Unwrap Prosperity: Meet Evelyne

In the village of Komsnedego, Burkina Faso, Evelyne Kabre , 37, juggles many roles: a mother to five boys, a market vendor, and a hardworking farmer. Despite her determination, life was a constant struggle before she joined The Sonder Project’s community farm.  As she sits down to speak with us, she tells us it’s hard for her to believe how much has changed in just a year.

Meet Evelyne Kabre (37) from Komsnedego, Burkina Faso

Before the community farm, low rainfall and irregular wet seasons left Evelyne’s crops barely enough to feed her family, let alone provide income. Her husband left the village to seek employment in the Ivory Coast.  He was rarely at home and whatever money he could send back was inconsistent.  With five sons to care for and no formal education, Evelyne did what she could—brewing local beer to sell and cooking food for market days—but the income was never enough. “Before the farm, life was complicated,” she recalls. “I often sat idle, with little to do.”

Evelyn with her sons: Illaire, Fidele, Nathanael, and Sandrine

That all changed when she heard about the Sonder Project farm. “I joined last year. I told my mother-in-law, and we joined together,” Evelyne says. With access to year-round solar-powered irrigation, Evelyne’s plot is thriving.  Evelyne uses her sorrel, onion, and bean leaves to prepare meals to sell – a skill she learned from her mother – often saving money by harvesting directly from her land. “Thanks to the farm, my business is growing, and we’re earning enough to feed ourselves at home. I can even support my husband with certain expenses,” she says.

Evelyne harvests produce from her farm plot to prepare and sell meals in the market

Evelyne’s favorite moment? Harvesting vegetables for the first time. “It was my first time growing vegetables by myself, and it worked,” she says with a quiet sense of accomplishment.   The farm’s irrigation system has been transformative. “During the dry season, I don’t worry as much about rainfall. I can produce enough to eat and sell,” Evelyne says. Last season, she earned 50,000 CFA (around $80) from crop sales, a significant boost for her household.

Evelyn tends to her farm plot with one of her sons, Sandrine

But Evelyne’s contributions go beyond her plot. Her entrepreneurial spirit inspires others in the village. “I tell other women to join because the farm helps so much,” she says.  Evelyne no longer fears irregular rainfall as much as she used to. “No matter what happens, I know we’ll have enough to eat and sell,” she says.

Looking ahead, Evelyne dreams of securing a stable future for her family. “In five years, I hope for more income and for my children to grow into great men who can support our family.” She remains hopeful, knowing the farm is her stepping stone.

Evelyne ready to serve cooked food at her stall in the market

For Evelyne, the farm represents more than sustenance—it’s a source of empowerment, stability, and hope. With each harvest, she unwraps the potential for her family’s future.

Evelyne showing us the spring onions harvested from her farm plot