DIMITRA CLUBS in ACTION Special Edition of the Dimitra Newsletter

in action in Clubs Dimitra special

edition Dimitra GENDER, RURAL WOMEN AND DEVELOPMENT

Newsletter April 2019 –Issue #30

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Rome, 2019 Editorial...... 3 Interview with the Coordinator of the Dimitra Clubs’ Programme...... 4 Dimitra Clubs, what impact?...... 6

1. FOOD SECURITY AND NUTRITION

Contents Senegal and Niger - Joint management of cereal stocks to ensure year-round food supplies...... 10 DR Congo and Niger - Any food that can be eaten by a man can also be eaten by a woman...... 12 The Dimitra Clubs stimulate a varied and balanced diet ...... 14 2. GENDER AND WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP Women leaders emerging from the Dimitra Clubs...... 18 Gender roles and relations change visibly...... 20 Testimony. Senegal - “I managed to overcome my shyness and speak in public”...... 21 DR Congo. Dialogue as a tool to fight gender-based violence...... 22 Niger. 16 days of activism against gender-based violence ...... 23 3. COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION Niger. The village of Rigar Djerma breaks out its isolation...... 26 DR Congo. Bamboo washbasins to combat diseases ...... 28 Central African Republic - Women’s leadership for sustaining peace ...... 29 Testimony. DR Congo - Learning to read and write...... 29 Burundi – Niger. Water, a source of community mobilization...... 30 4. SOCIAL COHESION AND PEACE DR Congo. The Twa and Bantus learn to live together ...... 34 Niger. Together we are stronger ...... 36 Senegal. Solidarity renewed through the clubs...... 37 Mali. Communication and reconciliation ...... 38 5. ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE Senegal. Saré Boubou, a united community facing climate change...... 42 Mali. The village of Kedou fights against erosion...... 43 Niger. Mobilizing energies to meet the environmental challenges ...... 44 6. RURAL ORGANIZATIONS DR Congo. From “Bosasele” to a savings and credit cooperative...... 48 A self-development approach to galvanize rural organizations ...... 50 Niger. A women’s organization supporting food security...... 51 7. SHARING INFORMATION AND KNOWLEDGE Community radio, Dimitra Clubs’ natural partner ...... 54 Dimitra Clubs use ICTs as enablers for sustainable development...... 56 South-South cooperation – sharing of experiences between the clubs of Niger, Mali and Senegal ...... 57 8. THE VOICE OF YOUTH Youth Dimitra Clubs: a driver for local governance...... 60 Niger. Getting married: which choice for young people? ...... 62 Testimony. Reducing early marriage ...... 63 DR Congo – Youth club of Yanonge, an example of self-determination...... 64

Acknowledgements...... 65

2 Editorial

Dear Readers, Following an interview with the Dimitra It is crucial to continue engaging in this Clubs’ Programme Coordinator, this issue area, paying particular attention to women, This Dimitra newsletter that you are opens with a look at the main results of two youth and groups with restricted access holding in your hands or reading on your studies on the club’s approach. Readers will to productive resources, and whose active screen is a special one. Special, in that it then be able to browse between one impact participation in rural organizations and focuses exclusively on the Dimitra Clubs, an area and another, going through stories community life is limited. This can be empowerment approach launched by FAO 10 and testimonies that narrate the changes seen clearly in rural development projects years ago and which over time has established generated by the Dimitra Clubs in rural and programmes: innovative and flexible itself as one of the Organization’s good communities. development models, such as the Dimitra practices in terms of community mobilization, Clubs, are essential because they bring about gender equality and empowerment. Thanks to the Dimitra Clubs, individual and genuine changes. Essential also because they collective action is at the heart of development But above all, ‘special’ in that it offers a direct build on the human and social capital, and on interventions, supported by dialogue and link between several challenges affecting rural inclusive and sustainable development appropriate information and communication areas and some of the remarkable results technologies. In this way, women and men of I would like to thank all those who have obtained by the Dimitra Clubs in the villages all ages are investing in themselves and in the contributed to this newsletter – often partners of Burundi, the Central African Republic, community, and making their voices heard so in the field – who have done their best, each in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as to improve livelihoods and gender equality, his or her own way, to illustrate the variety of Ghana, Mali, Niger, and Senegal. These without leaving anyone behind. results obtained by the clubs, demonstrating results and success stories have been grouped the potential of this approach in all sectors of into eight impact areas of the clubs, which This area of FAO work is not just important development. were identified by a field survey, followed in helping to effectively fight poverty, but by an impact study conducted in 2017: food also for its contribution to achieve other I hope you enjoy reading the newsletter! security and nutrition, gender and women’s FAO strategic objectives, such as eradicating leadership, community mobilization, hunger and enhancing resilience, as well as Junko Sazaki social cohesion and peace, climate change several of the 17 Sustainable Development Director adaptation, rural organizations, access to Goals of the 2030 Agenda. This is evidenced Social Policies and Rural Institutions (ESP) Division information and sharing of knowledge and by the many different themes addressed in the voice of the youth. this issue. What is a Dimitra Club? A Dimitra Club is a group of men, women, or both, who have decided to join together on a voluntary basis to pursue a common goal: find solutions Access to their common problems in the to services and community and solve them using local resources Nutrition resources. One of the first activities Social and food cohesion for any club is to draw up a list of security problems to be addressed. Since the majority of Africa’s rural population Community depends on agriculture for livelihoods, Education governance this theme always features high on the list of priorities. Other issues also Structuring Domains of Health and figure prominently: nutrition, climate the rural world sanitation change, women’s status, solidarity, and impact of the matters related to everyday life: health, education, infrastructure, peace. Dimitra Clubs Access to Gender economic A Dimitra Club is therefore an informal roles and opportunities relations space for discussion and action, which enables communities to influence their Agricultural environment, through communication, Resilience practices inclusive participation and community Climate Women in mobilization. change decision-making Thanks to local radio stations, the impact of these clubs multiplies: they can learn from each others and share their experiences and achievements to the benefit of the whole community.

3 dimitra | 30 members decide whattodiscuss,how they havecarvedforthemselves, wherethe process of empowerment in a space that areal planning exercise.Theclubsfacilitate on agiventheme,norof participatory a caseofopinionsairedbythe community very highestlevelofparticipation.It’snot thattheseclubsrepresentthe understand education, orthevillage’sisolation. That maybewomen’sheavyworkload,girls’ topic thatisacommoncauseforconcern. nutrition orevenhealth,butanycommon don’t justdiscussagriculturalproduction, where everythingislacking.Sotheclubs those of daily life in oftenremotevillages the issuesthattheywillexplore,whichare theme. Itistheclubmemberswhochoose the factthattheyarenotbasedononesingle Another strikingcharacteristicoftheclubsis groups. women. No one is excluded from these example, theparticipationofall,menand onboard–for members willgraduallytake and philosophyoftheDimitraClubs,whose action. Allthisoccursinlinewiththevalues hold discussionsandengageincollective examine the various problems addressed, manage thegroupdynamic,aswellto receive supportthatenablesthemtobetter or shapetheirdirection.Basically, theclubs from outsidetomoderatethediscussions are self-managed.Nooneisbroughtin the clubsspecial.Firstisfactthatthey 4 club work...It istheclubmemberswho address their challenges, how to make the Absolutely, to butit’simportant participation? it’sSo an approach basedon There areanumberoffeaturesthatmake Clubs’ approach? about Dimitra isreallyWhat special the equality. projects ofself-helpapproachesbasedonparticipation,communitymobilization,andgender capitalization, andadvocacyfortheclubs,campaignssystematicuseindevelopment Together withtheDimitrateam,sheworkscontinuouslyinareasoftechnicalsupport, especially ontheFAO DimitraClubs’approach,whichiscentraltothisissueofthenewsletter. years onissuesofruralcommunityparticipationandtherolecommunicationindevelopment, Christiane Monsieur, Coordinator oftheDimitraClubs’Programme,hasworkedforseveral “Taking their future into their own hands” Programme Coordinator the with Interview of Dimitra the Clubs’ awakening ofthe consciousness”. members themselves oftensay:“it’san club discussion oractivity, butastheclub deeply entrenchedpracticesafter asingle Youthis isjustastart. can’t remove such with thesamerightsasmen. Ofcourse, and preventthemtobecome full citizens, towomen’swell-being, that are detrimental normsandbehaviors into questioncertain everyone also enables the community to call mobilization onissuesthatareofinterestto This dynamicofdiscussionandcommunity needs and perspectives of men and women. voice of women and highlights the different central tothisapproach,whichfreesupthe Obviously, genderrelationsandissuesare don’t havethem. capacities, orrathertheythinkthat because theydon’thavethespaceor don’t have theopportunityto participate, happen ofitsownaccord.Often,people to encouragedialogue,forthatdoesnot appropriate technologies.Itisimportant through radio,themediaandother information andknowledge,especially communicate, butalsotohaveaccess of beingabletoexpressoneselfand component oftheapproach,insense ethnic backgroundswhoareleftbehind. young people,orgroupsfromdifferent the mostvulnerable,poorest,women, community initiatives.Theseareoften generally excludedtoparticipatefullyin projects, theclubsenablepeoplewhoare Unlike otherapproachesordevelopment the samerighttoparticipate. decide, andeachonehasthesamevoice Communication isanothercritical Dimitra Clubs’the define approach? principles other that areWhat the and action,orsimplyjointheinsightsof strengthen itscollectivecapacityofanalysis the communitytobecomeengagedtoo, the community. Thismobilizationenables link betweentheclubsandtheircontext: community mobilization,whichmakesthe All theseprinciplesaredirectlyrelatedto a whole. that thischangebenefitsthecommunityas their roles,undergochange,theideabeing the relations between women and men, and that isdrivenbythecommunity. Asaresult, leads toatransformationofruralsociety manner bythetraditionalauthorities.This discussed andendorsedinaconsultative are socially accepted, since they have been clubs’ analysisintheformofactionsthat role interms of advocacy, information, Niger andDRCongo. Itplaysanimportant based atFAO headquarters,butalso in them arestilloperating! received nosupportforyears.Nearly80%of of clubssetupeightyearsago,whichhave help. In Niger, we have recentlyseencases receive anyexternalmaterialorfinancial because theyareself-sufficientanddonot on functioningafterprojectshaveended, continues inthelong term. Theclubscarry and belongtoit,sotheiraddedvalue by the community,decisions aretaken This isinageneralmanner, sincethe their achievementsandsustainability. already beingimplemented,tostrengthen but theyalsohelptosupportprojectsthatare coordinate projectactivitiesatlocallevel, to sustainable developmentto initiatives? approach this does How way open the The Dimitrateamconsists of people youthat coordinate? roleteam Dimitra isthe ofWhat the or The clubsareoftenusedtokickstart Dimitra Clubs: 4 Focus Areas A flexible and Gender innovative ● Strong emphasis on gender Participation in all phases methodology ● Inclusion of the most marginalized, ● Men’s engagement ● Women’s voice and leadership The Dimitra Clubs’ methodology has women and youth Gender ● Involvement of all actors been developed gradually, building on ● Ownership experiences in several countries, where it has worked in a flexible and organic Participation manner. It is based on three types of Communication activities that enable clubs to be set in place: awareness-raising, training Communication and support, under the supervision Community Community mobilization mobilization ● Access to information of local organizations charged with ● Dialogue and networking monitoring the long-term process, with ● Organizational capacities Community radio, mobile phone ● support from FAO. It is estimated that ● Community dynamics and ICTs ● Collective action this process enables clubs to become autonomous within two years.

q During awareness-raising, the part- methodology, monitoring and evaluation In practical terms, the clubs promote ner organization presents the Dimitra and capitalizing on the results obtained. dialogue, negotiating skills, self-confidence Clubs’ approach and its philosophy to all Today it is still necessary to show the extent and the search for partnerships with members of the community. Particular to which this type of approach is important all development actors present in the efforts are made to involve the most for rural development. Also, given that it region and at national level, starting with marginalized groups, such as women is a very flexible approach, coordination government services (municipal and and youth. Awareness-raising is also plays a crucial role in supporting project provincial). On this issue, and in the same conducted among the administrative implementation. It is critical to be able to vein, I would like to point out that, by its and customary authorities and state draw lessons from the experience of project very nature, a club is never alone. FAO tries services. This process leads to commu- implementation and offer methodological to encourage club networking, but some nity ownership, and the first individual support to guarantee the quality of clubs don’t wait for us to begin working commitments. interventions, based on the principles of the together! It is important for them to rise approach. above the purely local level. w During the first year, a series of training sessions are organized for club Following these years of the development What do you hope your readers will members and the radio stations. They and success of the approach, it also seems take away from this special issue of the focus on: the functioning of the clubs, increasingly clear that we need to follow newsletter? problem analysis, gender equality, two distinct strategies: developing national As Coordinator, I would like to speak on participatory communication, and the expertise capable of responding to the many behalf of the entire Dimitra team, and also production of radio programmes. Other requests we receive to launch Dimitra Clubs the partners, who have given so much to technical training is organized according while fully respecting the basic principles, ensure that Dimitra Clubs should flourish. to needs and opportunities. and a stronger commitment to ensuring All of us wish to see this model broadly that the approach is integrated into the applied to every development project. That’s actions of governments and their partners. because we see on a daily basis the many e Close support is provided by the This is an important point, since the clubs remarkable results that the clubs can have partner organization. Its facilitators represent a “different” way of looking at on rural women, young people, and also offer a regular presence in the communi- development. men. ties and assist the clubs by providing FAO Dimitra methodological support. Partnership seems to be an important The stories and achievements presented The aim is for the clubs to respect and feature of the approach. Why is this? here illustrate different impact areas of the adopt the principles of the approach. The approach is based on the principle clubs, and through them this newsletter Specifically, these are: the participation that strengthening human capital and aims to highlight the wealth and potential of everyone, effective and inclusive com- collective action is critical in order to of rural women and men and their munication, gender mainstreaming, obtain positive change in rural areas. communities, who were the source of the networking between clubs, action as An inherent feature of each club is to material featured. Indeed, we must stop a systematic outcome of discussions, look for collaborations – within the club talking of project “beneficiaries”, since and the adoption of the approach by itself, in the community, with producer these men and women are the fully fledged communities. organizations, local institutions, in fact actors – citizens who work for themselves with all development actors. It is clear that and their community! One solution is to the clubs cannot do everything to resolve the invest in these people, and together build problems that they face, especially with the development that is both sustainable and few resources at their disposal. more equitable. π

