Year one of project implementation in Keur Mandongo

22 September 2025

CREATE! successfully completed its first year of project implementation in Keur Mandongo, Senegal. The reporting period from January to June 2025 saw varied weather conditions, with extreme heat from April to June affecting crops and life. Despite this, the community performed better than expected.

Key activities and achievements were:

• Safety and water management: The community prioritized safety measures, including protecting the main water source with a lid and fence. They maintained a stable water supply of 25,000 liters per day, using drip irrigation to optimize water use and reduce evaporation.
• Agricultural practices: The women of Keur Mandongo practiced year-round agriculture, producing a variety of vegetables such as turnips, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, eggplants, and peppers. They learned to evaluate and maintain their crops, ensuring quality produce.
• Turnip harvest: Nearly 2 tons of turnips were harvested and sold at various markets, including the Kaolack central market. The turnips were well-received, leading to the production of turnip-tomato sauce as an entrepreneurial venture.
• Tomato harvest: Tomatoes were the next major crop, planted in February and harvested in April. The tomatoes were of high quality and sold successfully at weekly markets.
• Infrastructure improvements: A toilet and store room were constructed in May and June 2025, improving working conditions for the women.

The project had a positive impact on the community, with hands-on training from agricultural technicians and effective water management practices contributing to their success