Dakar is surrounded by the sea like an island. The people are welcoming and friendly.
We have met people working in agriculture, youth work, entrepreneur, health and education. Again we meet an enthusiasm towards the IPMT,
Our journey into the country-side, THIES, has brought us into contact with organisations who help thousands of farmers. Some that work in Organic farming, some that see the need to go organic and are concerned about the contamination in the underground water, and an organisation that promotes BIODYNAMIC farming. So again enthusiastic and good meetings were had. AOUM, FENAB, Agrecol and others all doing good work.
We visited an organic farm yesterday where Neem trees grown provide natural insecticide, solar power is used and careful irrigation systems to preserve water but give enough water for the plant to prosper.
Today we visited a factory where Baobab, Neem, sesame and other plant oils are produced. Many leads were given of traditional medicines and their production and even a hospital (hoping to visit) which is traditional.
A visit to a village has been a highlight where we were introduced to an old blind man who began growing trees in the sandy region of his farm at the age of 60. He was told he was crazy as he would never reap the benefit and trees don't grow here. Well he now boasts 7 acres of beautiful trees over 150 species all producing fruit and medicines. His knowledge of the medicinal qualities was immense. He said if I spent the whole day with him he could tell me about every one of his trees and his wish to impart his knowledge is urgent. He wants it written down. What a pity that I did not have an extra day in Thies. But this could be a future mission. He has been TOTALLY ORGANIC and because of his successful growth, this has influenced the local farmers who all became organic. He explained the way he prepares his compost - how he brings the balance of salt, calcium and the other and it as if he knows Biodynamics naturally. He works and prepares as an Alchemy and with a deep knowledge. He spoke like Goethe when he described meeting the Being of each tree to understand its nature. I can learn a great deal from this man. Thank you to Ibrahim Seck from FENAB for bringing me here.
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