Mali
Urban agriculture in Bamako, a public health approach
15 July 2008Alternatives, in collaboration with Québec’s Ministère des relations internationales has organized the ’Urban agriculture in Bamako, a public health approach’ internship project, part of our Quebec Sans Frontiere Program. You can follow our interns presently in Mali by reading our interns’ blog.
1. Southern host organisation:
Clubs Kayira de l’Association des Radios libres Kayira
The ’Réseau des Radios Libres et des Clubs Kayira’ is a democratic watch dog organisation, its mandate is to raise awareness and undertake popular education on:
local, national and international news, reported impartially and independently
Helping bring together large numbers of citizens to undertake civic education trainings to found the basis of participatory democracy
Take an active part in informing the public health, hygiene and environmental issues
Give a voice to associations and all citizens who otherwise have no forum in which to express themselves
Combat the dissemination of ideas and principles founded on intolerance, racism, exclusion and xenophobia
Opening the radio station to a diversity of cultural expression (artist presentations and musical presentations, theater and cinema) from Mali and elsewhere.
2. Internship objectives
Region, city or village : Bamako
Résumé of the internship objectives:
Allow young Québecers to share in a meaningful international solidary experience with Malian culture
Foster the acquision of urban agriculture work experience in a way that impacts the candidate’s personal and career path
Promote urban agriculture and ecological practices in the North and the South
Support a community development initiative that aims to enhance the community’s autonomy and revenue generating activities
Share the Alternatives’ knowledge and best practice in urban agriculture, especially with regards to hydroponics and permaculture
Foster an opportunity for interns to integrate into the daily routine of an international cooperation organization
Résumé of field activities:
A visit of the urban agriculture porjects of our Malian partners
Set up a vegetable plot (physical modification of a terrace)
Urban agriculture work with a partner from the South
Deliver workshops on a variety of themes, including hydroponic growing techniques and waste management including recycling and recuperation, using established urban agriculture principles aligned with public health standards
Number of participants : 8 interns and 1 accompagnier
Overseas placement : From 15 June 2009 to 14 August 2009 (60 days)
Pre-departure training : From 10 November 2008 to 15 June 2009
