Turning Waste into Wealth: An Ingenious Alternative for the Women of Lalo

An Ingenious Alternative: Composting

With the support of the Réseau Paix et Sécurité des Femmes de l'Espace CEDEAO (REPSFECO), and in collaboration with CECI and its Volunteer Cooperation Program, these women were able to deepen their knowledge of composting and maximize the benefits of this sustainable and economical method. By turning household waste into a natural fertilizer, they increased the fertility of their soils while reducing pollution and production costs.

"When we started doing it, and people saw it was something ingenious and innovative, we became sought-after. Now, many women are looking to join our group to benefit from this knowledge and solve their money problems", says Brigitte Daclan, president of the Wagninan Association.

Results that Change Lives

The impact of this project has been remarkable: increased harvests, improved incomes and empowered women. They can now provide for their families without depending on their spouses, while helping to preserve their environment.

What's more, the initiative has created a local buzz: new women's groups have approached the association, requesting that it shares its expertise so that they can learn about composting. 

"Other women's groups are now asking us to share our composting expertise. We've already helped around twenty groups get started and we plan to train even more women in neighboring communes," continues Micheline Assogba. 

A Lasting Environmental Impact 

Composting is much more than just an economic activity. By recycling organic waste, these women actively contribute to waste reduction and soil conservation. 

"By enriching the soil and eliminating household waste, composting improves our living environment. It embodies our commitment to a sustainable future, while reducing pollution and preserving biodiversity," concludes Micheline Assogba. 

An Inspiring Model for Rural Communities 

The composting project run by the women of Wagninan illustrates the power of collective action and female leadership to combine economic prosperity with environmental responsibility. Through their approach, they are not only cultivating their land, but also building a more equitable and sustainable future for their community.  

This story is based on the activities of the Volunteer Cooperation Program carried out in partnership with the Government of Canada.

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