Water, Health & Women's Empowerment- Guinea Bissau

It is rainy season in Guinea Bissau and work has started for community market gardens. We thought that we would take this opportunity to talk about how something as seemingly simple as community market gardens help to tackle some of the root causes which can lock villages in a cycle of poverty. Having a holistic approach which addresses several root issues is most likely to succeed in achieving development which is lasting, meaningful and inclusive for all.

Unemployment is extremely high in Guinea Bissau and most young people can only access seasonal jobs with no stable income. By training women in agriculture, community saving and market garden construction, this increases their skill level and employability. WellFound's market garden training also has a variety of additional benefits. Prior to working with the selected villages, we found that there was very limited access to a balanced diet and proper nutrition. Many of the villages selected by WellFound are extremely remote and are often difficult to farm. This means that malnutirion is extremely common, especailly among women and children. With women being trained in seed preservation and food production, they are able to ensure that they and their families are getting a balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables.

When researching and visiting villages we found that women and girls had limited influence over community decisions. By ensuring that local women are the ones in charge of managing and maintaining market gardens, they can become empowered within their communities. Women do not only manage the soil and plants, but also finances and mico saving schemes which ensure that the gardens are properly maintained and that everybody is contributing fairly. Along with education workshops on the value of women in society, when women successfully run market garden and micro saving operations, men quickly realize the value of women in community decision making. This creates a more equal and fair society where everyone's opinions are shared and another half of the working population are able to contribute in a meaningful and effective way.

Once market gardens are up and running successfully, they are able to produce excess vegetables, meaning that the women in charge of running the gardens can sell the additional harvests at market. This additional role of managing sales and finances in the community not only brings in more money but works to further empower women socially as well as financially.

All of this work has far reaching and long lasting effects which meaninguflly improves the lives of many people. From behalf of everybody at WellFound and those living in Anopoco, Eticunda, Acuminca, Etinghoure and Ancano, thank you for your time and support. Every donation, large and small is truly appreciated.