Increasing Access to food Security821 million people in the world are undernourished. food insecurity is four times higher in sub-saharan africa than anywhere else in the world.
Food security is a serious issue in our partner communities. It’s unfortunately common for families to rely on one meal per day, causing a ripple effect that impacts community health and student performance – perpetuating the cycle of poverty. The issues of climate change, deforestation, and the use of chemical fertilizers have only intensified the threat.
The Sonder Project seeks to improve food security by developing solar-powered irrigated community farms and leading agricultural education workshops focused on agroecology techniques.
Currently, The Sonder Project is developing one community farm in Burkina Faso, which was initiated in 2018. The farm is approximately 11 acres in size and has 100+ members supporting over 500 people. It uses solar-powered irrigation and is capable of producing crops three times a year – whereas traditional rain-fed farming is capable of only one. The farm is managed by a local leadership committee made up of an equal number of men and women, and is supported by Sonder Project staff. We’re proud to report that 78% of the farm’s members are women! Due to cultural norms, women are far less likely than men to own land. As a result, our community farm provides much-needed economic opportunity for women.
SONDER FARM UPDATES
Pauline’s Story: Finding Strength and Stability Through Farming
Read the story of Pauline, one members of The Sonder Project’s sustainable Community Farm in Burkina Faso. The 100% solar-irrigated farming project has helped her overcome many of the challenges common to women in rural communities — from uncertain harvests to limited economic opportunity.
Celebrating a Milestone Year in Burkina Faso
Highlights from our February visit to Burkina Faso, where we revisited the roots of The Sonder Project, celebrated ten years of impact, and helped shape the next chapter of community empowerment.
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...
Unwrap Potential Series: Opportunity
Yamwaoga Sam, 40 years old, has lived a difficult life. She has been mute since she was a child, apparently the result of a case of meningitis from when she was a child – her family believes.
WeSonder for Food Security
See how our partnership with a community in Burkina Faso is leading towards a food secure future.
STORY FROM THE FIELD – Koudyoba Giro Odile
Photography: Tara Rice Koudyoba’s story is sadly not unique, but it highlights the impact of The Sonder Project. Koudyoba is a widow. She never went to school and was married at the age of 17 in an arranged marriage. 4 years ago her husband got sick and died....
STORY FROM THE FIELD – Rouamba Odile
Rouamba Odile is a fighter. She was born in the 1960’s in Burkina Faso, but she’s not sure exactly when. She never went to school and she isn’t able to read/write. Her father tried to arrange her marriage at the age of 17, but she ran away to her sisters...