The Kaydara Agroecology School Farm

Project begin: 21/06/2006

Created by Gora Ndiaye, the Kaydara Agroecology School Farm in Senegal is successfully preparing tomorrow’s farmers and winning over young people often more tempted by city life.

Leading organisation: Association Jardins d'Afrique

The country where the team is based: Senegal

Theme: Biodiversity, Education for Sustainable Development, Local and Indigenous Knowledge

Sub-themes: Agriculture, Environment, Food and food security, Forests and desertification, Natural resource management, Poverty and inequality reduction

Tag: #Africa #Women #Youth

Selection: 2021

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Project needs

Communication strategy design

Equipment supply

In search of financial partners

Partnerships development

Social Media

Sponsorship/ Philanthropy

Strategy/advocacy

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Outdoor agroecology course

Papaya tree from Mohamed's field

Vegetable crops

Maintenance of the educational garden

Kaydara Agroecology School Farm wall

Coconut planting

Students of the Agronomy School of Thiès visiting the School Farm

Production of reproducible tomato seeds

Mandala garden under construction

History teacher and self-taught farmer Gora Ndiaye is convinced that Africa’s development will be driven by rural change. However, in Senegal, young people often prefer to try their chances in the city, leaving behind their family terrain and rural poverty. The land is increasingly subject to erosion and the soil is less and less fertile as desertification takes hold.

Inspired by these insights, Gora Ndiaye created the African Gardens Association and, together with local citizens, set up the Kaydara Agroecology School Farm in the commune of Fimela. Training young entrepreneurs since 2007, the project focuses on how to contribute to the emergence of autonomous, independent and ecological agriculture in Africa.

Creating agroecology ambassadors

Designed to create a lush micro forest, the farm hosts a multitude of local trees, animals, herbs and flowers. The teaching aims to train young adults in agroecology techniques, transfer tools and knowledge and learn more about ecotourism. The students become agroecology ambassadors within the local community. The association helps the young people test and apply this new knowledge – on their own land – and provides advice on everything from planting to finance.

Building a new sustainable model

16 local villages have already benefitted from this training with a positive impact on the land and food security. Awarded the International Accueil Paysan label, the farm also practices ecotourism and welcomes international students. The next step? Replicate this farm model in other parts of Kenya and beyond.

Would you like to help Gora achieve this?

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