5 dimitra | 30 found changes brought aboutasaresultof The researchteamidentifieda seriesofpro process forruralcommunities. sive roleinsupportingthedecision-making tion andaccesstoinformation playsadeci that thelinkbetweencommunitymobiliza those that listen to the radio, suggesting place collectively. Themost activeclubsare cases, listeningtothesebroadcaststakes survey showedthatinmorethanhalfofall to broadcastsabouttheDimitraClubs.The Almost allclubshavearadiosetandlisten ties (6%). strengthening agriculturaltechnicalcapaci sion (9%), education (8%), health (7%) and (16%);solidarityandsocialcohe taboos marriage andgender-basedviolenceorfood harmful culturalpractices,suchasearly of theruralenvironment(23%);rethinking betteraccessandimprovement sanitation, tion identifiedwereverydiverse:hygiene, The main areas of Dimitra Clubs’ interven Mains areasofintervention actors fromtheruralsectorinsecond. members inthefirstcase,andtovarious to thesequestions,givingasayclubs’ surveys haveattemptedto provide answers and improvementinthequalityoflife?Two terms ofgenderequality, self-development impact havetheyhadatcommunitylevel,in what aretheirachievements,and they generate.Sohowdotheclubswork, the clubs,andcommunitydynamicsthat benefited fromthechangesusheredinby about atleasttwomillionpeoplewhohave the clubshavehadapositiveimpacton one-third arewomen.Itisestimatedthat members anddirectbeneficiaries,ofwho Senegal), bringing together some 90,000 Republic ofCongo,Ghana,Mali,Nigerand Central AfricanRepublic,Democratic Clubs in sub-Saharan Africa (Burundi, Today, therearemorethan3,000Dimitra 6 follows: Dimitra Clubs, which canbesummarizedas has allowedaclearerinsightintohowtheapproachworks,andwiderangeofresultsobtained. impact oftheDimitraClubshasbeendeepreachingandlasting.Research conductedin2017-2018 partnerships withtheauthoritiesandothers…listgoeson.Apartfromtheseinitiatives, changes inthelivesofmen,womenandtheirfamilies,agriculturesector, indietaryhabits, have beenreportedonaregularbasisintheDimitranewsletter:buildingofinfrastructures, seen, drivenbybothclubmembersandthecommunitiesinwhichclubshavebeencreated.They A decadeafterFAO firstlaunchedtheDimitraClubs,itistimetotakestock.Manyresultshavebeen impact? what Clubs, Dimitra ------everyone’s interests to be taken onboard. everyone’s interests tobetaken issues tobeaddressed bytheclubsallows The processof choosinganddiscussing king Participatory andinclusivedecision-ma or investedinincomegenerating activities. mainly usedtohelpclubmembers inneed, reaches nearly100%inthecaseofDRC, is ofthoseresources,which a percentage regular contributionstoacommunalfund; surveyed organizememberstomake Overall resultsshowthat72%oftheclubs are paidintoaformalcreditsystem. some otherpurpose.Morerarely, theprofits used to top up communal savings funds for (purchase ofseed,farmingtools,etc.),or generated aredirectlyinvestedinclub For clubs that sell their output, the benefits agricultural activities. women participatetoagreaterextentin greater sumsincommunityinitiatives,and with othervillages,thoseclubsinvest production andconsumption.Compared members frequentlydiscussagricultural set inplace.Accordingtothesurvey, club groups orsavingsandcreditsystemsare In thewomen’sclubs,creditrotation the leanseason. mini-cereal banks(41%)inpreparationfor between clubmembers(30%)orplacedin production isnotsold,theoutputshared example, where86%ofclubs’agricultural variations betweencountries.InNiger, for cereal banksfortheleanseason,withwide production isofferedforsaleorstoredin collective-community fields(30%).Excess move into horticulture production on They often make their supply more stable. that enablethemtoaccessfoodstuffs,or The majorityofclubsengageinactivities economic resilienceandfoodsecurity. the developmentofmechanismsfor The presenceofDimitraClubs Food securityandresilience strengthens activities activities - ernance, togetherwithlocalauthorities, role playedbyclubsincommunitygov A numberofexamplesattesttothecrucial Local governance are strengthenedasaresult. holds. Mutualrespectandsocialcohesion dialogue tobecontinuedwithinhouse even whenthesearedifficult,encouraging points andneedsofbothmenwomen, out byeachclublendsweighttotheview Public discussionbasedontheworkcarried rise toconcrete achievementsthathave In all the villages surveyed, this has given through external aid(inputsorfunding). the environment, which is not channeled self- tion carriedoutbytheclubs leadsto The processofcommunity mobiliza Community mobilization to localdisagreements. one another, enablessolutionstobefound anymoreto ordidnottalk who didnottalk This dialogue, and the trust between groups between people,aswellsocialcohesion. communication strengthensrelations Everywhere, clubmembersconsiderthat contribute toimprovinghouseholdlife. ber ofclubsindicatethattheiractivities intimate experiences areshared.Anum of trust in a safespace, where sometimes leadstoasense community radiostations, cially throughastrongpartnershipwith dialogue andoralcommunication,espe The emphasis placed by the clubs on Dialogue andsocialcohesion projects withanypartner. to cooperateandcommitdevelopment point ofreference,enablingthecommunity the clubsarerecognizedasanimportant and thosewithout).Thevastmajorityof difference herebetweenvillageswith clubs of pridefortheclubs(thereisamarked priorities. These good relations are a source for municipal planningand in defining who gosofarastoseekclubs’contribution organization andtransformation in ------Impact study of the Dimitra Clubs Survey of the Dimitra Clubs (Niger) (DR Congo, Niger and Senegal) The impact study was developed in Niger by a team of researchers The study covered three countries: and was conducted in 2017 of CESAO-Niger (Centre d'études et d'expérimentations sociales based on a series of questions asked to members of the Dimitra et économiques d'Afrique de l'Ouest) under the guidance Clubs. The questions were discussed, and consensual answers of an international consultant using a qualitative research given. The specific objective was to highlight the dynamics of methodology. The study was carried out in 2017-2018 in 8 villages the clubs and how they work, focusing on five major themes: (with 50 Dimitra Clubs) in three regions of Niger, and in 2 control agriculture, savings and credit, access to information, clubs’ villages without Dimitra Clubs, to enable comparisons between main achievements, and the level of women’s participation in similar villages with and without clubs. The team of researchers community decisions. A total of 310 Dimitra Clubs (9300 mem- gathered data in a participatory manner, so as to evaluate the bers), randomly chosen, took part in the survey: 233 in Niger, clubs’ contribution in terms of gender equality and women’s 62 in DRC and 15 in Senegal, the equivalent of 25 percent of the leadership, as well as resilience and community welfare. clubs operating at the time. © FAO/ Yannick De Mol Yannick © FAO/ benefited the entire community. Made on The format of the clubs gives visibility to ing territorial planning. Many clubs exhibit a voluntary basis, the personal and direct women’s contribution and leadership, a high level of confidence in thedialogue investment of members in improved sur- and promotes their recognition within with rural institutions. This achievement is roundings explains the high level of mobili- communities. It has also been observed that clearly due to the clubs themselves, since it zation on the part of clubs and villages. the clubs bring about many specific trans- is rare that development initiatives focus on formations, stimulating positive values and local governance and community participa- Gender and women’s leadership practices in communities (solidarity, roles tion beyond village level. π Nearly half the issues addressed by the of traditional leaders). clubs are linked to the situation and status of women, together with socio-cultural Rural organizations practices. Gradually, as a result of discus- Being more proactive than most rural sions on these themes and the collective actors, the clubs have developed strong link- action that results from them, these topics ages at village and municipal levels. These For more information: are gaining legitimacy in public debate, vali- institutions often consult them and take Christiane Monsieur dated by the village assemblies. account of the issues raised when organiz- õ [email protected]

7 © FAO/ Ronny Schoenmaeckers dimitra | 30 and Nutrition and Food Security 8

Nearly one out of every nine people worldwide, suffer from undernourishment. The figures emerge from the latest FAO report on the state of food security and nutrition in the world (2018). Sub-Saharan Africa ranks as the region where the prevalence of undernourishment is highest, with an alarming 23.2 percent of the population subject to malnutrition, with slighly higher rates for women. Particularly women. In the sub region, women produce up to 80 percent of foodstuffs for home consumption and assure household food security. Women also take care of dietary diversity and child health. They are responsible for subsistence farming and the processing of agricultural products sold at local markets, generating additional income for their families. Yet, African women have to face the constant challenge posed by discriminatory socio-cultural norms that restrict their access to large numbers of assets, products and services, as well as to a complete and healthy diet. As a result, any intervention seeking to combat hunger and malnutrition will require a rural development approach that takes © FAO/ Ronny Schoenmaeckers © FAO/ into account the gender differences. It is also crucial to involve men in matters of nutrition, which has traditionally been considered the exclusive domain of women. The Dimitra Clubs’ approach has proved its effectiveness in engaging both men and women to improve the livelihoods of rural communities, the empowerment of rural people, especially women, including in relation with the food systems. Conserving and promoting biodiversity, improving nutritional education, facilitating equal access for women and men to information, resources, services, credit, rural organizations and decision-making processes are all crucial interventions for increasing agricultural production and ensuring food security. Club discussions and dialogue within households and communities on the essential issues of everyday life have led the clubs and rural communities to change behaviours, not just in terms of diet, but also in agricultural practices and crop choices, often getting organized for the lean season and for supporting the most vulnerable.

9 dimitra | 30 10 their seeds’stocks grow. place by theirmembers, the clubs have seen to thegoodcollective managementsetin of theyear. Witheachpassingyear, thanks who findthemselvesindifficulty atthistime support toclubmembersandother villagers with foodduringtheleanperiod, alsooffers which, aswellproviding these people a systemforstoringandpreservingseeds result, theyhavesucceededinsettingup tion ofthemostvulnerablegroups.Asa valuable mechanismforthesocialprotec the systemofcerealbankscouldalsobea region, theDimitraClubsdecidedthat and Badaraka,locatedinNiger’sZinder In thevillagesofGamdou,AngoualKourna Solutions inNiger market. ing scarceandexpensiveonthenational competitive price, when cerealsarebecom of the group that manages the reserves at a stored before being later sold to members at thetimeofharvest,tobepreservedand community. Thecerealstocksaresetaside ofsuppliesandcostsforthewhole stability at affordableprices,whileensuringthe enabling peopletohaveaccess effective mechanismforruralcommunities, cerealbanksofferan In suchcircumstances, the family. to providefortheimmediatefoodneedsof are forcedtoconsumetheirstockofseeds, ‘lean period’,largenumbersofhouseholds In someyears,duringwhatisknownasthe ing seedsfortheupcomingwinterplanting. thereisthechallengeofobtain shortages, the depletionofstocksandriskfood June isthemostdifficulttime:alongside that precedesthefirstheavyrainsinMay- population’s needsyear-round.Theperiod duction isofteninadequatetocoverthe In theSaheliancountries,agriculturalpro Clubs. Clubs. insecurity. Asaresult,theyalsoholdprominentplaceinthe priorityplansofanumberDimitra organizations ofmenandwomenproducers,thesebanksplayakeyroleinthefightagainstfood availability andaffordabilityofcerealsseedsduringtheleanperiod.Generallymanagedby In NigerandSenegal,cerealbanksareastrategyusedbyruralcommunitiestoensurethe suppliesyear-round food Joint management cereal of stocks to ensure NIGER - SENEGAL cereals - - - - have setupamini cerealbank(withastock in thevillageof Badawa,inthesameregion, With farfewerresources, theDimitraClubs amounts intendedforitsmembers. a committeeoffivepeople,to managethe a smallsurchargeasinterest.Each clubhas on creditandreimbursement in kind,with planting season.Thesystemallowsforsale May and June, before the onset of the members atcompetitiveprices,between preservation, prior to being sold to club beans havebeenpackagedtoensurebetter through theleanperiod.Some440unitsof stocks of beans, in order to help people region ofZinder, havechosentobuild up Clubs inthevillageofFarinRouwa, Following thesameprinciple,Dimitra the capacitiesofcerealbank. and cowpeas,aspartoftheirplantodevelop (ha)fieldforthecultivationofmillet hectare used theprofitsfromthisexercisetorenta5 supplement thecerealbank.Theclubsalso would beusedtobuymilletandcowpeas belonging totheclubs,withideathatit Part ofthissumwasdepositedinanaccount 1, 700,000CFA francs(about€USD2,600). of at anaffordableprice,producingatotal foodstuffs, thisstockwassoldtovillagers difficult periodforensuringsuppliesof During thewinterplantingseason,most dred 50kgsacksofmillettobepurchased. money fromthefundsenabledonehun their incometotopuptheclubs’funds.The the initiativeallagreedtodonatepartof for acerealbank.The135beneficiariesof a fundtobuymillet,soasbuildstocks ger, the village assembly decided to set up during the lean period.To avert this dan that therewerelikelytobefoodshortages season ledDimitraClubstotheconclusion in theregionofMaradi,apoorfarming In SaidouGoula,anothervillageinNiger winter - -

of fifteen 50 kg sacks of millet and ten Senegal Service, both gave their favorable response. sacks of Nalta jute (Corchorus olitorius), In order to increase the storage capacity of The village now has a large warehouse to as well as a fund amassed from members’ the cereal banks, the village communities store its produce after harvest. contributions and the sale of braided ropes. are exploring various solutions, depend- Through this initiative, club members are ing on their agricultural potential and the The management of cereal banks, in hoping not just to ensure food security, but means at their disposal. The village of Pont particular, reflects the skills of these com- also to provide social protection to poorer Gendarme, in Senegal, has 200 ha under munity members in preventing risks, as well people, or those in precarious conditions irrigation, enabling it to double its out- as in designing and planning social protec- during this lean period. The beneficiaries put of rice. In the absence of a tractor for tion and community development activities of this community support can feed them- cultivation operations, and a thresher for so that no one is left behind. selves with dignity, and access seeds to plant after the harvest, the village had no resources during the winter season. In this way, they for commercializing this double crop. At the Aside from their positive and concrete will be able to use their harvests, together request of the village assembly, the three results, these examples highlight the with other contributions from relatives, to local Dimitra Clubs appealed to the Ministry capacities of communities to search for and play their own role in increasing the annual of Agriculture and Rural Equipment and the find common solutions to improve their stock of the cereal bank. Directorate-General of National Extension livelihoods. π © FAO/ Eva Gilliam © FAO/

11 dimitra | 30 12

© FAO/ Yannick De Mol the malnutrition that goes with them. the malnutritionthatgoeswiththem. A numberofDimitraClubs,fromDRCongotoNiger, havediscussedtheissueofdietarytaboosand young people,isthepersistenceoffoodbansandrestrictionslinkedtostrictsocio-culturalnorms. In sub-SaharanAfrica,oneofthemanycausesnutritionaldeficiencies,especiallyforwomenand can also be eaten by awoman Any food that can be eaten by aman DR CONGO - NIGER have alwayslivedinfearoftransgressingthe people affectedbythesecustomaryrules, challenged. Andwomen,whoarethemain several generations,andhaveneverbeen fruit ormushrooms.“Thesebansgoback of food:meat,fish,poultry, caterpillars, women aredeprivedofseveralcategories oftheirlives, rural women.Atallstages restrictions inplace,mainlytargeting Congo, thereareasmanythirtydietary In several parts of Tshopo Province, DR of theother.” presents nodanger whatsoevertothehealth other words,food thatoneofthemcaneat by amancanalsobeeaten a woman.In explained that“anyfood can beeaten the clubsprovideddecisiveinsight whenhe attherequestof community radiostation August 2014,anutritionexpert invitedbya past threeyearsbylocalDimitraClubs.In issue, whichhasbeenconductedforthe point ofalongdebateonthe the starting Yabaondo. Inasense,thisquestionmarks to theBwengaBaimoliclub,invillageof illness?” asksEtienneLifenya,whobelongs food that causes there that it’s eatingtaboo people. Allthingsconsidered,whatproofis ditional leadersarecastingspellsoverthe situation. “Somepeoplethinkthatthetra tobenefitfromthe leaders, whostand to be paid is an offering to the traditional be curedofonethesediseases,theprice Transgression alsoinvolvesreparation.To Bonoma, amemberofanotherclub. diarrhoea orhaemorrhages,”saidAdama sive weightloss,itching,skincomplaints, orders suchas hair discolouration,exces that wewouldbecomevulnerabletodis bade usfromeatingcatfish. We weretold being oneknownasIlombo:“Tradition for various diseases,themostoftcitedone a forbiddenfood expose themselves to According tocustom,womenwho of alocalDimitraClub. explainsEtienneLifenya,member taboos,”

consume - - - - food security and nutrition food

This is an argument that carries considerable weight, and which Dimitra Club leaders and facilitators have been careful to highlight in their awareness-raising campaigns (especially those directed at the traditional authorities), through training workshops or Dimitra Club programmes on community radio, using the testimony of women and men and the opinions of health experts.

