Last Wednesday we visited AJAC (Casamance Young Farmers' Association), an organization based in Zinguachor. AJAC works in 46 villages with women, youth and mixed groups.

AJAC helps group members build skills and offers technical assistance to generate income and develop work opportunities in Casamance. As a result of the conflict in Casamance, many families moved to other parts of Senegal and nearby countries such as Guinea-Bissau and the Gambia. Since the region has become more peaceful many families are now returning to Casamance. Thanks to organizations like AJAC, they can learn skills that will allow generating income for their families.

AJAC recognizes that women are at the core of community development and peace building. At the same time, AJAC is aware that to ensure sustainable peace you can't exclude men and youth, as they are part of the local communities and thus, AJAC works with them too.

AJAC facilitates training in several income-generating activities, with a focus on sustainable agriculture. They encourage the development of vegetable gardens, where people grow crops like tomato and cabbage. But they also encourage planting mangrove trees to promote fish farming.

There are 10 staff members at AJAC, 7 in the office, 2 community promoters and 1 agricultural technician. Most of the staff has been chosen by the groups they serve due to an organizational structure where each group selects a representative each for AJAC's General Assembly. The General Assembly selects who becomes a Board members and the Board will then select the staff of AJAC. Having staff directly selected by the groups AJAC works for ensures a trustworthy relationship between AJAC and the communities.

Not only that, AJAC is also aware of the need to be transparent in their work. AJAC ensures that all groups are aware of how much funding AJAC receives and when they receive it.

We had the opportunity to visit a training session where a group of women (all widows from the conflict) were learning about making compost. The women welcomed us so warmly and shared with us papayas that they have grown in AJAC's main vegetable garden. The women grow vegetables and fruits such as banana and papayas. It was so good to eat fresh fruit straight from the field. The women here were so energetic, it was great to feel their positive vibe. We could observe how the women were eager to learn and work as well as having a great relationship with AJAC staff.

Unfortunately, we couldn't stay too long, and had to leave the dancing in time to head off for our next meeting. The AJAC staff stayed behind to continue the workshop on composting.

Labels: AJAC, Senegal

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