News

Dockx Logistics - Tolimpex supports project aid program for villages in Mali

10 May 2010

Our special attention goes to a project helping farmers in Mali to become independent. This happens by making use of micro credit facilities: all machines and tools for the farmers will be paid back after a period.

A lot of villages in Mali have a similar problem: clean, drinkable water and so this is the ideal starting point to motivate villagers to cooperate.

The villages get a draw-well, a wind-mill and after a while distribution possibilities enabling to distribute the water over several points in the village.
As a compensation they have to cultivate Jatropha Curcas (Jatropa is comparable to rapeseed: oil containing seeds that can be used as fuel).

If the local people cooperate well, a multi functional platform will be built after some years. This starts with a Diesel engine: during daytime used for cultivating the land or as a mean of transport during the dry season, thereafter a grinding mill or generator etc. are added.

The result should be:

• During the morning women grind flour, make pastry or prepare cereals
• During daytime everybody cultivates the land
• During the afternoon and in the evening the electricity generator is used so:
  • men are able to do artisanal work
  • women can prepare fruit and vegetables
  • Children have light to study

Everything is paid back by the harvest of Jatropha. The co-operation has income thanks to the contribution of the villagers (part of the harvest) and by transferring the seeds into fuel (Bio-Diesel) and fertilizer.

In fact this is not traditional development aid: it is an education plan helping the farmers to get out of their misery. Projects like this demand a lot of energy and money. In the near future these projects will be supported by the Province of West Flanders who also appreciate this concept. At this moment 3 villages are already working like this, with some extra support a full network can be realized, which is the final goal.

A local co-operation is already established Belafrique, more specific questions for more info on how you can help this project, can be achieved via marc@belafrique.be.