A Hut of Our Own

Big news everyone: We have learned where we will be living for the next two years! As this is a public blog, we will stick to generalizations location-wise. Ready? Here goes...

Our site is a Mossi village in the north of Burkina, 45 km from the regional capitol on a dusty but passable road. We are lucky enough to have a daily market, a big local maquis with a large flat-screen TV and a soccer field close by. Our house has two bedrooms, a living room, and an indoor shower (this does not, however, imply that we will have running water). We have a private courtyard surrounded by neighbors.

I will be working with the Association pour la Promotion du Maraichage au Loroum/Burkina (APML/B). The northern region of Burkina, being so dry, is known for their dry-season gardening and prudent use of their resources. APML's main work involves the promotion of gardening throughout the region. Right now, they produce the main staple rainy season crops in addition to potatoes, onions, cabbage, tomatoes, garlic and peanuts. They received an ADF grant last year for capacity building and would like me to help them increase their production through new techniques, to improve market access, and to share ideas on conservation of their products. Also, the women of my association make soap and are interested in improving their techniques and to try some new income generating activities. Also, they host a huge potato fair at the end of March which is attended by cultivators from far and wide.

The Mrs. will be working with the Federation des Professionnels Agricoles du Loroum (FPAL). They are a large federation composed of 14 smaller associations that grow and sell market vegetables, sesame, millet, and corn. They are also an ADF recipient and would like to increase their production through new techniques, develop improved technology (such as compost) as well as sensibilize on health and hygiene topics.

We are both extremely excited about these positions. We can both feed our desires to get dirty and learn how to survive and produce food in extreme conditions while simultaneously helping our new community and serving the Peace Corps' larger goals. Yes!