Seed Storage Facility

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Template:Project HELP Seed Storage Facility Project Type(s):
Country:	Senegal
Volunteer(s) Name:	K Ballantine
Volunteer(s) Homestate:	Connecticut
Funds community contributed:	$3719
Percentage community contributed:	25%
Funds needed were:	$7858
Funds requested were:	$11153
PPCP #:	685-104
Year of project approval:	2009
Projects started in Senegal 2009 (9).
Dindefelo Summer Camp, Girls' Summer Camp, Health Association Capacity Building, Health Hut Construction, Irrigation Initiative, Latrine Construction, Latrine Construction in Senegal, Seed Storage Facility, and Well Construction
Other Projects in Senegal (11).
Dindefelo Summer Camp, Girls' Summer Camp, Health Association Capacity Building, Health Hut Construction, Irrigation Initiative, Latrine Construction, Latrine Construction in Senegal, Seed Storage Facility, Senegalese Girls Bike Tour (Tour des Filles), Sirmang Community Garden Project, and Well Construction
Other Projects by Volunteers from Connecticut (11).
Chernivsti Listening and Speaking Classroom Project, Chernivtsi Environmental NGO "Krona", Mark Dripchak, Girls' Basketball Court and Team, Health Hut Construction, Hospital Training Facility, Jizzak English Summer Camp, Pre-Kindergarten/Kindergarten School Construction, Primary School Renovation (Soungassou), Seed Storage Facility, Tourist Eco-Cabin, and What Do You Do When the Water Runs Dry? Build a New Holding Tank.
Other PCPP Projects by Volunteers (438).
Developing an Expanded English Curriculum
Don't see your Project, Add yours!
Mapped Projects around Senegal (1).

Info about the Seed Storage Facility

PENC-MI is a Senegalese-run organization seeking to improve the quality of life of villagers in the department of Nioro du Rip in Senegal, West Africa. PENC-MI Kaymor services a population of over 18,000 people, most of whose livelihoods rely on subsistence farming of millet, corn, sorghum, and rice with peanuts acting as their main source of income. Currently they depend on the Senegalese government to provide agricultural seed. However, this seed is expensive, of poor quality, and often arrives late, leading to hunger and malnutrition.

Since its implementation in 2001, PENC-MI Kaymor has combated the fundamental problems of its citizens, specifically those in sustainable agriculture. In 2003 representatives implemented a seed extension program where PENC-MI gave farmers seed at the start of the planting season to be reimbursed in kind after harvest. Beginning with peanuts, PENC-MI planned to expand the program to the other main crops of the area in future years. The program quickly grew beyond their small office storage facility, so in 2004 leaders applied for a grant to build a proper facility to store seed. However, they have yet to receive money for this facility, an essential element to the program’s success and growth. A Peace Corps Partnership would pay for such a seed storage facility as well as seed treatment and storage materials, allowing expansion of this community-initiated project. In doing so, PENC-MI’s farmers hope to become self-sufficient in agricultural seed production, leading to greater food security, health, nutrition, and improved quality of life.

Note: This summary was provided by a Peace Corps Volunteer and the community administering this project.