As a result of awareness-raising initiatives on the nutritional value of forbidden foods, together with the involvement of traditional authorities, and the subsequent discussions held in both clubs and households, women have started eating these foodstuffs, without fearing for their health. Etienne Lifenya explains that after “being made aware of issues of nutrition and food security, we have understood that there was no justification for depriving women of nutritional foodstuffs that could improve their health and that of their children.” And he reveals that some traditional leaders have started to question their own beliefs about dietary taboos and have authorized their

wives to eat what they like. De Mol Yannick © FAO/

A Dimitra Club self-evaluation workshop, conducted in June 2017 in Kisangani, detected a significant positive trend regard- a village in Niger’s Maradi region, where a ing eating habits. Of the 28 dietary restric- tradition banned pregnant and breastfeed- “Before, my family and my tions listed in 2014, more than 20 have been ing women from eating braised corn and set aside. The Dimitra Clubs are continuing eggs. husband forbade me from to work on lifting taboos on the consump- eating pork, catfish and even tion of other highly nutritious foods, such As part of a nutritional education process, as snakes and turtles. the village’s Dimitra Clubs proposed that eggs while I was breastfeeding. the community should address the issue An assortment of banned foods to mark of dietary taboos. The discussions high- Since I became a member of a the occasion lighted the lack of solid and objective argu- Dimitra Club, I have taken part These days, Adama Bonoma, like other ments that could justify these food bans. women in her community, cooks and eats all In addition, various nutritional education in various awareness-raising sorts of fish, which is an important source sessions showed that eggs are a complete of protein. This undoubtedly represents a and affordable foodstuff, with beneficial activities. I’ve talked about this step forward for gender equality, not least nutritional properties. at home. My husband and my because men too have been involved in the nutrition debate. Meanwhile, throughout all regions of DR family have understood that it Congo, as part of the fight against malnutri- To mark the occasion, in March 2016, tion and food insecurity, local Dimitra Club was unfair and useless. These in Isangi and Bengamisa, located in DR initiatives are resulting in growing numbers days I eat everything, like the Congo’s Tshopo Province, the ending of of traditional leaders and nutrition experts the Women's Month provided an opportu- agreeing that dietary taboos should be men. And I am in good health!” nity to offer participants an assortment of lifted. π foods including catfish, meat from rumi- nants, pork and other products that were francine lifeta basoko, moderator of the previously forbidden for women. lamuka tosala misala dimitra club, in the village of imbolo, tshopo province. In DR Congo, as elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa, the Dimitra Clubs are making a difference through various initiatives aimed at informing rural communities on the matter of nutrition. A case in point is in Danja,

13 dimitra | 30 rural women through sustainable develop rural women through sustainable Niger, aims toimprovethelivelihoodsof and WFP)invariouscountries, including Nations agencies(FAO, IFAD, UNWomen This programme,setupby four United Empowerment ofRuralWomen (RWEE). Accelerating ProgressTowards Economic region, aspartoftheJointProgramme 2016 byDimitraClubsinNiger’sDosso demonstrations organized on 15 October but featured prominently during cooking menus, fromrestaurant not recipestaken protein, carbohydratesandfats.Theyare ated fromlocalproductsthatarerichin are variedandbalancedhavebeencre seasoned with oil…These three recipes cowpea, squashandcabbageleaves millet couscousmixedwithgreencassava, peas andsquash,seasonedwithgabou; powder); milletcouscousservedwithcow paste seasonedwith‘gabou’(driedonion baobab leaves,servedwithgroundnut Millet pasteandasaucemadeofdried 14 initiative isthe promotionoffoodsecu ment. Among FAO’s contributionsto the successful experiencesinBurundi,DRCongo,NigerandSenegal. decided toincludenutritionaleducationamongtheirprioritiesandactivities,leadingarangeof habits anddeep-rootedsocio-culturalnorms.ThroughtheDimitraClubs,manycommunitieshave Initiatives seekingtoensureahealthyandbalanceddietoftenmeetwithresistancedueeating diet balanced and varied a stimulate Clubs Dimitra The - - - - participants learned aboutcowpeasand are pregnantor breastfeeding.Inthisway, affect children under twoandwomenwho lar nutritionaldeficiencies, which mainly the basicconceptsofnutrition, inparticu spend fivemonthsbecoming familiarwith men andwomen–hadtheopportunity to sessions, theDimitraClubmembers –both Prior toattendingthenutritionaleducation local governance. of activities at village level and promoting RWEE in Niger, overseeingthecoordination Clubs werechosenasthepointofentryfor inclusion andgenderequality, theDimitra tion, accesstoinformation,transparency, unique mechanismtopromoteparticipa rally fellontheDimitraClubs.Offeringa sessions, thechoiceofbeneficiariesnatu tion) toconductnutritionaleducation Fondo (Women UnitedAgainstMalnutri When FAO selectedlocalNGOKundji Women andMen education atcommunitylevel. rity throughaprogrammefornutritional

© FAO/ Eliane Najros - - - - participation ofmen,whohavetraditionally area ofnutrition,asaresulttheactive redefined genderrolesandrelationsinthe of affected communities. It has also intake a significantimprovementinthenutritional months. Thisexperiencehasnotonlyledto supplementforchildrenoversix a dietary a pureeofcowpeasmixedwithsquashas preparing apapenrichedwithcowpeasor be consumedyear-round–agoodbasisfor which, whenpackagedandpreserved,can nutritious ingredientsavailablelocally, voandzou (Bambaragroundnuts),highly Dimitra Clubs have set up a fishpond to Meanwhile, in Idiofa Territory, DR Congo, for combatingchildmalnutrition. resources availabletothelocal community developed into one of the most powerful the kitchengardenexperience hasslowly effort, land. Initiallylaunchedasatentative household sincetheyaresituatedonfamily ues throughoutmostoftheyear, closetothe withhighnutritionalval supply vegetables den approachastheirmodel.Theseplots tural cropsandhaveusedthekitchengar members have decided to invest in horticul northern Burundi.LocalDimitraClub in avillagetheprovinceofNgozi, Similar communitydynamicscanbeseen Pyramid KitchenGardens their incomes. women haveanopportunitytoincrease munity’s diet.Bysellingpartoftheharvest, been helpingtovaryandimprovethecom the firstharvestsoftomatoesandokrahave and managedbywomen.SinceApril2017, land madeavailablebythevillagechief, of found inthearea,onaquarterhectare to growvarietiesthatwerenotusually from thethreelocalDimitraClubsdecided diversification,menandwomen on dietary Followingdiscussions ate fewvegetables. eastern Senegal,inavillagewherepeople time thatofhorticulturalproducersin Another place, another experience, this been excludedfromtheseinitiatives.

- - - - food security and nutrition food © FAO/ Ronny Schoenmaeckers © FAO/

enable local people to consume different Positive changes squash and sesame, due to their high nutri- species of fish that were previously hard to Back in Niger, in the region of Dosso, tional value. We are also producing more of find. This has made a significant contribu- in May 2016 FAO conducted a survey on them, so we can be sure of having a better tion to meeting the nutritional needs of the changes in eating habits among the popu- balance in our diet,” says Hadiza Seyni, a local community, especially women and lation, following nutritional education club member in the village of Falwel. young people. Moreover, the entire commu- initiatives organized through the Dimitra nity is receiving an additional benefit from Clubs. The results of this study clearly show These nutritional education initiatives, the initiative, as a share of the fish is sold by that households whose members belong organized through the intervention of the clubs at local markets. to these clubs have gradually adopted new Dimitra Clubs, have led to increased knowl- dietary practices, adding different ingredi- edge about the importance of nutritional Although generally a collective undertak- ents to make up a varied and balanced diet. intake, but they have the added advantage of ing, nutritional education can be beneficial The same survey highlighted the impact encouraging the consumption of new foods at individual level. An egg producer who that this experience has had on other clubs prepared with innovative recipes. It is a lives on Burenge hill in Burundi used to sell and villages in the same region. gastronomic pleasure that Maïmouna Ada- his entire output, without paying attention mou, a Dimitra Club leader in Mallan Koira, to the malnourished state of his children. One example is Falwel, where nutritional Niger, is keen to embrace. “All the women When they heard about the situation, Dimi- education sessions, demonstrations and cooks in our village are now competing to tra Club members from the local Club Kere- discussions conducted within Dimitra Clubs produce the best squash-based recipe,” she buka decided to pass on some of the basic and the village assembly have spurred posi- says. “Our eating habits have been radically principles of nutrition that they had learned tive changes in the choice of foodstuffs pro- changed. There can be no doubt that the during a nutritional education session at duced, and the way that they are consumed. nutritional education offered through the their club. As a result of this laudable ini- “Access to information on the nutritional clubs has enabled us to discover the full tiative, the man eventually understood the value of our farm produce has completely nutritional value of squash. ” π importance of a varied diet for his health changed our eating habits. We have signifi- and that of his family, and he now sets aside cantly enriched and increased cultivation some of the eggs for his children. of cash crops such as cowpeas, moringa,

15 dimitra | 30 © FAO/ Christiane Monsieur leadership leadership women’s and Gender 16 2

Rural women and girls make essential contributions to agriculture, rural economy and households’ food security. Yet, compared to men they have less access to and control over resources, services, information, education, training and technology. Their socio-economic opportunities are limited by persistent gender inequalities and discrimination. Rural women also suffer from greater work burden and limited participation, decision-making power, representation and leadership in rural organizations. This situation poses a major obstacle to improved livelihoods, and contributes to perpetuate rural poverty. In this context, specific interventions are needed to improve the technical, economic and financial services provided to the most vulnerable, often women and youth. However, this is not enough. A strong focus is necessary on developing social capital, promote human development and overcome the root causes of social inequalities that maintain 821 million people worldwide chronically undernourished. This focus is addressed through the Dimitra Clubs. Gender equality and empowerment of smallholder farmers – both women and men, are at the heart of this FAO approach. The clubs, as a community-based transformative approach, give a voice to the most excluded and foster community mobilization, dialogue and collective action. They trigger processes of change that gradually transform behaviours and social norms that are a widely recognized barrier to gender equality. All members of the community, regardless their sex and social standing, participate in this inclusive process: the very nature of the approach leads to better consideration of the specificities, needs and aspirations of both men and women. This way, the Dimitra Clubs turn out to be a gender-transformative approach that facilitates, among others, community discussions about sensitive subjects, such as child marriage and gender-based violence, once considered taboos or treated as ‘women’s issues’. © FAO/ Christiane Monsieur © FAO/

17 dimitra | 30 facing myhusbandandproposesubjects lacked self-confidence. Iwas incapableof to organize my ideas and speak in public. I were setup,Ihadnoideaofmycapacities unthinkable: “BeforetheDimitraClubs gestions. Forher, thatwouldhavebeen voice heard,giveheropinionormakesug Djamila neverhadachancetomakeher life, withoutconsultation. thedecisionsthataffecthousehold takes head ofhousehold;bytradition,itishewho As withmanyfamilies,herhusbandisthe who isverywellknowninthecommunity. and ismarriedtoareligiousleader, aman lives inGasseda,asmallvillageNiger, Djamila Hassanneverwenttoschool.She Djamila 18

© FAO/ Mauro Bottaro thanks to the Dimitra Clubs. thanks totheDimitraClubs. illustrated bythestoriesoffourwomenfromdifferentcountries,whoseliveshavechanged of womenindecision-making.Thisresultedtheemergencewomen’sleadership,as the clubshavemadeitaprioritytotakeaccountofgenderandmeaningfulparticipation young andold–toworktowardsthedevelopmentoftheircommunity. Sincetheirlaunch, The clubs’approachliesmainlyinfosteringthecommitmentofeveryone–menandwomen, Clubs Dimitra the from emerging Women leaders - community life. mainstreaming genderintoallaspectsof Gasseda, a village that iswell advanced in The exampleofDjamilaisnotuniquein that shecarriesoutthisrole. ment ofhercommunity, anditiswithpride chosen tocommitherselfthedevelop andrespectability.tation Instead,shehas of herhusband,baskinginhisgoodrepu could havelivedoutherlifeintheshadow all discussionsanddecision-making.She partin playing aleadingroleandtaking Djamila iscurrentlytheclubmoderator, acquired fromtheclub.” in sharingwithhimtheknowledgeIhave to discuss.Thesedays,Ihavenohesitation djamila

- - to astrongcasebeingdrawnup;enabling members ofthevillage’sDimitraClubsled forcefulness shownbySouweybaandother Programme (UNDP).Thedynamismand plied bytheUnitedNationsDevelopment received amultifunctionalplatformsup her determinationthatin2012thevillage club inGasseda.Itwaspartlyasaresultof Souweyba isleaderofanotherwomen’s Souweyba people wehavetospeakto.” want, thenargueourcaseandconvincethe learned to think carefully about what we and benefitedfromtheplatform. We have clubs thatwehavebecomewellorganized managed bywomen:“Itisthankstothe functional platform,whichtodayisentirely the villagetobeselectedforthismulti souweyba - - gender and women’s leadership © FAO/ Christiane Monsieur © FAO/ © FAO/ Yannick De Mol Yannick © FAO/

maguy myriam

The platform, a mechanical tool that serves respect spacing and crop conditions. That’s problems. From now on, sick people and as a husker, grinder and battery charger, what makes the difference between my field pregnant women will no longer have to also supplies the villagers with electricity. and others.” travel several kilometres on foot or by bike Using the time saved from their daily work to reach the nearest hospital. Myriam sees burden, village women are better able to Maguy describes herself as an “agriwoman”, the general commitment in favour of this invest in other income generating activities, a term she coined herself to redefine the cause as a personal success. such as horticulture. position of women who do a job that was once the exclusive preserve of men. Like Myriam, Maguy, Souweyba and Maguy Djamila, growing numbers of other rural Thousands of kilometres from Gasseda, Myriam women are emerging as actors – or actresses another women leader is mapping out a path At Itenge, also in DR Congo, the setting up of – of development for their communities. that is similar to that trodden by Souweyba. Dimitra Clubs has had a significant impact The strengthening of their capacities for Maguy, a young mother of two children, on the life of Myriam, in terms of individual reflection, organization, action andmaking lives in Yanonge, in the province of Tshopo experiences and personal development. proposals has revealed their massive poten- in DR Congo. Born into a modest rural fam- Her involvement and commitment to the tial for helping to transform the rural envi- ily, Maguy is Chair of the Agricultural Pro- cause of the community quickly resulted in ronment and improve livelihoods for village ducer Organization and Vice Chair of the Myriam being appointed facilitator of her communities. This leadership has been Producer Organization of Yanonge. At first village club: “Since I became facilitator, we made available to them through the Dimitra sight, she makes a strong impression due have renovated the club premises. It was Clubs. π to her determination and self-assurance. me who got everyone interested in the idea. Highly versatile, Maguy is studying agri- Then I suggested that we buy the medicines culture, while also involved in supporting ourselves for our health centre.” fifteen Dimitra Clubs in the region. As a result of awareness-raising activi- Her main source of income is agriculture. ties conducted under Myriam’s guidance, Maguy knows all there is to know about the village rallied to organize a complete growing cowpeas, groundnuts and palm renovation of the health centre, which had nuts. She is proud of doing a tough job, fallen into disrepair since 2003. A nurse was and doing it as well as any man: “I attended appointed, club members paid contribu- an agricultural technical school, I’m an tions to purchase medicines, and everyone agronomist and so I work just like men do. I is working together to address the health

