ICRISAT Archival Report 2006 - The seedlings of success in the ...

The conversion of local Ziziphus using grafting directly on the branches of old trees could contribute to enhancing
the dissemination of Pomme du Sahel. This technique is less complex and less costly compared to the production of
plants in nurseries.
c) Building the capacity of the populations in the grafting techniques
The training of the rural communities in the techniques of grafting and production of Ziziphus contributes to
enhancing the dissemination of Pomme du Sahel. Approximately 1000 plants of local Ziziphus were produced from
5 market gardens and 15 home gardens that are managed by women associations. In collaboration with the project
“Forgin Link”, plants that were produced were used for training purposes.
2.1.2 Up-scaling the technology
In up-scaling this technology, the local populations were trained in the techniques of grafting and production of
Ziziphus mauritania. Several demonstrations were conducted to help farmers be familiarized with the grafting and
planting of Pomme du Sahel. Various stakeholders/partners are involved in these activities including government
agencies, NGOs and research institutions.
2.1.3 Contribution to the overall DMP project goal and objectives
This technology contributes specifically to DMP-GEF Output 4 on testing and promotion of sustainable alternative
livelihoods and to Output 2 on development and implementation of strategies for conservation, restoration and
sustainable use of degraded agro-ecosystems.
2.1.4 Projected potential impact
The introduction of adapted fruit trees with high yield and economic potential, such as the improved Ziziphus
mauritania or ‘Pomme du Sahel’ offers a good opportunity to diversify the systems.
2.2. Promotion of African Market Gardens and Home Gardens
2.2.1 The basis of the technology’s success
Home gardens are used to produce vegetables, legumes and fruits using wastewater and organic wastes from the
houses as well as animal manure. They are also easily protected from damage by animals. They enable rural families
to have a balanced diet and to generate additional income without major investments for fences, irrigation and
fertilizers. They are very beneficial for women, who practice it the most.
2.2.2 How is it implemented?
The establishment of home gardens was done in collaboration with National Agricultural and Rural Advice Agences
(ANCAR) and the L* Cadres Locaux de Concertation des Organasations Paysannes (L*CLCOP) of the rural
community of Dya. The tests started in three villages, namely Dya, Keur Waly and Diokoul. About 15 home gardens
here are being managed by women. Approximately 500 plants of Moringa oleifera (nebeday) and Cajanus cajan
(pigeonpea) were intercropped with various vegetables such as eggplant, Hisbiscus, tomato and pepper.
As Table 10 below shows, the revenues generated from the sale of surplus production amount to about 40 dollars
from five home gardens in the village of Dya, and 30 dollars in Keur Waly and Diokoul each.
The dissemination of the African Market Gardens is being done mainly by the pilot women associations of Dya and
Djilass. The improvement of low lying areas offer opportunities to promote Market Gardens.
2.2.3 Up-scaling the technology
Up-scaling of the African Market Garden was done mainly through the participation of the women associations in
Dya and Djilass, while that of home gardens was through the women in Dya, Keur Waly and Diokoul. This
technology will be up-scaled to other communities in the country.
304