Senegalese farmer empowering women through agroecology
In the heart of Casamance, a region in southern Senegal, a quiet revolution is unfolding. For over three decades, Mariama Sonko has been championing the economic independence of rural women through sustainable agriculture. This 59-year-old farmer, born into a peasant family, now leads Nous sommes la solution, a pan-African movement uniting more than 800 associations across eight West African nations.
From peasant roots to agricultural leadership
Mariama Sonko’s journey began in Niaguis, a small village in Casamance, where she witnessed firsthand the struggles of rural women. « The pressure on women was unbearable, and it fueled my determination to change things, » she explains. Despite laws granting women land ownership rights, cultural barriers often prevent them from exercising those rights. Sonko’s mission became clear: to restore agricultural sovereignty by empowering women through agroecology.
Her commitment took a dramatic turn when her father passed away, leaving her mother to care for 10 children with limited resources. « I had to drop out of school to help, but adversity only strengthened my resolve, » she recalls. At just 19, she began cultivating a small plot with other women, only to face expulsion three years later. Undeterred, she fought for land ownership and, a decade ago, established a 3-hectare experimental farm near Ziguinchor. The farm operates without pesticides and relies solely on local seeds, employing 30 women who have since gained financial independence.
Agroecology and financial independence
Nous sommes la solution, the movement she leads, has grown exponentially since its inception. Today, it encompasses 800 associations across 10 West African countries, with 200,000 primarily illiterate women as members. « Seeing their progress fills me with pride, » Sonko shares. « Over 100 women now have individual bank accounts and save money. They diversify their income sources, and that’s empowering. »
The movement’s core principles revolve around agroecology and preserving local seeds, reducing dependence on multinational corporations. Sonko emphasizes the importance of food sovereignty, stating, « If we don’t organize ourselves, we risk losing control over our own land and resources. The seed capital we’re rebuilding is vital for African life and sovereignty. »
Her dedication has not only transformed individual lives but has also sparked a broader conversation about gender equality in agriculture. As she travels across West Africa, Sonko continues to inspire women to reclaim their rightful place in the agricultural sector, proving that sustainable farming and women’s empowerment go hand in hand.