19 dimitra | 30 children." whole communityandforthe future ofour forthe in meetings,itisanadvantage understood thatiftheirwives participate village meetings. Today, all men have "Before, nooneallowedwomentoattend Dimitra ClubfromTambacounda, for all.Asputbyamemberofmen-only women’s empowermentandprogress but isconcretelyapplied,contributingto Equal participationisnotamereprinciple choices andinfluencelocaldecisions. their needsandconcerns,makeinformed gain leadershipskills.Theyexpressbetter municate, solveproblemscollectivelyand develop abilitytoexpressthemselves,com Clubs. Throughouttheprocess,they opportunities toparticipateinthe Both womenandmenaregivenequal meetings inpresenceofthevillagechief.” our opinionsmatteralotevenatvillage on. We participateindecision-makingand andso consultations, pre andpost-natal We alsodiscussgirls'schoolenrolment, riage, violence against women in the home. “We aboutforcedandearlymar oftentalk ofwomen: aboutthestatus place totalk formation, sayingthattheirclubisaspecial aou-Haoussa, inNiger, insistonthistrans Even thegirlmembersofclubsTass jects ofdiscussionatcommunitylevel. captured men’sattentionandbecomesub tic violence. Gradually, these themes have work burdentogirls’educationanddomes issues”, fromfamilyplanningandwomen’s or“onlywomen’s considered taboos subjectsonce Clubs areusedtotackle Today, bothwomenandmen’sDimitra where thereareDimitraClubs. transformation that is visible in all villages between womenandmenisadeepsocietal Improved dialogueandcommunication 20 in ruralareas suchastraditionaland whotraditionally holdpower Stakeholders progress and social development of rural communities. progress andsocialdevelopmentofruralcommunities. women andmenarebringingchangesingenderrolesrelations,substantialgainsforthe bonds offriendshipandmarriageinthecommunities.Improveddialoguerespectbetween The arrivaloftheDimitraClubsinruralareasNiger, SenegalandDRCongohasreinforcedthe visibly relations change and roles Gender Senegal, Dimitra ------management ofhouseholdincomes Reduction ofdomesticviolenceandjoint I inviteeveryonetojointheDimitraClubs!” against women has decreased significantly. a week,thisisovertoday!Evenviolence Before Ihadtosettleatleasttwodisputes cohesion, dialogueandpeacetoourvillage. their presence!Theclubsbroughtsocial Clubs, youwillnotbelieveit:canfeel you thatinourvillagetherearenoDimitra community level:“Ifsomeonedares ger changesinbehavioursandpracticesat Niger, describeshowtheDimitraClubstrig Hamadou Sidikou,villagechiefofGasseda, for promotingsocioculturalchanges. engage actively in thisprocess,which is key religious leadersandlocalauthoritiesalso

© FAO/ Sadou Doumi telling - ing togetherforhousehold’swell-being.” that menandwomengetonwellnow, fight changewehavenoticedis most important doing income-generatingactivities.The business thanmen,theyspendallthetime something. Moreover, womenaremorein in thevillage.Allwomenarefightingfor like beatingorverbalabuseshappening in thehomes.It'srarenowtoseethings “the truthisthatviolencehasdecreased midwives ofKwadarawa,Niger, whosaid in mostvillages.Thiswasalsoflaggedby between menandwomenisaleitmotiv and cleaning the children, preparingfood, bility ofwomenandgirlsonly(e.g.dressing previouslyunder theresponsi some tasks tocarryout hold’s chores.Menarestarting The changesreportedalsoconcernhouse - - - gender and women’s leadership

TESTIMONY SENEGAL fetching water, etc.). Likewise, it is now accepted for women to undertake certain tasks that were previously attributed to men “I managed to overcome only. my shyness and speak in public” The Club of the fishing village of Isangi in the Tshopo Province, in the northeast of the Bineta Diao, woman leader of a Dimitra Club in Sinthiou Elhadji Democratic Republic of Congo, provides a (Koussanar), Senegal remarkable example of how a redefinition of gender roles has improved food security and nutrition. On this huge territory, fishing is a key economic activity that is traditionally I am twenty-seven years old and the mother controlled by men. Therefore, to increase of four children – three girls and a boy. Mar- household food security and incomes, why ried at the age of fifteen, I left my village in not allow women to fish? This question was 2005 to live in my marital home in Sinthiou raised during the discussions of the local Elhadji. Dimitra Club. I was in my last year of primary school when Henri Esenge Ngessi has been a member my older sister died, leaving a newborn of the Dimitra Club for five years and has baby. My mother had herself just given birth taken part in the discussions about fishing: and couldn’t take care of two babies on her “Men-women equality and the gender divi- own at the same time. It was then that my sion of labour were discussed in our Dimitra family decided to end my schooling so that Club for the first time. We have realized that I could look after my sister’s child. I never women can also play a proactive role in fish- had the chance to return to my studies. ing activities.” When I moved to the marital home in Sin- The decision to let women fish has brought thiou Elhadji in 2005, I immediately joined many positive results, including better the village women's group, so as to take nutrition, increased households’ incomes part in their activities and help me settle and enhanced women’s status. π in to this new environment. For twelve years I remained a simple group member, reserved, quiet and extremely shy, no doubt due to my previous experiences. Evaluation meetings held for the women group’s tontine did nothing to change my character, or to help me overcome my shyness.

In January 2017, the Dimitra Clubs were launched in my village and, very reluctantly, I found myself being chosen as leader of the women’s club. I was seized by panic at the very thought of letting down the people who had appointed me to represent them.

It was thanks to training and to taking the floor during village assemblies and © FAO/ Amdiatou Diallo © FAO/ other club meetings that I gradually managed to overcome my shyness and speak in public with a calm, clear voice. These days I am able to develop and express my put me in the forefront when a community ideas in public without a trace of fear and decision needs to be taken. The esteem and with a great deal of confidence and control, trust shown towards me by both men and whether or not the audience is made up women mean that my standing has now exclusively of women, or whether men are risen considerably within the village. And also present, as is sometimes the case. that has brought out leadership qualities in me that I never dreamed I had. With all My greatest source of pride is the way that that I have been through in my life, this the villagers, and especially the women, development of my personality comes as a consult me on a regular basis, seeking my reward and a great comfort, which I owe to © FAO/ Sadou Doumi © FAO/ opinion on issues that concern them and the Dimitra Clubs. π

21 dimitra | 30 where theyremained forseveralmonths,car totheforest, of themwereforcefullytaken were womenandgirlsfromthe village.Many of extremeviolence,whose main victims of armed gangs gave rise to a number of cases period between1996and2012, thepresence the In Kaniola,easternDRCongo,during decline inviolence,especiallyagainstwomen. tangible has beenparticularlyreflectedina of socialcohesionandpeace-building.That results atcommunitylevel,includinginterms the DimitraClubshaveachieved as womenindevelopmentrelatedissues, erment thatseekstoinvolvemenasmuch As aparticipatoryapproachtowardsempow to playincombatingGBV. role services andresources,haveanimportant women’s access to information, leadership, people, aswell on genderequalityand ment approachesthatfocusonempowering This is one of the reasons why develop security.food effectsonagricultureand have devastating based violence(GBV)againstwomencan nutrition oftheirfamilies.Asaresult,gender- to foodproductionandareresponsibleforthe traditionally carryoutmostoftheworklinked culture sector. Insub-SaharanAfrica,they roleintheagri quently play a fundamental Rural womenindevelopingcountriesfre levels. different contexts affectedbyconflictandviolenceat ing gender-basedviolence,evenindifficult has had also a significant impact on reduc communities andhouseholds.Theapproach and dialoguebetweenmenwomenwithin highly effectiveinimprovingsocialcohesion The DimitraClubs’approachhasprovedtobe access toservices,informationandresources. or voicetheiropinion,andrestricts action women’s freedom,theirabilitytotake a only isitanoffencetopersonaldignityand of gender inequality.manifestation Not Gender-based violenceisthemostextreme 22 consequences for womenweredisastrous, rying weapons and used assexslaves.The violation of human rights, it also limits violation ofhumanrights,italsolimits and foodsecurity. TheDimitraClubstackletheseissuesintheirownway,notablythroughdialogue. In DRCongo,asinmanycountries,gender-basedviolencehasdevastatingconsequencesforagriculture violence gender-based Dialogue atool as to fight DRCONGO significant significant ------to a fairer distribution of this workload and to afairerdistribution ofthisworkloadand division oflabour andtherebycontributing within households, callingintoquestionthe tives wastoreducewomen’s work burden based violence.Oneoftheproject’s objec targets gender- called, whichspecifically region aspartofajointproject with UNICEF, The DimitraClubswerelaunched inthe hundred kilometresfromKinshasa. Bulungu, locatedinKwiluprovince,several Mimi Mungiele,memberofaDimitraClubin was arealconstraintfordevelopment,”says this practicehadsomanyrepercussions.It Yansi aboutit,yet people. No onetalked subject for we child marriage was a taboo toalldevelopmentefforts:“Before, obstacle is awidespreadformofviolence,andmajor married beforetheageof18,childmarriage In DRCongo,wheresome43%ofgirlsare experience. ies, whichhadbeeninterruptedbytheirtragic women have been able to continue their stud production, etc.Inaddition,severalyoung ing, agriculture,soap-making,fruitjuice training in various sectors, such as dressmak who hadbeenrapedunderwentvocational ered their decisions, and many of the women previously repudiatedtheirwivesreconsid evident. Anumberofhusbandswhohad The results of these initiatives soonbecame examination andcare. attend localhealthcentresforappropriate were givencounsellingandencouragedto armed gangs,andmeanwhilethesewomen girls whohadbeenabductedorrapedbythe to putanendtheexclusionofwomenand raising sessionswereorganizedbytheclubs address this dramatic situation. Awareness- concreteactionto in Kanioladecidedtotake Following discussions,thefourDimitraClubs number oforphans. or raped,fragmentedfamiliesandagrowing alization of women who were abducted and/ early and/orunwantedpregnancies,margin transmitted diseases, high HIV/AIDS rates, rights andtheirdignity:asurgeinsexually not tomentiontheviolationoftheirhuman

- - - - - adds Mungiele. reducing this phenomenon to a large extent ” thatwewillsucceedin and wearecertain chores. Thisisastrugglethatmustcontinue, athometohelpwithhouseholdandfarm stay ters fromgoingtoschoolandforcedthem no tothepracticethatpreventedourdaugh The clubshavegivenustheopportunitytosay learned manythingsaboutgenderequality. women. “Through the Dimitra Clubs we have of theeconomicpowerbetweenmenand I endured.” that nooneeverhastogothrough what so together tocombatpoorsanitation, to aDimitraClubandweareworking We are nowreconciled,Itoobelong the infectionduetoourignorance. band understoodthatIhadcontracted As aresultofthesediscussions,myhus cause. latrines, andtheinfectionsthattheycan negative consequencesofusingdirty ing awareness-raisingsessionsonthe Manzau, whosememberswerefollow the DimitraClubinvillageof Several dayslater, myhusbandjoined and dirtytoiletsthatweused. infection wascausedbytheverybasic At thetime,wedidnotknowthat before bothourfamilies. worked asaprostitute.Ifelthumiliated contracted theinfectionbecauseIhad infection). HetoldmyfamilythatIhad my femininity(asexuallytransmitted an infectionwhich,hesaid,affected turned meoutofthehouse,dueto “My husbandhadrepudiatedmeand Kenge, Kwangoprovince: Françoise, womanleaderofaDimitraClubin Testimony π - - - gender and women’s leadership

NIGER 16 days of activism against gender-based violence

As part of the 2017 global campaign “16 days of activism against gender-based violence”, organized each year from 25 November to 10 December, the Dimitra Clubs have launched a dialogue on this theme in a number of villages, laying the foundations for a discussion on the elimination of violence against women.

In Niger, as in many other countries, gender- –– Prolonged absence of husbands who Territorial Planning, closed the campaign and based violence is common and takes many migrate and give no news reiterated the Government’s commitment to different forms. The extent of early marriage grassroots development initiatives. is particularly worrying in a country where the Such types of violence against women are now rate of this practice is the highest in the world. among the issues addressed by the clubs and “The Dimitra Club initiative is closely aligned One out of every four girls is married before communities, opening the door to discussions with our primary development objectives. The the age of 15. Here, customs and traditions are in the months that follow and implementation clubs play a role in raising awareness, setting deeply entrenched and determine the behav- of local solutions. in place development initiatives and social iour of the vast majority of people, especially mobilization. We must support women if we in rural areas. To combat this harmful prac- The engagement of the authorities was want to solve the problem at its root. Women tice, and gender-based violence in general, remarkable during the campaign. In Zinder, who are fighting to make a contribution to FAO and the national NGOs AEDL and APEBA the Governor played an active role in the clubs’ the development of Niger do not deserve such (implementing partners of the Dimitra Clubs’ feedback sessions, while in the region of Till- treatment. That’s why violence against women approach in Niger) have decided to mobilize abéri, in Banizoumbou, Mr Amani Abdou, has to stop.” π the clubs on this crucial issue in 16 partner Minister for Community Development and municipalities in the regions of Tillabéry, Dosso, Maradi, Tahoua and Zinder.

Freeing women’s voice In these villages the Dimitra Clubs have launched a process that is leading to the recognition of the existence of gender-based violence against women and girls. Following the awareness-raising campaign conducted by the partner NGOs, each Dimitra Club identified the various forms of violence against women and discussed the most common forms in order to find solutions together. Sub- sequently, during community events clubs’ representatives have illustrated the commitments undertaken and the transformations sought, in the presence of local authorities (village chief and mayor of the municipality).

Several forms of violence Among the forms of violence identified, the most frequently cited were the following: –– Early and forced marriages –– Unequal distribution of household tasks, including when sick or pregnant –– Lack of control by women over household budgets, whose revenues they themselves generate –– Withdrawing girls from school to make them do household tasks or get married –– Lack of dialogue in households and scant participation by women in household decision-making –– Prohibition to participate in public activities –– Physical violence at household’s level –– Sexual assault and rape of girls Ronny Schoenmaeckers © FAO/

23 dimitra | 30 © FAO/ Christiane Monsieur mobilization mobilization Community 24

The Dimitra Clubs are first and foremost about participation and community mobilization, hence about a process of development and change that is entirely managed by the community, with the impetus of the clubs’ members, and with no outside intervention. All inhabitants of a rural community – whatever their sex, age or ethnic origin – can become club members. These spaces enable them to strengthen their capacities to identify and analyze common priorities and challenges for the village, and to seek solutions using local resources. It also offers an opportunity to all members to participate in the life of their village or neighborhood, as well as in local governance and decisions about the development of their environment. The subjects chosen for discussion by the clubs, and the proposals for solutions, reflect each person’s real needs and interests, as well as the concerns of the community. In many cases, the solutions adopted are implemented together with the traditional authorities and the rest of the community. The most striking examples, presented in this section, show the engagement of the entire community to improve people’s livelihoods. Whether discussions address the issues of roads, health centres or accommodation for teachers, the community rallies and takes action, men and women together. Sustainability and ownership are no obstacle, since it is the clubs and the whole community that take control of their own development and improve their standard of living, becoming active citizens in their own right. Although the examples given here mainly present cases of mobilization linked to physical achievements, all the other sections of this newsletter are also examples of community mobilization. Changes in gender roles and relations, youth involvement, women’s leadership, social cohesion, climate change – there could be no deep-reaching transformation in these areas if the communities were not organizing themselves and making efforts to resolve common problems by working together, with the agreement of traditional and administrative authorities. © FAO/ Christiane Monsieur © FAO/

25 dimitra | 30 26 The villageassemblywasunanimousin which linksthevillagetonationalroad. worktopavethisstretch, to undertake discussionsontheneed youth clubstarted Concerned by thisproblem, the Dimitra at themarket. emergency, tohaveababyorgoshopping urgent journeys,whetheritbeforamedical is atormentforvillagersneedingtomake sandy track.Travelling alongthisinacart asmall,very that road,youhavetotake from the national asphalt road. To reach system. Thevillageisapproximately1.5km drinking waterthroughaminisupply tion ofthevillageandprovisionsafe riah andZinderhasfavouredtheelectrifica Zinder. Its proximity to the towns of Mir municipality ofKoléramintheregion Rigar Djermaisavillagesituatedinthe

