Anna Taft received these photos from Mali  that show the progress of the stock ponds the  Bellbrook United Methodist Church is funding. The photos below show that the stock pond was dug and community members are discussing  the plantings protective bushes that will go around the edge of the pond.

We are so thankful for the means to make these possible. It will make a tremendous difference for the people who live in these communities.

The Olouguelemo Environmental Association in Mali recently held a training session for representatives from 9 of its 17 member villages on the construction of stone contour lines for erosion prevention.  A quick glance at the photos and it's clear how essential erosion prevention is for these farmers.  During the training they learned how to construct stone contour lines to protect and enhance the new stock pond in Goundoly Dogon.  The village representatives will go home and teach the techniques they have learned to other farmers in their villages.  They are also receiving tools, so that they will all have the ability to continue to build stone contour lines to prevent erosion in their own fields.  This work will conserve both soil and water and increase crop yields. 

The first rains have come and the new stock ponds are starting to fill with water! The herders are very relieved that they will be able to water their animals near home and not have to go walking many miles in search of water.  Having this water nearby will also help protect the forests. The livestock won’t have to cross through these protected areas when searching for water, which damages the forests and causes erosion.

The other bit of news is that the representatives of the 9 member villages who received training and tools for erosion prevention have gone home and continued their erosion prevention work in their villages.  They are busy building stone contour lines to protect the soil in their fields and also retain moisture for their crops.  This hard work will allow them to produce more food and get closer to food security.  They also have built stone contour lines around the stock ponds to protect the ponds from filling with sediment and preventing the nearby fields from losing soil.  

Here is a video about this work: https://youtu.be/grXR0c87Ec0

The Olouguelemo Environmental Association and the village of Andjine initiated this project.  The pond is full of water and residents have planted spiny plants around the edge to protect it from erosion. With training from the Tandana staff, they have created a management committee to provide long-term sustainable management for the pond.

TANDANA CONTINUES TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN MALI

The Olouguelemo reforestation campaign has kicked off in Kansongo.  It will continue until the end of September, and, according to Housseyni, this is the 4th campaign of the year.  The reforestation campaign is supported by the Olouguelemo Environmental Association, the office of the mayor of Wadouba Township, and The Tandana Foundation. In even better news, it rained last week, to water the trees, which is a good sign for the success of the campaign.

Tandana Update

The school in Andjine, Mali sends a warm message of thanks!  …They are really enjoying the desks that were provided for the students and the addition of Salimata Karembe to the teaching staff with Tandana support.  Salimata is teaching 35 third graders and 34 fourth graders this year…. Thank you for providing the furniture for the school and for your support!

My name is Daouda Karembe, a beneficiary of the Andjine Nantanga pond.
 
Here are some impacts of the Andjine Nantanga pond in the Wadouba Township after three years of work.
 
Since the completion of the pond, the village of Andjine Nantanga practices seasonal market gardening from which we generate revenue despite the small size of our garden. We produce corn, okra, eggplant, onion, pepper, and so much more.
 
We thank The Tandana Foundation and its donors for supporting the local initiatives and for creating value for the community. The impact of this pond is positive to date. Thanks to the implementation of the stone contour lines and the fight against erosion, in only three years, trees are protected and grass grows beside the contours.
 
Now all the differences between the traditional practices and the new variety of methods that have been undertaken against deforestation and soil degradation are more apparent.
 
We had immediate results after the technical training in erosion control work in the proximity of the pond. With this activity, we can prevent the silting of the pond, protect the trees, and promote grass growing.

A small needle that sews great fabrics: the success of the women indigo dyers of Sol Djeninke

Indigo dyeing is a major source of income for women in rural Mali. The Tandana Foundation has helped several villages create indigo banks to manage a revolving fund for the materials they use, similar to the cotton banks the organization has supported in other villages. The newest indigo bank is in Sol Djeninke. When it started, the leadership committee of the Sol Djeninke indigo bank participated in a workshop to learn how to manage their bank and also how to dye safely using both natural and chemical dyes. Tandana also provided the women with their equipment and supplies to get the new indigo bank up and running.  Recently they held their first annual meeting to reimburse the cost of the materials they used and evaluate the first campaign.  

Many thanks to all who have contributed to the BUMC Christmas Offering over the years – the Indigo Bank received part of your gifts and is strengthening the lives of families and communities in Mali!

For more information about Sol Djeninke Clothing, click on Tandana Blog.