AFRICAN WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT : CASAMANCE VEGETABLE GROWERS EVALUATION REPORT

This special evaluation, the time frame for which is unspecified, is based on document review, site visits, and interviews with villagers. Vegetable gardens were reported planted by women in seven of the 13 targeted villages, but only two of the four villages visited had producing gardens. Women reported that crops were planted at the wrong time, causing loss of crops, income, and coop membership. The 25 installed wells are operational but often run dry. Only two of the 26 pumps are working since spare parts are difficult to obtain, and there is a shortage of maintenance personnel. Project vehicles are broken, and all but two donkeys have died from disease. Supervision and provision of technical assistance by Government of Senegal extension agents were uncoordinated. Profits from the produce were difficult to ascertain since the women were reluctant to release this information for fear of being taxed. It is clear, however, that profits were minimal. While training in cooperative and financial management training was provided irregularly to women, some did not understand the concepts presented. Only 10 women attended a regional seminar on vegetable production due to lack of advanced notice and transportation. Only a few of the 13 planned literacy training centers were constructed, and those trained are primarily men. Women do not have time to attend or are uninterested. The centers are also used for child care and community meetings. In general, women did not evidence a desire for this project; rather, it was imposed upon them. However, the nutrition level in the villages has increased from consumption of the produce. For similar projects in the future it is recommended that marketing studies be conducted to avoid market saturation; training be provided in vegetable preservation, vehicle maintenance, and animal care; and that project inputs arrive at the villages in carefully-spaced intervals.