© FAO/ Farmo Ibrahim livelihoods. Clubs. InRigarDjerma,theentirevillagehasralliedtobuildaroadaimedatimprovinglocal Remoteness oftenfeaturesamongtheprimaryobstaclestodevelopmentidentifiedbyDimitra isolation its out breaks The village Rigar of Djerma NIGER - - approached, torequestthefreeprovision technical services for publicworkswere administrative authorities.Inaddition,the andregional municipal, departmental vey informationtothetraditionaland The committeealsoundertooktocon Support fromtheauthorities the road. to decideontheboundariesforwidthof tee chargedofnegotiatingwithlandowners of May2016,involvedsettingupacommit underway. atthebeginning Thefirststage, activities wereplannedandactiongot a success.Nosoonersaidthandone,the ies pledgedtomakethiscommon women, youngpeopleandvillagedignitar from thevillagetonationalroad.Men, the DimitraClubstobuildapavedroad its decisiontoaccepttheproposalbyall initiative

- - - teers working in the gravel pit, who would with theexceptionofcartersandvolun of nity in the form of directives: participation points, whichwerepresentedtothecommu lage assemblywascarefultoclarifyseveral themajorwork,vil Before starting unpaved track. the sandfromastretchofabout1km toworkonremoving committee, started community, under the supervision of the deciding ontheboundariesofroad, ished toupgradeanoldnationalroad.After of somegravelleftunusedafterworkfin clubs informedandlaunchedanappealto household, duringMayandJune2016.The sum of1000FCFA tobecontributedbyeach water. Thecommitteealsofixedamonthly receive 500FCFA tofeedtheiranimalsorbuy villagers would be on a voluntary basis, villagers wouldbeonavoluntary - - - - community mobilization © FAO/ Andrea Sanchez Enciso © FAO/

all former inhabitants of the village who had trunk road. These funds, amassed thanks to In response to young people from a neigh- since moved away, and to all those of good the Dimitra Clubs, enabled a second layer bouring village, who claimed in a mock- will, for a contribution to the works. of laterite to be applied to the entire length ing tone that it was up to the State or of the road, shortly before the onset of the international projects to build paved roads The women’s club immediately offered winter season. or surface tracks with laterite, Ibrahim its support, in the form of sacks of bran Moutari, one of the leaders of the Dimitra as compensation for the carters. Several The new road, a common good youth Club in Rigar Djerma, gave this appo- weeks after the work started, the villagers’ The road is now operational and open to traf- site reply: “carrying out an undertaking of physical, financial and material investment, fic, to the great relief of the village chief. “The this scale requires will and organization”. under the impetus of the Dimitra Clubs, new road has already been used by the first had paid off with the application of the first vehicles to transport passengers and mer- Aside from building this road – and always layers of laterite. chandise, at exceptional prices,” he says, add- under the impetus of the Dimitra Clubs – ing that there are rules that must be respected the village of Rigar Djerma has undertaken One week after works began, the committee in order to ensure that the road lasts for a long a number of other initiatives for the devel- sent a delegation to the Mayor of the munici- time. In particular, carters are prohibited from opment of the community: horticulture and pality of Koléram, to inform him of progress using the entire width of the road, since the collective fields to strengthen food security, on the plan of action drawn up by the Dimitra animals’ hooves risk damaging the road sur- replanting trees in the school and fields to Clubs. Convinced by the commitment and face. They are however allowed to travel on the restore and protect the environment, setting determination of the village of Rigar Djerma, shoulders of the road. As a common good, it up small funds to facilitate community the municipality allocated a sum of 100 000 is important that this new road should be pre- works and help vulnerable people, mainte- FCFA to the committee as a contribution to served, says the village chief, who expresses nance work on public assets, public health the works. In total, more than 1 million CFA his heartfelt thanks to the “Dimitra Clubs measures to ensure hygiene in the village, were mobilized as part of efforts to build this which increase our strength”. etc. π

27 dimitra | 30 28 door visits,neighbourhood gatheringsand those unableto affordthecost.Door-to- and wasmade availablefreeofchargeto bamboo pump, which sold for USD 0.2 paign toraiseawarenessabout useofthe the clubmembersthenlaunched acam With thesupportofhealth carestaff, out ofbamboo. Dimitra Clubdecidedtomakewashbasins modest incomes,membersoftheEBAA beyond themeansofhouseholdswith Since thesellingpriceofthissystemwas Washbasins outofbamboo the clubmoderator. being popularizedbyUNICEF”,continues they buy, forUSD10each, washbasins respected, anditwasrecommendedthat on asystematicbasisandrulesofhygiene were advisedthathandsshouldbewashed They wenttothehealthcentre,wherethey put inplaceusingtheirownresources. discuss possible solutions thattheycould the problem.“Theclubmembersbeganto measurestoaddress the urgencyoftaking members ofthelocalDimitraClubabout social from a health but also an economic and Given theseriousnessofsituation, adds. hiding someserioushealth ized that behind these financial worries were a delay in payingsubscriptions when I real about during avisittoclubmemberstalk such ascholeraortyphoidfever. “Itwas spread of diseases linked to dirty hands, before preparingfood”.Thisexplainsthe to thetoilet,andveryrarelydotheyit before mealsorbreastfeedingaftergoing aren’t inthehabitofwashingtheirhands Moseka observesthat“mostcommunities Club EBAA,whosemoderatorMadame money. ThatistheverdictofDimitra their dailylivescouldsaveagreatdealof easily beavoided.Alittlemorehygienein health careexpensesfordiseasesthatcould At Idiofa,peoplehavetogoenormous perspective, shedecidedtoalertthe and implemented by the club to tackle the problem. and implementedbytheclubtotackleproblem. issue toaddressforfightingdiseasestransmittedbyunwashedhands.Localsolutionswerefound The DimitraClubofIdiofa,intheProvinceKwilu(DRC), identifiedthelackofhygieneasacrucial Bamboo washbasins to combat diseases DR CONGO CONGO DR problems”, she - - (about USD 28) to treat a child infected with given thatitcosts 28000Congolesefrancs This is a good thingforhousehold budgets, Dimitra Club,makingadecline of80.5%”. 72 beforetheinitiativewaslaunched bythe seeing 13casesperweek,compared with by dirtyhandsinthecommunity. We arenow drop inthenumberofcasesdiseasespread almost 500households,wesawa lowing “the distribution of washbasins to nurse atamedicalcentre,whosaysthatfol The progresswasconfirmedbyMarie,chief A dropinthecasesofdisease on health. respect forrulesofhygieneandtheireffects quickly begantoseeaclearimprovementin munity, andtheDimitra Clubmembers The messagewaswellreceivedbythecom campaign sloganchosenbytheclub. means savingsinmedicalcare”wasthe medical expenses.“Washing yourhands hands, therebysavingthecostofneedless to protectagainstdiseasespreadbydirty performing thissimple gesture usingsoap of the clubstohighlightimportance meetings atthelocalhealthcentreenabled distinct - - Nzal DimitraClub. munity leaderandmoderatoroftheEtum-Y- model formanycommunities,”saysacom that theyconsidertheDimitraClubstobea producer of Radio Nsemo,who have told us of Children, Women and Families, and the recognition fromanofficialattheMinistry spread bydirtyhands.“We havereceived an examplein the fightto combatdisease in households,makingtheDimitraClubs has graduallybecomecommonpractice respecting rulesofhygiene.Handwashing ties aboutusingbamboowashbasinsand began raising awarenessin their communi suchasRadioNsemo,other stations Through thechannelofcommunityradio families couldusetomeetotherexpenses. sales price of a sack of maize –money that typhoid fever. Thatistheequivalentof π villages

© FAO/RCA © weekly meeting. Currently, the club has the weekly meeting. Currently, FAO sixty members. Given this number, has advised us to set up a new club. We are thinking about it. Such has been the success of the Dimitra Clubs that the village of Nyarubuye, on the hill opposite to us, has followed our example and launched its own club a few months ago.” ties to improve dialogue and act as agents of change. The clubs are also working to improve the well-being of rural communities and neighborhoods, which is essential for women and men to take together the up great challenges of consolidating peace in the country. a very young mother who did not have a chance to go to school, have decided to follow my example and sign up for the next course. The whole village finds satisfac tion in the achievements of our Dimitra Club, and we enrol new members at each - - - implemented

tremendous opportunities if I had not had the chance to follow this literacy course organized by my Dimitra Club. of my female neighbours, one of them Two can imagine the joy I felt when, for the first time in my life, I sent an SMS to my husband, showing him that I could now my short texts on read and write. Writing telephone has become a child’s game. All my children are proud of me and say, that I am now up-to-date. All teasingly, their friends know about this change in my life. This skill has opened up a new phase in my existence, and I am well aware of the fact that I would have missed out on enabled women and men in rural communi processes and a strategy to improve their access to decision-making and governance. It also aims to enhance the leadership of towomen of all ages in order to enable them participate in recovery and peace consolida tion in Central African Republic. Problem-solving, collective action, better access to information, participation of all, including women and girls, have been at the core of the Dimitra Clubs efforts, together with community mobilization. This has Political Participation and Leadership inPolitical Participation This project is fundedPeace Consolidation. by the Peace Building Fund and It is a and FAO. UN Women by UNDP, response to women and girls’ low participa tion in local development issues and peace

TESTIMONY DR CONGO CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC we finished the learning cycle. No one programme. After six months, during which there were three sessions a week, Convinced and highly motivated, I was one of the first people to follow the accelerated being unable to communicate with me by written message when we was away. sign up, explaining how tired he was of who at the time was not yet a member. He who at the time was not yet a member. had no hesitation in encouraging me to club took the initiative to organize literacy courses I spoke about it to my husband, not know how to read or write. When our “My story is that of a woman who has never been to school and who therefore did describes how her village club enabled her to learn to read and write. Nyabadeux Lukombo, who lives in the village of Irongo in Sud Kivu, is married Nyabadeux Lukombo, who lives in the village of Irongo in Sud Kivu, is married She with seven children. She has been a Dimitra Club member for two years. Learning to read and write write and read to Learning part of the project "Promotion of Women’ part of the project "Promotion of Women’ in several areas of the country (Bossangoa, Bambari, Kaga Bandoro and Bangui) as Over 60 Dimitra Clubs were created in 2018 voice of both women and men. Clubs approach, as a driver for community Clubs approach, as a driver for community mobilization and a means to amplify the ties in the initiative and in the Dimitra voice to the Municipality of Bossangoa. This voice to the Municipality of Bossangoa. This reflects the interest of the district authori club because "City of Peace" was chosen, in club because "City of Peace" was chosen, to echo the women’s an advisory capacity, A personal satisfaction that goes beyond the A personal satisfaction that goes beyond the without any problem," she recalls. aware of my ability to speak up in public and aware of my ability to even to local authorities, to express myself "Thanks to the Dimitra Club, I became "Thanks to the Dimitra

ensuring the full participation of all. ensuring the full participation Club Dimitra "City of Peace" of the third district. As an elected moderator of the club, As an elected moderator of of the third district. of Peace" Club Dimitra "City by the club’s members while discussions on the problems identified she facilitates the African Republic (CAR). She never went to school and yet she is the moderator of the school and yet she is the moderator (CAR). She never went to African Republic Simone lives in Bossangoa, nearly 300 km away from Bangui, the capital of Central nearly 300 km away from Bangui, Simone lives in Bossangoa, Women’s leadership for sustaining peace peace sustaining for leadership Women’s dimitra | 30 30 Koira, onefoot on thelipofwellandhis Mamoudou Arzika, villagechiefofMarafa months aftertheworkshadfirst started. the repairstowellbecompleted, three 300) tobecollected,afigure thatallowed community spiritenabled180000 FCA(USD appeal topeople’sgoodwill.This time,the during theworksclubsagainralliedto ficient tocovertheentirerestoration,so used to buy cement. The fund proved insuf village. Theremainderofthebudgetwas tion thatthemanpowerbesuppliedby 600 000FCFA (aboutUSD1,000), oncondi the technicianchosenacceptedafigureof the well. Following negotiations on the cost, asking himtofindingatechnicianrepair The clubs also engaged the village chief, after justtwomonths. 000 FCFA (aboutUSD1,400)tobeamassed enabling more than800 was established, A financialcontributionforeachhousehold ply tothevillage. resolve theproblemofensuringwatersup the village assembly, theclubssetthemselves the well.Afterseveralmeetingsof and evaluate the resources needed to restore began toexaminetheextentofproblem, launched DimitraClubsthatthevillagers It wasduringmeetingsofthenewly tion ofthewellinMarafaKoira. funds specifically allocatedto therestora andevenregionallevels.Therewereno tal technical servicesatmunicipal,departmen initially appealedwithnosuccesstothe For the well to be repaired, the village had the mobilizationofalllocalactors. came the launchof the Dimitra Clubs, and villages situated a dozen miles away. Then onthechoreoffetchingwaterfrom to take well forcedthevillagers,especiallywomen, Over a periodof ten years, thecollapseof the an ancientwellwithadepthof60metres. In MarafaKoira,thesolesourceofwaterwas Niger Village ofMarafaKoira, Dossoregion, challenge ofcommunitymobilizationto and Burundi. a coreconcern.HerearethreeexamplesofcommunitymobilizationtriggeredbyclubsinNiger In eachcountrywhereDimitraClubshavebeensetup,ensuringaccesstowaterhasoften mobilization Water, asource community of BURUNDI -NIGER - - - - -

Households had a resource at their disposal, eat inabundance throughouttheyear. full offish,which peoplecouldcatchand plenty, thevillagepondinKo-Lambawas Several decadesago,during the timesof Village ofKo-Lamba, Niger activities. water isnowspentonotherdevelopment The time oncewastedonfetching lic tap. much easieraseachstreethasitsownpub local community. Today, accesstowateris the project,withapositiveoutcomefor of whose lobbying led to implementation played bytheDimitraClubofCaramaHill, councillor, recognizedthecrucialrole Majambere Zabron,alocalmunicipal work tobuildeightpublictaps. started since soonafterwardstheadministration ate action. The promise wasmaintained, immedi tive reactionandpromisedtotake Club, themunicipalauthoritiesgaveaposi ing of the grievances voiced by the Dimitra Hear through acommunityradiostation. issue was shared tion about this important matters needingtobeaddressed.Informa Club, whichmadeitapriorityamong The issuewasdiscussedbytheDimitra the morningsoastobeamongfirst. especially women,togetupat3o’clockin daily supply of water. This forced users, had to queue for several hours to fetch their people ber ofpeoplewantingtousethetap, Duetothenum and some3000inhabitants. whichservedninestreets the sole public tap, toreach dwellers hadtotravellongdistances problems of inadequate water supply. Rural ofthehill alsosufferedfrom The inhabitants Colline Hill,northofBujumbura,Burundi Marafa Koira,waterflowsinabundance. horizon”, he declaressolemnly. Today, in ceaselessly expandingandilluminatingour both individuallyandcollectively. Theyare us informedandtheyofferguidance with dignity. Theyhavesupportedus,kept “The DimitraClubshaveenabledustowork no efforttoconcealhisprideandgratitude. stick firmly planted in the ground, makes ------pond’s resourceshavedwindledsignificantly, Things havechangedinthelastyearsand and saleofthefish. secure additional revenue, through fishing in thesun.Somepeopleeven dren, whousedtoeatsoupfromfishdried stuff andasourceofgoodnutritionforchil which suppliedthemwithabalancedfood

due to climate conditions that have brought The purchase of fingerling is funded by which 500 000 (USD 860) are used to cover about silting. This has been compounded by the school management committee, indi- school expenses. The rest is reinvested in lawless overfishing by villagers, who no lon- vidual fishing is prohibited, and a period maintenance of the pond and Dimitra Clubs’ ger respected the traditional rules. of six months must elapse before fishing is operations. This system has now been work- allowed, which can only take place once fish ing for nearly four years, to the satisfaction In 2012, after analysing the community’s have reached maturity. of the entire community. Among them is nutritional status, the Dimitra Clubs high- the headmaster, who acknowledges that his lighted the nutritional properties of fish and In order to avoid the regular disagree- “school has survived in large part due to use the importance of consuming it on a regular ments that previously caused deep divisions of the village pond. Each year, we now have basis. As a result, rehabilitation of the pond between the community and families, all quality school supplies and textbooks in was identified as a potential solution to the fish products must be sold at a moderate sufficient quantity to cover the needs of all challenge of increasing fish consumption. price and without discrimination. Prior- our pupils. This explains why we are seeing Three measures were adopted: desilting the ity for the revenue goes to covering school fewer and fewer cases of children dropping pond, restocking it, and managing resources. expenses, after deductions have been made out, either at the start or during the school for the cost of paying the designated fishers. year.” π Since 2014, fishing has gradually resumed, Each year, use of the pond earns approxi- with new rules imposed by the community. mately 700 000 F CFA (about US 1 200), of © FAO/ Gustave Ntaraka © FAO/ 31 dimitra | 30 © FAO/ Najros/Sanchez Enciso and peace and cohesion Social 32

