Micro-Gardens of Dakar (FAO Micro-jardins)
Dakar, Senegal · Operator: FAO / City of Dakar (Municipality) & partners
Overview
An urban micro-gardening programme begun in 1999 by FAO and the City of Dakar. It fights food insecurity through soil-less cultivation in small spaces and from 2004 was extended to other cities in Senegal and Africa.
Citizen participation
An FAO-led programme growing vegetables by soil-less (substrate) table cultivation in small urban spaces such as roofs, yards and vacant areas. Women, youth, the elderly, people with disabilities and inmates are trained and take part.
Operating model
A public programme run by FAO with the Senegalese government, the City of Dakar and several NGOs. Residents consume what they grow and sell surplus to supplement income.
Impact
An estimated 10,000 people have been trained and around 4,000 families have gained income, healthier food and more diverse diets. One micro-garden can yield about six cropping cycles and roughly 30 kg of vegetables per square metre per year.
Land tenure
Uses existing spaces such as roofs, yards and public areas, accessed by residents with municipal and FAO support.
Crops
- vegetables
- herbs
Scale
Citywide programme; about 10,000 people trained and around 4,000 families reached
Sources(2)
This entry is compiled from the public sources, official sites and research below.
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