Project to improve agroecology training courses at ‘’Ferme des 4 chemins’’ in Senegal

‘’Ferme des 4 chemins’’ is a project integrated into the life of local communities to guarantee food security and sovereignty. The farm cultivates with respect for nature, people and local realities. Our aim is to contribute to the emergence of sustainable food systems that are resilient, autonomous and respectful of the environment.

‘’Ferme des 4 Chemins’’ is located in Senegal, in the village of Toubab Dialaw, on land belonging to the municipality of Yenne in one of the areas of the Dakar region (Département de Rufisque) that still retains its rural character and agricultural production. Market gardening, fruit growing and intensive livestock farming are well practiced.

In this area known as the “Petite Côte du Sénégal”, the proximity of the sea and the existence of a climate influenced by the Azores anticyclone (sub-Canadian coastal microclimate) have fostered a tradition of highly productive fishing, farming and intensive cattle breeding.

However, in this fishing village of Lébous and throughout the area, agriculture and livestock farming are tending to disappear due to strong land speculation and the massive installation of second homes belonging to a social class that is increasingly concerned about the quality of the products it consumes. This social phenomenon has contributed to the installation of integrated farms (agriculture and livestock) with production oriented towards agroecological farming to meet this growing demand for healthy, quality products.

Given that the local population's dependence on food is increasing without new income-generating activities appearing (unemployment, rural exodus of young people), the ‘’Ferme des 4 chemins’’ offers an alternative to this dynamic to alleviate or even resolve the problem over time and with the communities.

Thanks to the support of the ECOWAS AEP, the ‘’Ferme des 4 Chemins’’ aims to broaden its skills and scope of action in agroecology (global appropriation of the 10 pillars of AE) by providing its various target groups with a center with enhanced skills for training, incubation and diversified production throughout the year, as well as for the dissemination of knowledge and best practices.

The "project to improve the agroecology training courses" is an opportunity that will enable it to :

• Capacity-building of human resources by recruiting additional staff, providing training in agro-ecology, economic, financial and managerial management, and setting up projects eligible for Green Climate Funds for the farm's staff and trainers.
• Pedagogical and training engineering, with the development of courses for young people and women wishing to adopt the philosophy and practices of agroecology. The construction of training curricula for different profiles of literate and non-literate learners (farmers, students, academics, individuals, etc.).
• The development of infrastructures with the construction of additional dormitories with a capacity of 12 people to improve the reception of trainees and trainers and encourage exchanges. We are also planning to build stables and refurbish our poultry barn to help integrate the plant and animal production practices essential to agroecology.
• To capitalize on the experience of “Ferme des 4 Chemins”, based on its achievements and the experience of trainers and learners, by publishing illustrated booklets in French and local languages, which will enable agroecological knowledge to be widely disseminated and promoted among communities.
• Study trips through exchange visits abroad, trainers' trips and themed meetings on the farm.