Wherever they are launched, the Dimitra Clubs generate a strong community dynamic, together with results and behaviour changes in a range of sectors, including agriculture, nutrition, health, gender roles and relations, and improvements in access to information and socio-economic opportunities. There is also another less obvious area in which the Dimitra Clubs are having an impact that is practically guaranteed: social cohesion. Social relations between members of the community change as a result of improved dialogue at different levels – households, organizations and community, as well as wider participation in the village life by men and women. What is more, these relations become more intense as members of the clubs and the community agree to unite in order to tackle problems in their area. They are driven by collective efforts that are supported by a common vision of the village and the challenges faced there, as well as the search for and setting in place of collective solutions. In this way, the social capital is strengthened, in parallel with community governance, collective action, and the dynamics of social inclusion and joint responsibility. The Dimitra Clubs promote this community dialogue and the notion of living together in harmony. Indeed, this is often one of the main features highlighted by traditional leaders and other people questioned about the changes triggered by the clubs in their village. They speak of greater understanding, especially between different ethnic groups, of peace, the resolution of recurrent conflicts and the inclusion of all members of the community, even the most marginalized. In its own way, each of the examples of this section illustrates how the Dimitra Clubs are also and above all an approach, based on the key principles of justice, humanity, equality and solidarity, with due regard for freedom to speak, listen and take action. Enabling different groups within the community to participate in a meaningful way is a major precondition for the adoption of sustainable changes, and of social cohesion. © FAO/ Najros/Sanchez Enciso © FAO/

33 dimitra | 30 forest orinthe cityofKalemie,wherethey communities, wholefttoseek shelter inthe dozens of villages had been abandoned by uted topeaceandreconciliation. Atthetime, results,whichhavecontrib yielded tangible Kabalo and126inNyunzu).They haveswiftly been launchedinthesetwotowns(43 oftheproject,169clubshave Since thestart in KabaloandNyunzu Clubs asanentrypointforsocialcohesion which workstopreventconflicts. NGO Search for Common Ground (SFCG), also setupinthevillagesbyinternational component. LocalPeaceCommitteeswere Dimitra Clubs (FAO) for the social cohesion component; andliteracycentres(WFP) infrastructures (WFP)forthefoodsecurity Farmer FieldSchools(FAO), strengthening place includesanumberofapproaches: The communitysupportframeworksetin ect area. between communitiesthroughouttheproj gender equality, peaceandreconciliation livelihoods; andpromotingsocialcohesion, holder farmer’sincomesandbuildresilient a two-prongedobjective:increasesmall was officiallylaunchedinJune2017with by the Kingdom of Sweden, the programme to basicmarketsandsupportpeace.Funded tion, strengthenlivelihoods,promoteaccess programme toboostagriculturalproduc Programme (WFP)andFAO launchedajoint calm situationobserved,theWorld Food oftherelatively advantage tion, andtaking situa address thecalamitoushumanitarian Kikongo) reachedapeakin2016.Inorderto in DRCongo)andtheBantus(“humans” the Twa (thenameofthePygmycommunity the eastofcountry, theconflictbetween in Congo. IntheformerprovinceofKatanga, between thePygmiesandBantusinDR For alongtime,relationshavebeenstrained 34 products was veryfraught: thepriceofstaple hoped tofindsafety. Theeconomicsituation social capacities of smallholder farmers, including through the Dimitra Clubs. social capacitiesofsmallholderfarmers,includingthroughtheDimitraClubs. markets. FAO runsitsCaissesderésilience(CdR)approachtostrengthenthefinancial,productiveand approach tosupportsmall-scaleproducersinmakingtheirproductsmorecompetitiveonagricultural (FAO-WFP) inwhicheachagencybringsitsaddedvalue.WFPimplementsPurchaseforProgress(P4P) Kabalo havewelcomedtheDimitraClubs.Theclubswerecreatedinframeworkofajointprogramme tensions intheprovinceofTanganyika arebeginningtosubside.Since2017,thetownsofNyunzuand Once badlyaffectedbyseriousinterethnicviolence,whichresultedinmanypeoplebecomingdisplaced, The Twa and Bantus learn to live together DRCONGO - - - - - Clubs: oneclub madeupexclusivelyofTwa Monde anditsoutskirts hasseveralDimitra In theterritory ofKabalo,thevillage Kabalo An exampleofthevillage‘Monde’ in action. challenges andsolutionsthrough collective the Bantu,Twa andmixedclubs, exploring they allowexperiencestobesharedbetween as villages. Thesemeetingsare important, whose membersdidnotliveinthesame dialogue betweentheTwa and Bantu clubs been organizedbyarea/roadaxistoestablish organization, regularexchangevisitshave Although thisinvolvedgreaterlogistical decision-making withintheclubs. represented, andthattheytookpartin care toensurethatwomenweresufficiently attention. FAO’s partner organizations took Clubs, genderroleswereaspecialfocusof local communities.AsalwayswithDimitra up, accordingtothepresenceandwishesof Twa ormembersofbothgroupswereset areas,clubsmadeupofBantus, In thetarget two formerenemies. dialoguebetweenthe worked tore-establish organizations (CREFEandLeZébreau) the firstworkshopsheldby FAO and stopped, awareness-raisingsessionsand In practicalterms,assoontheviolence Re-establish dialogue communities. and whichstrengthenstheresilienceofrural dialogue between the Twa and the Bantus, central roleinaprocessthatpromotes In thisrespect,theDimitraClubsplaya people toreturn. violence hasceased,enablingdisplaced community tensionshavecalmedandthe payments werenolongerpossible.Today, and telecomSIMcardssoared,transfer partner importance ofworkingtogethertocombat importance setting upoftheclubs,highlighting tiatives havebeenconductedregardingthe Since 2017,thefirstawareness-raisingini improved. andpeople’slivelihoodstobe established SFCG andWFPhaveenabledtrusttobere- efforts oftheLeZébreauorganization,FAO, members, andfourmixedclubs.Thejoint these inplace, so astoensuretheefficacy FAO first hadtoconductactivities set nizations (PO) in theterritoryofNyunzu, In the absence of long-lasting structuringPOs Nyunzu startsby support fromFAO. producer organizationsandwith technical workingtogetherwithlocal sweet potato, entirely givenovertotheproductionof plot, succeeded incultivatingatwohectare to try the experience. Its members have among itsownmembers,theclubdecided exchanges withotherclubsinthearea,and revenues forthiscommunity. Following which hasabetterprospectofincreasing cultivatingsweetpotato, Monde hasstarted partners, theDimitraClub in the village of in farming.However, withthesupport of in hunter-gatheringactivitiesandverylittle improved. TheTwa aretraditionallyinvolved Specifically, thesituationof Twa has communities. in production,andarebuildingoftrust coordinated effortshaveledtoanincrease up literacycentres.Thesecommonand and agriculturalaccessroads),hasset the areaofinfrastructure(repairingbridges the Territorial RuralDevelopmentServicein communities. WFP has provided support to through itsFarmerFieldSchoolsinthesame carried outactivitiestostrengthencapacities ing LocalPeaceCommittees,andFAO has SFCG hassupportedtheprocessbycreat poverty. Followingthelaunchofclubs, producer orga - - - social cohesion and peace

Special attention is paid to the inclusion of marginalized groups such as the Twa. For this reason, clubs made up exclusively of Twa members have been able to benefit from the discussions and expertise of other clubs. In the end, this has enabled the clubs (and their communities) to find appropriate solutions together, without damaging the interests of one group, or being based on misunderstandings.

Another important point has been the promotion of transparency in all actions undertaken by club members and their communities. As a result of improved local governance the social fabric is starting to be rewoven. In this region, where relations between the Twa and the Bantus were tinged with mistrust, communities have been able to restore spaces for effective dialogue.

Beyond that dialogue, the numerous club achievements have enabled these groups, who no longer spoke to each other, to work hand in hand for the benefit of everyone – women and men alike. The very fact that these people mix with each other, listen to each other, take each other’s opinions into account and take action together has emerged as a powerful driver for social cohesion. π

“We, the Twa, we live from hunting. And the Bantu from agriculture. With the clubs, we stopped believing that we must fight against the Bantu. On the contrary, we must progress together with them. © FAO/ Julie Nyolo Love © FAO/ We need schools to enable our children to become of subsequent interventions.Following the and urinals) allowed links to be forged and nurses, teachers, doctors, same integrated methodology as that used trust to be restored, as well as enabling in the territory of Kabalo, the clubs served as the communities to benefit from these lawyers, agronomists. War a point of entry at community level, with the constructions. does not benefit anyone ” support of partner organization CREFE. For these achievements to happen, several In the village of Kabeya Mayi, for example, factors, such as the composition and the twa leader, where Twa and Bantus live side-by-side, way of functioning of the Dimitra Clubs, mukalayi moke, mukwaka village joint participation – decided by the clubs played a critical role. All club members, – in building various facilities (a school, a whatever their sex and social standing, straw hut, and bamboo handwash basins have the chance to make their voice heard.

35 dimitra | 30 preparing forher returnhomeattheend Taking chargeofaperson,feedingherand burden infinancialterms,” admits Aïssa. regarded asahelpcanquickly becomea as simpleitsounded.“What mightbe in lookingafterthechildren. But itwasn't helped Aïssa with the household work and fromwithin theextendedfamily,tant who Gasseda. Herparentswouldfindanassis born, situatedaboutfortykilometresfrom live inTchida, thevillagewhere shewas birth, she asked the help of her parents who them ofayoungage.Normally, aftergiving household, withsevenchildren,mostof she becameawidowandtheheadof next, herlifewasturnedupsidedown: their youngestchild.Fromonedaytothe her her lifeinrecentyears.In2013,shelost assembly thedramasthathavemarked restrained emotion,Aïssarevealstothe After alongsigh,toconcealbarely to becontinuingtheirstudiesintown.” “Today, youseethemallaroundyou,proud the ageof18,”sheobserves,beforeadding, in Gassedaweremarriedbeforereaching of earlymarriage.Before2014,allthegirls made it possible to limit the phenomenon six andseven,includinggirls,“whichhas school enrolment for allchildrenaged is especiallyproudofthecompulsory water tower. Anachievementofwhichshe and thedrillingofaboreholetoppedby a birthcertificateregisterinGassedaitself, the settingupofacerealbank,launch form otherincomegeneratingactivities”, their dailychoresandenablesthemtoper “helps thewomenofGassedaincarryingout tional platform by the women’s clubs which the jointmanagementofmultifunc munity. Aïssasharesvariousexperiences: they havebroughtaboutfortheentirecom Dimitra Clubs,andthepositivechanges the amazingachievementsofvillage’s begins heraccount.Herdescriptionsreveal In acomposedandconfidentvoice,Aïssa 36 resources, and may even involve getting into requiresconsiderable financial of herstay husband, shortlyafterthebirthof dynamism of the clubs in addressing problems common to all women in Gasseda. dynamism oftheclubsinaddressingproblemscommontoallwomenGasseda. where sheisamember, Aïssa wasquicktoseizetheopportunity,highlightingstrengthand Cooperation programmeintheSahel.Askedtomakeapresentationonactivitiesofclub a delegationofDimitraClubmembersfromMaliandSenegal,asparttheFAO South-South Niger. LastAugust,shetookpartinthevillageassemblyorganizedonoccasionofavisitby Aïssa Hamadou,leftherhomevillageabouttwentyyearsagoandhaslivedsincetheninGasseda, stronger are we Together NIGER - - - - repayment, if she had not benefited from much allthiswouldhavecostintermsof says Aïssa,whorefersshehasnoideahow me up through theirphysicalpresence,” of themjustpassedbytosayhelloandcheer water andheatingforwashing.Some suchascleaning,fetching household tasks cametomyhomehelpmewith contact with whomIhadpreviouslylittle lessly onorganizingceremonies.“Women avoids theirhavingtospendmoneyneed women whorecentlygavebirth–onethat andmoralsupportfor practical assistance after itslaunch,theclubsetupasystemof support thatsheneeded.Inthethirdyear women inthevillageclubshefound Nevertheless, thankstothesolidarityof part ofdailylife.” newborn baby, asenseofanguishbecomes from savouringhappymomentswith one’s far debt. For Aïssa, “In such circumstances, - and women. If men take chargeoffetching and women.Ifmentake betweenmen introduce thesharingoftasks as howtoreducewomen’sworkloadand the issueofdailyworkingtime,aswell Since 2009,theclubshavebeendebating of theGassedaDimitraClubs’approach. ing that this system of solidarityispart byexplain Aïssa continuesherpresentation the heart”. andinvisibleassetsthat“soothe intangible ity andcommunitycohesionarepriceless, the communityservice.Forher, thissolidar person, afortuneforwhoeverreceivesit”. of solidarity:“asmalleffortmadebyeach byofferingashortdefinition presentation says Aïssa, who concludes her assistance”, was theeighthwomentobenefitfromthis them forfortydaysaftertheygivebirth.“I women whoarepregnant,andtosupport toother to providethenecessaryassistance water andwood,thatleavestimeforwomen

SENEGA L Solidarity renewed through the clubs

Situated in the department of Tambacounda, Senegal, the village of Saré Gueda has two hundred inhabitants, all of them Fulani people and related to each other. Since the recent launch of the Dimitra Clubs, people have again had an opportunity to exchange ideas and take joint action, strengthening social cohesion and leading to improvements in daily life. The village had no school, and the supply of drinking water did not cover all the village’s needs, but today things have changed.

this way, each family has an adequate store of wood for cooking purposes throughout the winter season, whereas previously, women were forced to devote a large amount of their time to looking for fuelwood. Naturally, this chore was in addition to their already heavy workload.

