Stories
January 30, 2025 • 2 min read
Abdouramane Malam Saley, a 50-year-old farmer from the village of Gankio Yacoudima, recalls when his community struggled with food insecurity and unproductive fields.
Significant challenges
The villagers faced significant challenges during the rainy season. The soil was compact, making it difficult for water to infiltrate. Local farmers resorted to adding sand to the planting pots to aid germination, but despite their relentless efforts, yields remained disappointingly low. Each season resulted in wasted time and seeds.
Tackling food insecurity and malnutrition
Thankfully, GOAL teams were able to intervene and support the community in Gankio Yacoudima. By strengthening local capacities and GOALies sought to address food insecurity and malnutrition. GOAL teams introduced innovative agricultural techniques, helping to transform local farming practices. Villagers, including Abdouramane, received practical training to help create zaï holes and composting.
The zaï technique was specifically designed to enhance the productivity of degraded land and combat drought by reducing water run-off. Effectively harvesting water and making it accessible to plants. This method, combined with compost derived from decomposed organic matter has significantly improved agricultural yields. This improvement has even been witnessed on previously barren land. Zaï holes have proven particularly effective in arid and semi-arid regions with low and erratic rainfall.
A GOALie training farmers in Niger on the Zaï technique and composting.
Becoming a local role model
As the techniques gain traction, Gankio Yacoudima has become a role model for zaï hole farming. Local farmers have been approached by neighbouring villages eager to learn. Abdouramane experienced firsthand the benefits of this approach. Before embracing the zaï technique, his sorghum (a protein packed grain) harvest ranged between 75 and 112 kilograms per hectare. Since implementing the method, his production soared to an impressive 200 to 250 kilograms per hectare.
Ensuring a lasting legacy
Reflecting on this transformation, Abdouramane says, “If GOAL had simply given us money, we would have forgotten about it. However, by imparting the zaï technique, GOAL’s presence continues to resonate in our villages.”
The impact of GOAL support has extended beyond agricultural training – serving as a beacon for capacity building and rural development. GOAL’s training and expertise continues to shape the community’s practices in various areas. This includes market gardening, savings and credit associations (VSLAs), Cash for Work, and climate change adaptation. Empowered with this knowledge and practical training, the local community have improved their access to sustainable food and reduced levels of malnutrition – creating a sustainable path towards prosperity.
