Alternative solution
Maybe we return to this later- but as far
as the Dutch side goes I would like to call on the Prince Claus Foundation to
please come and clear up their debris : it is a hazard to animals and an
eyesore extending over considerable areas.
I would also like to ask them to control more carefully what happens to their money
next time they finance something. Should they wish to go ahead with another
tree planting scheme, they might wish to consider something organic and locally
produced to protect the seedlings, such
as these willow surrounds, made in many villages of Mali. Just in case their next project does not work
either, the landscape will at least not be destroyed with plastic and rusty
metal.
Good intentions and ability to throw money
around is not enough. The Dutch are as guilty here as the Malians.
posted by toubab at 12:40 PM
7 Comments:
What a sad tale of mis spent resources when so much good could have been done. Saw a great tree project at Sibi with mango trees and a drier as well as jam maker. Also karite trees being used to make good soap in a women's co-operative.Community involvement seems to be the key. Have seen lots of bamboo tree guards but did not realise that willow also grew in Mali. Do they use it for baskets too? Mary
Sad indeed...and astonishing. Proud of you for being able to report it in such depths. We await response from the Dutch.
Lesson: never throw money/write out cheques for anything you can't follow up properly (or even, ahem, go and have a look at).
As Mary says, 'community involvement seems to be the key'.
I don't really know if it is the same thing as English willow, Mary, but it looks quite like it. I have not seen it used in any other way than this but it is very efficient, allowing mango trees and other seedlings to survive the onslaught of herds of goats and sheep that munch ther way through everything.
Yes, indeed David.Cheques can't just be written willy-nilly.Having said that I should perhaps have seen my chance and asked them for some funding for the manuscript library instead of alienating them. Oh, well..
Hello Sophie,
I have taken the liberty (being dutch I felt this as a responsability) to write a short email to the Prince Claus Foundation pointing out the problems they have caused by not monitoring their project.
I visited your hotel in december 2007 (I'm the father of the girl with the Christmas hat) and have been reading your blog almost from the start.
I sincerely hope to return one day to Mali and visit Djenné and your hotel again.
greetings,
Jelle Kooistra
Thank you Jelle!
I know the picture! I hope you will come back one day
Sophie
Hi Toubab. If you wish to water and strengthen young trees through the drought season..... We at MOPD use this with great success in Sikasso region. Local clay pots work best and leeches one cup of water per day by capilary action. If you probe the facebook photos there is an explanation somewhere on the FB photos search for "Man Of Peace Development" page. But cover the pots and pipe, and you only fill every 4-5 days, but best to keep topped up. Same for pipe (or use Bamboo if available) But this strengthens trees by 20% and deeper root penitration is promoted so tree is naturally more drought resistant for life.... as compared to a surface watered tree. Not to mention so much less water, time, labour. Ill post links... hope they work.
https://www.facebook.com/Manofpeacedevelopment/photos_stream
https://www.facebook.com/Manofpeacedevelopment/photos_stream
Here is the direct link to natural tree irrigation with a pipe or clay jar. https://www.facebook.com/Manofpeacedevelopment/photos/pb.149832458393833.-2207520000.1406471032./502221253154950/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/Manofpeacedevelopment/photos/pb.149832458393833.-2207520000.1406471164./361624123881331/?type=3&theater
and finally. https://www.facebook.com/Manofpeacedevelopment/photos/pb.149832458393833.-2207520000.1406471164./361624000548010/?type=3&theater
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