE Trust as a part of their Clean Water Projects initiative.
Any donations using the Donate button below will go toward additional water and sanitation projects in Togo.
This project has been finished. To read about the conclusion of the project, CLICK HERE.