Nduungu

Asalaam Malekum!

(Peace unto you)

The past several months have been full as we got our hands in the dirt, traveled for work, and found the occasional fun adventure. Kirby and I have gone to professional development trainings, attended community events and holidays, and been offered our weight in Attaya and sweet milk. So much has been going on. Today I wanted to take a moment and highlight our current season in Senegal…a season of work, prayer, and community… Nduungu – the rainy season.

Tobo!

(rain)

Beginning in late June this year, the “rainy season” months of May through September are an important time for farmers and communities alike. Rain-fed agriculture means that as soon as the season arrives, there is a marked change in day-to-day activities for men, women, and children alike. Before the first rain, fields must be prepped for planting and homes must be secured for the coming downpour. After the first or second rain, farmers seed fields – trusting that more rain will follow, allowing their crop to grow to maturity.

Master Farm field preparation

Local Farmer Training

Kirby, along with the Diagaly Master Farmer, held trainings to discuss the Peace Corps Seed Extension Program and teach farmers about the technique of using zai holes in their fields. Each year, Peace Corps Senegal provides seeds for field crops such as millet, beans and corn to a small number of farmers within a village. Volunteers collect data on how the seed grew and produced, using the opportunity to discuss improved farming techniques with local famers. Farmers can then save seed from their harvest to use next season.

Local farmers attended a training on PC Seed Program and Zai Hole Technique

Preparing Homes

Every year, families assess the stability of their shade structures and thatch roof huts, re-building what make be likely to leak under heavy wind and rain. For re-roofing homes, grass is woven with wire or fabric strips, then chopped for one clean edge and rolled in large bundles. Finally, the grass is unrolled to create a water and wind resistant shelter.

Grass is woven with wire, given a clean edge, then unrolled to make the new roof.

First Rain

Exciting day! June 27, 2018 – to be exact. The first rain chased us home from working at the Master Farm. Before any water falls, enormous dust storms blow through, temporarily blocking out the sun and forcing everyone to shelter. This happens because the landscape hasn’t seen rain for 9 months.

Though it sent us all running for cover, rain couldn’t stop Attaya delivery or family selfies.

Prayer Gathering

When rain proved to be difficult and crops were not getting enough water, our neighborhood gathered to thank god for the rain thus far and pray for it to continue. The entire community came together, spending 6+ hours under the shade of a huge Baobab tree. Women cooked a traditional meal of millet & rice balls with milk, while men held a group prayer.

Yo Allah addu jam (May God bring peace)

We are currently nearing the end of the rainy season in our region. Some crops have flourished, while others have suffered greatly from inconsistent rainfall. Farmers are awaiting beans, millet, corn, watermelon, and other crops to mature. As we transition from rainy season into harvest, our work here continues. In the fields and the village, we are exchanging lessons and knowledge, learning from farmers, neighbors and friends.