International Organization for Migration (IOM) organised several training courses for close to 100 community members in the municipalities of Dirkou, Djado, Fachi and Bilma in the Kawar region
The aim of the trainings was to equip youth with the knowhow to practice market gardening as a viable alternative.
The initiative was supported by IOM under its community stabilization programme financed by European Union in the framework of the EU-IOM Joint Initiative for Migrant Protection and Reintegration.
During the trainings, the young gardeners learned about the right conditions for production, techniques for growing different types of vegetables in a desert environment, as well as maintenance methods. These technical sessions were delivered by experienced field trainers, working in close collaboration with authorities and monitoring committees.
Most of the participants had cultivated crops without having received any specific training.
The different phases of the five-day course included theoretical classes, practical exercises and an assessment of their newly acquired skills. The gardeners are committed to putting their learning into practice after the training.
“The outdoor exercises were really useful. I will surely be able to reproduce the pest management techniques we learned during the training,” said Salah, trained in Dirkou.
By creating a space and opportunity for exchange, community stabilization activities also aim to reinforce community dialogue and improve social cohesion. The training courses helped to strengthen the youth’s confidence in local authorities and reduce their frustrations linked to the lack of economic opportunities or technical support.
“Support for market gardening is one of the region’s priority needs due to its power to revitalize the local economy,” said Salifou laoeul Haliloumi, mayor of the Fachi Department. “This training is of great importance to us because it will boost our youth’s productivity and create a climate of trust between authorities and community members.”