Aside from concrete achievements, the Dimitra Clubs have also set up a community fund, initially made up of members’ contributions. “But we very quickly realized that the sums collected were not sufficient for us to deal with all the problems that needed solutions,” said Khady Diao. “That’s why we decided that the men’s and women’s clubs should each cultivate a field of sorghum, so as to cover the community’s cash needs. These farm activities are working well, and we hope that the sale of the harvest will enable us to restore water to the well and sink a second one. If everything goes as planned, the community fund will also help us to buy cooking utensils that we can rent out and, maybe, to purchase a millet mill to offer as a user-fee service.” © FAO/ Maude Veyret Picot Maude Veyret © FAO/ For several months now, a new dynamic has Khady Diao, leader of the women’s Dimitra Today, our quality of life has been trans- taken hold in the village of Saré Gueda. Each Club, paints a picture of how Saré Gueda formed. Since the clubs were set up, social person is ready to work hard for the well- has altered, and the role of the clubs in this relations have become more friendly and being of the community as a whole, and transformation. supportive, and everyone plays an active and everyone agrees on the fact that, through willing role in solving community prob- the Dimitra Clubs, social cohesion has “Before the Dimitra Clubs were set up, the lems, through collective action aimed at been transformed into a community action way in which people lived together was improving the livelihoods of people in the force. π harmonious, but monotonous, based solely village.” on sociocultural, religious relationships inher- ited from their parents and grandparents. The These achievements include regular ini- village had no opportunities for dialogue that tiatives to clean the streets and the areas would bring together all the social groups around the village, the launch and build- (men, women, adults and young people) to ing of a Koranic school, so that children discuss community problems. It was only dur- can learn without having to travel long ing religious or cultural ceremonies that peo- distances, and the maintenance of wells to ple had a chance to get together. For a number ensure that most village families have sup- of years, the village suffered from a range of plies of water. problems, some of which could have been easily resolved by the community. But everyone In addition, at the start of the winter season suffered in silence, and no one made a move to club members have grouped together to cut find solutions and change things. and collect fuelwood for each household. In Farmo Ibrahim © FAO/

37 dimitra | 30 external partners. seize developmentopportunitiesofferedby were unabletoreachanagreementand On severaloccasionsthevillageresidents of allactivitiesaimedatlocaldevelopment. period lastingmanyyears,tothedetriment mediation, refusedtocollaborateovera clans which,despiteseveralattemptsat manner. Thismovecreatedtwoopposing the occupantfromhisplaceinaunilateral to assumehisresponsibilities,removing village chiefchangedhismindanddecided lage. But several years later, the son of the toheadthevil chose aleadingdignitary as traditiondecreed.Sothecommunity ontherole, 2000, hissonrefusedtotake Following thedeathofvillagechiefin 38 through jointactionsconductedinaninclusivemanner. Today, theseactorsaretalkingagain.TheDimitraClubshaveenabledthemtobecomereconciled, to disagreementoverthesuccession.InSogolo,adisputesetchiefdomagainsttownhall. nearly 20years,eversincethedeathofvillagechief, tensionshadbeenhighinthevillagedue The villageofDebensoBambaraislocatedintheregionSégoucentrecountry. For reconciliationCommunication and MALI - tunity forallthevillageresidentstorecreatea community. The clubs have offered an oppor women andmentogetherthroughoutthe Since theoutset,clubshavebrought between thetwovillages. and KononsoBambararebuilttheroad mobilized the peopleofDebensoBambara ing success. For example, the clubs have implemented bythecommunity, withstrik of commoninterestwereidentifiedand the clubs.Undertheirimpetus,activities the villagewasidentifiedandprioritizedby meetings, thethemeofdiscordwithin FAO, has reversedthistrend. From the first by NGOAMAPROS, withthesupportfrom Since 2018, the launchof the Dimitra Clubs - - The dignitary formallyoffered tocedehis The dignitary frustration. thereby removingallsourceofcriticismand self-proclaimed village chief inhispost, the The twopartiesagreedtomaintain which hadproveddamagingtoall. have foundawayofresolvingthissituation, that both parties have become reunited and dom. It is through the impetus of the clubs solution tothedisagreementoverchief toeachotherandfinallyfinda bond, talk asked tobeforgiven.Hewassolemnlyand had beenthecauseoftensions,and latter acknowledgedthathisbehaviour thecoup.This role tothesonwhostaged

democratically sworn in last 20 July 2018, pality of Sogolo, observes: “Today, the before the people of the village. clubs have become tools in the hands of the community, which has enabled peace to be On the day of the investiture, a number re-established. In some villages, people no of people acknowledged the leading role longer spoke to each other and were suspi- played by the clubs in resolving this conflict. cious of one another. The system of the clubs encourages people to speak to each other, act Sogolo, reforging links, rebuilding trust together and even to have fun together.” In Sogolo, in the region of Mopti, the five newly launched clubs identified theproblem This process of reconciliation was of poor relations between the town hall celebrated in July 2018, in the presence of and the traditional chiefdom as an impedi- the authorities and local radio stations. ment to development for the village. These tensions had repercussions throughout the Finding solutions between livestock kee- village, between young people and between pers and crop farmers women. Communication broke down, mis- Other examples of the clubs in Mali also trust set in. During village meetings set up illustrate how better communication at C. Monsieur © FAO/ by the clubs it emerged that the cause of community level can help to find solutions to the tension between the chiefdom and local recurring tensions between livestock keep- stock while the village women were doing councillors was a lack of clarity in the roles ers and villagers. In Dimbala, in the region the laundry or drawing water, led to tension and responsibilities of both. A meeting was of Mopti, the clubs have joined forces, and because their utensils were broken, thier therefore called with the local councilors the resulting exchanges have helped to alle- washing damaged, etc. The clubs enabled and the village chief, under the authority of viate the tension by re-establishing commu- the livestock keepers and the villagers to the Deputy Prefect as representative of the nication between these groups. They have draw up a plan of action together, with State, and this clarified exactly what was reached an agreement over the farming cal- a precise timetable for the animals to be expected of both parties. endar and diffused the information, so that watered and the villagers to use the water livestock keepers can take care not to allow source, each respecting the needs of the As a result of this meeting and the creation their animals to damage crops. other. π of a framework for consultation, the clubs enabled the village to regain social cohesion. At Ambassa, conflict was mainly linked to Mariam Diara, deputy mayor of the munici- use of a water source. The presence of live-

In Niger, clubs are building peace between livestock keepers and crop farmers

The case of the Peuls (Fulani) in Niger, in the neighboring villages, where there in the village of Gasseda, is emblematic. are no Dimitra Clubs”. Here, the Dimitra Clubs have provided concrete solutions to the perennial Adiza Ali, a Peul woman herder, adds: conflict between livestock keepers and “We are well integrated in the village, crop farmers. The traditionally nomadic thanks to the Dimitra Clubs. Before, Peuls have gradually begun to settle we never went to the village, and our on the village outskirts. As livestock children were afraid of the people there. keepers, they need space to graze their Now, the villagers no longer see us as animals. So they cross villagers’ fields, outsiders. During the club discussions, destroying their crops in the process, the issue was raised of the distance which in the past has caused many between our camp and the village, and disputes, sometimes even leading the clubs decided to grant us advantages to deadly violence between the two over the village women, for example, to communities. give us priority at the mill, because they took into account the distance we had to The Dimitra Clubs have enabled the travel to get home afterwards. We were villagers and the Peuls to meet, share also given explanations of the existence their views and find solutions. They now and advantage of portable telephones, live together in peace. Adamou, a man and we have now bought some, so we Peul herder from Gasseda, explains: can be kept informed of upcoming “It was dialogue that helped us to go to events in the village, such as meetings the village, get to know each other and and gatherings to discuss village accept one another. There isn’t the same cleanliness”. social cohesion and integration of Peuls © FAO/ Mauro Bottaro © FAO/

39 dimitra | 30 © FAO/ Christiane Monsieur to climate change climate to Adaptation 40

Climate change is one of the world’s biggest challenges. The frequency of climate related disasters increased by 44% between 2000 and 2016. Climate variability and extreme weather events are threatening agriculture, livelihoods and infrastructures. Sectors linked to agriculture, forests and fisheries now face the challenge of ensuring food production and sustainable farming in a period of profound and rapid climate change. Small-scale producers – both men and women – living in rural communities in many African countries depend directly on natural resources and climate conditions for their survival. They are the first to be affected by climate change. As a result, their capacity to adapt and their resilience are critical issues. Due to their role in food production, and managing natural resources and biodiversity, women risk paying the heaviest price. The success of climate change adaptation (CCA) initiatives depends largely on collaboration between all relevant actors and the involvement of rural communities. In this sense, gender-sensitive participatory approaches like those adopted by FAO Dimitra Clubs have a crucial role to play. In the Sahel, an area badly affected by climate change and desertification, the clubs’ approach is being successfully implemented as part of FAO projects funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and together with the approach of the Farmer Field Schools (FFS). Strengthening the capacities to analyse the causes and consequences of climate change, and looking for options for CCA and potential local solutions, go hand in hand with the empowerment of communities and the development of women’s leadership. Such efforts are essential to ensure real ownership of new agricultural technologies and practices and the sustainability of initiatives for climate change adaptation. © FAO/ Christiane Monsieur © FAO/

41 dimitra | 30 42 tut NationaldePédologie(INP)to The clubs’membersreachedouttotheInsti way.more sustainable tified theneedtoaddressproblemina erosion processes,theDimitraClubsiden toadvancing (retrace theroadforinstance) have contracted workers to find quick fixes lands. Whereoncethecommunitywould fertile topsoilandgullied,barrencrop ing incollapsingroads,degradationof around the village of Saré Boubou, result Erosion hasintensifiedoverthepastyears adaptation (CCA). adaptation (CCA). arableland,anexampleofclimatechange de Pédologie (NationalInstituteofSoilScience)topreserve the populationofvillagesetupstonebarrierswithtechnicalsupportInstitutNational have changedtheirbehavioursandtriggerednewsocialdynamics.Amongnumerousachievements, After oneyearofactivities,theDimitraClubsvillageSaréBoubou(regionTambacounda) climate change facing community Saré Boubou, aunited SENEGAL discuss - - - - approach isagoodpracticeintermsofgen Developed byFAO, theDimitraClubs’ actions. collectivedecisionsand munities totake of theDimitraClubsapproachtohelpcom successful, demonstratingtheaddedvalue erosion controlmeasureshaveproventobe INP experttobuildstonebarriers.These under the supervision and guidance of an lagers worked collectively and voluntarily medium-long termrestoration erosioncontrolmeasuresanda suitable

project. Vil - - - In the Region of Tambacounda where Saré to solvetheirproblems. action daily lives,makedecisionsandtake to discussthechallengestheyfaceintheir in theircommunities.Theymeetregularly as toworktogetherbringabout not –whodecidetoorganizethemselvesso women, men andyoung people – mixed or nity mobilization. The clubs are groups of der, people’sempowermentandcommu being set up as part of a climate resilience Boubou islocated,theDimitraClubsare changes -

- - © FAO/ C. Monsieur C. FAO/ © π 43 In this process, the Dimitra Clubs bring In this process, the Dimitra Clubs bring com their added value in terms of gender, munity mobilization and climate change adaptation. of alliance methodological project, a this In flagship approaches – the Farmer two FAO Field Schools and the Dimitra Clubs – are dissemination and wide a ensure to used, ownership of CCA techniques, commu nity mobilization and sustainability of the activities, in a strong gender perspective. so as to help those in need. The objective is threefold: improve agricultural production, combat food insecurity during the hungry season, even for the poorest, and sharing this good practice. field, experimenting with an improved variety of rice seed. A warrantage system (an inventory credit system that allows producers to obtain a loan using their harvest as a collateral) was set in place - - - partner parcel of land measuring 16 hectares, where they have trapped water using stone barriers. They then planted a paddy The clubs have also addressed the problem of silting of the village dam, exploring solutions to conserve the water reserves. The dam is a critical source of water for the sizeable production of shallots and other crops in the village. Here too, the clubs have secured 5 hectares of land on the bed of the dam, by creating stone barriers. In the village of Ofienso, in the region of Ségou, the clubs have developed a in Tambacounda, the National Cotton the National in Tambacounda, Producer Federation (FNPC). The project activities revolve around main change adaptationstreaming climate also while programmes, and policies into accompanying local stakeholders through a field-based, pragmatic community learning process that leads to an increased under standing, adaptation and wide-scale adop tion of improved agricultural practices. for about 13,000 members (two thirds are thirds (two members 13,000 about for women) and accompanied by FAO

- - © FAO/ Maude Veyret Picot Veyret Maude FAO/ © rows of stones along contour lines. the impetus of the Dimitra Clubs, 30 hectares have been secured using this anti- erosion system, which consists of placing for some 90% of land, which is ill suited to growing crops. In order to protect land, the clubs have rallied and involved the villagers in building stone barriers. Under to address. Erosion poses a serious risk to the scant cultivable land available in an area where cliffs, caves and rocks account In central Mali, in the region of Mopti, the Dimitra Clubs in the village of Kedou have identified erosion as a key problem Mali: the village of Kedou fights against erosion against fights Mali: Kedou the of village and eastern Senegal. A total amount of 450 Dimitra Clubs are being created, accounting mate change: Ferlo, the groundnut basin The project covers three eco-geographical three covers project The cli to vulnerable particularly are that areas Field School methodology’ project aims at Field School methodology’ project aims improving rural people’ climate resilience. vulnerable rural areas through the Farmer vulnerable rural areas through the Farmer streaming ecosystem-based approaches ecosystem-based streaming in livelihoods rural climate-resilient to the Global Fund Facility (GEF). The ‘Main project implemented by FAO together with project implemented by FAO by the Government of Senegal, financed dimitra | 30 44 village assembly chargedtheclubswith In parallelto the dike’sreparation, Tailored solutions to thesatisfactionofeveryoneinvolved. dike werecompletedinrecord time,much members andnon-members,repairs tothe including women,men,girlsand boys,club With the mobilization of all the villagers, engineering service. sion ofanofficialfromthemunicipalrural the work gotunder way, under the supervi boys carried the sandandgravel.Inthisway, water tomixthecement,whilemenand withfetching women andgirlsweretasked theclubsfor to clearlydistributedtasks: united tocarryoutthework,according cement purchased, the whole community Once thefundhadbeensetupand A communityfundtorepairthedike needed torefurbishthedike. opted tocontributebuyingthecement resource, allthehouseholdsunreservedly lage dike.Sincewaterisarareandprecious involved settingupafundtopayforthevil of the villageassemblyagreedonaseries On aproposalfromtheDimitraClubs, the village. and conservetheenvironmentsurrounding resources neededtohaltsoildegradation effort tobringtogetheralltheactorsand members andtherestofvillage,inan opened thedoortodialoguebetweenclub On thisoccasion,thekeyhasaboveall as “thekeythatopensthedoortohome.” leader oftheclubforyoungpeople,defines Dimitra Clubs, which Alassane Alzouma, alarm andmobilizeforcesintheformof community hasthemeanstoraise To findsolutionstothisthreat,thevillage measures, themosturgentofwhich insecurity in the village. insecurity inthevillage. are becomingdegradedandagriculturalproductionisdeclining,withthelong-termriskoffood at timesmakingitdifficulttoreachthevillage.Mainlyasaresultofclimatechange,cultivatedareas hostile. Inthisarea,rainandsandstormsaregraduallyerodingthesoil,exacerbatinggullying municipality ofTéra, intheheartofSahel,aregionwhoseenvironmentandclimateareextremely Kourki, oneofthefirstvillagestohavesetupDimitraClubsinNiger, in2009,issituatedthe challenges environmental Mobilizing energies to meet the NIGER - -

contacting an NGO that specialized in of implementing the measures agreed on for adults. Following this collective effort, building firewalls against bush fires and for soil restoration. Skilfully applying the the land produced eight hundred bales of was also carrying out a project that involved knowledge they had gained during the millet, compared with one hundred and digging half-moons to replenish the soil. To training, they directed two groups of men fifty the previous year, before the slope was implement these two initiatives, two youth and women who had offered their services. treated. The success of this initiative has club members were appointed to undergo One team was tasked with digging half- encouraged the community to undertake training in soil restoration, conservation moons in the slopes of the fields and graz- the treatment of other plots, and is offering and maintenance techniques (half-moons, ing areas. Another group was charged with increased opportunities for women to gain zais and bunds, etc.). collecting compost to distribute between access to land. the half-moons. According to Balkissa Following the training, the two youths orga- Boureima, member of the Bonkaney Club Preservation of trees nized villagers to carry out the second phase in Kourki, the works undertaken as part of Conservation of a grove of trees in Dogon this initiative “mobilized about 800 people, Marké is another illustration of the impor- especially during the phase of treating the tance of mobilizing the community for grazing areas, which were spread among climate change adaptation. In the wake several villages.” of intensive and uncontrolled felling of trees around the wood, the Dimitra Clubs Improved agricultural production of Dogon Marké organized awareness- Such statements were echoed by Halhadey raising sessions to help people understand Amadou, village chief of neighbouring the issues of climate change. As a result, Balleykoira. “My field was on a slope, and women, men, youth and even children I was unable to harvest even one bale of have been conducting surveillance, and millet. I now harvest more than a hundred were tasked with reporting anyone who bales, thanks to the half-moons dug in will continue to cut down trees without my field. It’s like day and night,” he said. authorization. He listed the main concerns of people in his community, namely a wish to improve A final example is that of the village of production in the fields, as well as access to Gasseda, in the region of Tillabéri, high- water and the conservation of the environ- lighted in the article on South-South ment, challenges to which “the Dimitra cooperation. In August 2017, delega- Clubs find local solutions, which is a major tions from Senegal, Mali and villages of victory for the whole community in the face Niger celebrated Niger’s national holiday, of climate change.” along with national tree day. Together, the delegations immortalized the contribu- Idrissa Yabilan, chief of the village of tions of the clubs from all countries in their Kourki, paid tribute to the responsiveness efforts for climate change adaptation by tak- of clubs in terms of social mobilization. ing part in the planting of “the village wood He believes that the Dimitra Clubs have of Gasseda” and the “grove for girls’ educa- remarkable capacities. For him, their most tion”, an initiative launched by FAO. π important attribute is “that they break down social barriers and get organized on behalf of everyone, of both genders, in the village. They make no difference between me as chief and a vulnerable village member. They are at the service of the entire community. You can see that the work carried out by the clubs is an environmental masterpiece. The plant cover has been restored and the slopes treated have generated significantly increased agricultural output.”

As in Kourki, climate change adaptation has mobilized the Dimitra Clubs in Tin- kinara, in the region of Tahoua, to treat eight hectares of sloping land belonging to © FAO/ Sadou Doumi © FAO/ Idrissa Moussa, who is a member of the club

45 dimitra | 30

Africa has a population of nearly 1.2 billion people, 60% of whom live in rural areas and depend mostly on agriculture and natural resources for their survival. In these settings, rural organizations often play a crucial role in strategies to combat poverty. They not only help to improve men and women farmers’ access to natural resources, services, information and decision-making, they are also powerful vectors for capacity development and advocacy. When men and women producers work together through small-scale farmers’ organizations, natural resource user groups, women’s and youth associations or other forms of rural organizations, they strengthen their capacities and benefit from improved social and economic opportunities. However, often the most vulnerable groups, especially women and young people, are marginalized and face insurmountable difficulties when it comes to joining and/or creating a rural organization. In this sense, the Dimitra Clubs represent a unique opportunity for all socio-economic groups in rural communities. They enable everyone, including the poorest and most excluded segments of society, to take part in making decisions that affect the community, and develop their capacities for organization, analysis, expression and leadership, so that they can take collective action and improve their livelihoods. The capacities and motivation of club members are strengthened by this process, which enables them to launch their own formal organizations or join existing ones in positions of leadership. © FAO/ Yannick De Mol Yannick © FAO/

47 dimitra | 30 interest rates that are considerably higher payment severalmonthslater, resultingin become creditors, oftenreturnto collect the fact that the salesmen, who by now have negative effects of this practice arises from equivalent ofacroppingseason. Oneofthe credit periodcovers3to4months,the cooking utensils,cutleryandclothes.The Common purchasesincludemattresses, items oncreditfromtravellingsalesmen. chasing goodsconsideredtobe“luxury” The practiceof“Bosasele”consistspur 48 of familieshave beenforcedtoselltheir than thoseagreed attheoutset.Anumber of asavingsandcreditcooperative. so doingattractingtheinterestofYanonge Producers’Union, leadingtothesettingup families inaspiralofdebt.TheDimitraClubsinitiativehasachievedsignificantresults, united tofightagainst“Bosasele”,aneconomicpracticethathastrappedanumberof In theIsangiTerritory (OrientaleProvince),womenfromtheDimitraClubofYanonge have cooperative credit and From “Bosasele” to asavings DR CONGO DR - economic dependency. of families, and keeping them in a state is impoverishing theirhouseholdsand together tofightthispractice, which opment”, inLingala)decided towork (“Women stepforwardforyourdevel members oftheBasiLibosoDimitra Club To addresstheproblem,fortywomen Fighting against“Bosasele” make therepayment. greater debtbecausetheywereunableto loan, whileothershavehadtogointoeven entire agriculturaloutputtopaybackthe - of 500 Congolesefrancs (USD 0.50) to set each ofthemshould makeacontribution During thesemeetings, theydecidedthat find solutionsandputthese into practice. cuss problemsaffectingtheir community, have chosentomeetevery Congo. Since itslaunch, women members opment (IFAD) andtheGovernmentofDR International FundforAgriculturalDevel implemented byFAO, withfundingfromthe fight povertyandimprovefoodsecurity, Dimitra Clubs gender-sensitive project to Club waslaunchedin2012aspartofthe Made upentirelyofwomen,theBasiLiboso

Sunday todis

up a mutual fund. At the end of each month, after the discussions and deliberations, they would do the accounts and use the amount collected to fund the needs of members or to buy tools or other useful materials.

Previously, the only way to purchase such items had been through “Bosasele”. By setting up this tontine, women who still had debts to clear were able to repay them, and all the club members were able to buy basic goods without having to worry about what tomorrow might bring, or to make repayments at high interest rates. Less than one year after adopting this new strategy, the Dimitra Club moderator presented the results during a meeting called by the Union of Agricultural Producers’ Organizations (UOPA) targeting producers’ organizations. The participants quickly realized that it was time to seize this opportunity. So, after discussion it was decided to set up a permanent body to grant loans to anyone who wanted one. The Savings and Credit Cooperative of Yanonge (COOPECYA) was launched, with the specific goal of helping to empower rural communities.

A new entrepreneurial drive Five producers’ organizations (PO), seven Dimitra Clubs (out of the nine set up in the

Yanonge Eastern Production Basin), four De Molr Yannick © FAO/ community-based organizations (NGOs) and the Yanonge UOPA were the first to of criteria – as well as to collect repayments stood that they need to take control of their join the scheme. Since the amount provided and evaluate the progress made by the development.” by each of the cooperative members (legal cooperative. The criteria used are straight- persons) was a minimum of USD 300, the forward: you must have been a member Said François Bassay, the former district cooperative started with a capital of USD of the cooperative for at least one month; inspector for agriculture (Tshopo): “People 8 000. Several awareness-raising sessions the account to be used as collateral must now know that the radio is for the whole were then held, to inform people of this contain 10% of the amount requested as a community. Thanks to a broadcast by the new entity set up by the community itself, loan; the person (whether natural or legal) Dimitra Clubs on groundnut production, through the Dimitra Club and the UOPA, in must sign an honour pledge; the repayment buyers have come looking for us. The Union an effort to combat poverty. must be made after two months, at a rate of has brought seeds to the clubs, which have 97%, failing which, penalties are payable. adopted new varieties and techniques. After The cooperative currently has 91 members, that, club members joined the Union, the including 20 legal persons (OPA and clubs) The Savings and Credit Cooperative of Union of Turumbu Producers’ Organiza- and 71 natural persons (29 women and 42 Yanonge saw its capital exceed 15 000 tions - Lilanda, Yakpondi, Yayoli.” In the men). In January 2014, the natural persons Congolese francs at the end of the first region, the Dimitra Clubs have also been were authorized to open accounts with year. Jean-Pierre, manager and financial behind other development initiatives, such this new cooperative. Each of them paid officer for the cooperative, acknowledges as the building of a market and the set- membership fees of 2 700 Congolese francs the importance of the tontine initiative set ting up of a social club, with support from (USD3). For the legal persons, such as reli- up by the Dimitra Club, and the fact that sisters of the Congregation of the Daugh- gious denominations, school associations, the Union was inspired by and adopted this ters of Wisdom. etc., the fees were USD5 (4 500 Congolese model after evaluating its reliability and francs). By the end of January 2014, the success. He proudly announces that the Here, the Dimitra Club approach has shown cooperative had a total of USD375 in its cooperative now has 75 members (29% are itself to be a powerful catalyst to nurture coffers. also members of producers’ organizations). energy, including that of local organizations and associations. π In February 2014, the first loans were Widespread socio-economic impacts granted, to the benefit of five members. The club dynamics have benefited the entire The cooperative members meet on the 13th territory. “People have understood that of each month to decide who should be they need to take control of their future, extended a loan – on the basis of a number and think for tomorrow. They have under-

49 dimitra | 30 improved varietiesofrice,soya and maize. to moveintothemultiplication ofseedsfor improved seeds,therebyenabling theselatter have offeredadvicetoclubsand soldthem by anIFAD project,andproducergroups nated amongfarmers'organizations(FOs) efited fromagriculturalinnovationsdissemi for both:theclubshaveben advantages producer organizations.Therehavebeen between DimitraClubsandassociationsof collaborative relationshipshavedeveloped In theprovinceofTshopo, inDRCongo, organizations (seepage16). organizations and federations of producer ondecision-making rolesinother to take become leaders,sometimesgoingsofaras improving theircapacitytonegotiateand been seentogrowinself-confidence,while particular, women and young people have as aresultoftheprocesssetinplace.In ties for analysis, expression andaction, is adefiniteimprovementintheircapaci As farasclubmembersareconcerned,there organizations andassociations. results onbothpeopleandexistinglocal communities – with sometimes unexpected fortheotherrural initiative arecontagious In addition,theirdynamismandspiritof enabling women’sleadershiptoemerge. people toparticipateandspeakout,of clubs, ofencouragingwomenandyoung ating newlinksbetweenmembersandother In all cases,the clubs have the effectof cre personal andcollectiveaspirations. community problems,andtorealizetheir capacities tofindandapplysolutions club members to have confidence in their This growingsenseofefficacywillenable together onstrategiesforself-development. and collectiveefficacy, sothattheycanwork is toimprovemembers’senseofpersonal support fromFAO. Oneoftheirobjectives basisandwith themselves onavoluntary nizations, set up by agricultural Dimitra Clubsareinformalcommunityorga 50 province ofTanganyika, DimitraClubshave Still inDRCongo, butthistimeinthe new organizations. andcollectiveaction,stimulatethesetting-upof also createanenablingenvironmentforlocalgovernance The DimitraClubsenhancethevoiceandparticipationofruralwomenmenwithinorganizations.They organizations rural galvanize to self-development approach A producers - - - - - munity”. Paul has now managed to instill and developourenvironment,com that wewerelookingfor, tomoveforward Dimitra Clubs’approachisthepathway to empowerment”.Headdsthat“The solution, and that “self-determination leads ized thatawait-and-seeattitudeisnot toreal the FOsinhisareahavestarted as aresultoftheDimitraClubs’approach, territory) iskeentohighlightthefactthat Paul, ChairofanFOinLuizi(Nyunzu which ispromotedbytheclubs. and theparticipationofwomenyouth, ofself-development grasp theimportance has enabledthefarmers'organizationsto and theirphilosophyofself-determination resilience. DimitraClubshavebeensetup Progress approachandFAO theCaissesde peace. TheWFPhasbroughtitsPurchasefor well asfoodsecurity, socialcohesionand which aims to strengthen livelihoods, as project fundedbytheSwedishCooperation, been launchedaspartofajointFAO-WFP - - local governanceandcollectiveaction,have ating anenablingenvironmentbasedon In othercases,itistheclubswhich,bycre of achievingtheirvision. many requirementscreatedbytheprocess financial contributions,soastosatisfythe Dimitra Clubexampleofmakingcollective diversify theiractivities,andtofollowthe Other FOsintheareahavealsobegunto culture andsmall-scalelivestockactivities. FO that he oversees, he has launchedaqua other members of the Dimitra Club and the of self-determination,andtogetherwith in hisownFO, aswellinothers,thespirit is whywesetupourorganization”. in thedevelopmentofourcommunity. That decided thatwetoocouldbecomeinvolved were inspiredbythewayclubswork,and member SansouciToisisai explains:“We farmers hasbeenlaunched.Organization made upofaroundonehundredwomen tions. InTshopo, Lilanda,anorganization stimulated thesettingupofneworganiza π

NIGER A women's organization supporting food security

In a small village in Niger, women found themselves excluded from management of the local cereal bank. Together, several of them decided to change the story and, using their organizational and advocacy capacities acquired in the Dimitra Clubs, they managed not just to set up a new women only producers’ organization, but also to restore the cereal bank to its original purpose of serving as a food stock for the whole community.

Prior to the advent of the Dimitra Clubs in A delegation visited the Madda Ben Today, the Malam Koira cereal bank works the village of Malam Koira, Niger, the local umbrella organization in Falwel to explain extremely well, and the whole commu- cereal bank was managed by a mixed formal the latest events and obtain the union’s nity benefits as a result. Says Maimouna grouping of men and women farmers. But support. Unfortunately, such was the degree Adamou, leader of one of the women’s as time went on, the balance within the of mistrust and disappointment on the part clubs involved: “Thanks to what we learned association changed: a group of men took of the organization’s managers that a solu- through the Dimitra Clubs, we have been over the management of the bank. tion could not be found. able to inject a new impetus into the producers’ organizations, especially in Gradually, the bank deviated from its At this point, the women’s Dimitra Clubs terms of governance. It’s a real pleasure for original role: that of enabling the commu- in Malam Koira made an important deci- us to be able to make our contribution to the nity to deal with shortages of food products. sion: to leave the mixed group tasked with food and nutrition security of the village, The Madda Ben Union of Falwel, the managing the bank and to set up a new by putting the cereal bank back on its feet.” umbrella organization to which the group women-only organization for the same Following this happy ending, Maïmouna belonged, and which had given support to purpose. Adamou was able to take part in training the launch of the bank, decided to with- organized by FAO on procedures for setting draw from the village, leading to the bank’s One of the clubs, the Anniya Dimitra Club, up and operating a producers’ organization, definitive closure. took on the task of registering this new according to the terms of the Organization organization at the Falwel town hall. The for the Harmonisation of Business Law in In the circumstances, the village women Sawki producers’ organization (literally Africa (OHADA). π decided to unite in order to find a solution. relief ) was launched. Having examined the situation through their local Dimitra Clubs, to which many The Sawki producers’ organization quickly of them belonged, they moved to engage moved to rejoin the Madda Ben Union. After in open dialogue with the men, some of several fruitful discussions, the Madda Ben whom had been involved in the bank’s Union agreed to support Sawki, enabling it poor management. The women eventually to restore Malam Koira’s cereal bank, under uncovered the process that had led to their the direct management of the new women- exclusion, enabling the men to divert the only producers’ organization. cereal bank’s entire funds.

It’s a real pleasure for us to be able to make our

maimouna adamou, leader of one of the women’s dimitra clubs

Access to information is recognized as a fundamental and universal human right. Unfortunately, marginalized and geographically dispersed rural communities in developing countries face major constraints in accessing information and knowledge, to make

© FAO/ Phuna Mabika © FAO/ informed and knowledgeable decisions and seize social and economic opportunities to improve their livelihoods. Moreover, persistent gender inequalities are also found in accessing information. Rural women and men do not have access to the same kind of information and do not use the same communication tools. Gender inequality in accessing information contributes to hindering women’s empowerment and participation in decision-making. In the rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa where FAO Dimitra Clubs have been set up, both women and men’s access to information is improving. During the clubs’ process, they learn to analyse their common problems and identify key collective solutions to overcome their challenges. This way, they increase their problem-solving skills and expand their knowledge on crucial themes with local and external information. In this process, ICTs (solar-powered rural radio sets, cell phones and mobile applications) act as a relay and a driver to access knowledge and facilitate communication among all actors, in a context where communities are often isolated. The sharing of information, practices and knowledge does not happen only within the clubs. Networking between the Dimitra Clubs in the same countries and beyond frontiers is an important step. It reinforces the dynamism and strengths of all actors and promote solidarity and peace among sister countries. Exchanges among Dimitra Clubs from different countries take place in the framework of South-South Cooperation, enabling them to discuss common challenges and share common solutions in the fight against climate change, food insecurity, social inequalities or forced migration.

53 dimitra | 30 a high levelofilliteracy in the population. its closefitwiththeoral-basedcultureand which itcanbeusedandbroadcast, to itslowproductioncosts,theeasewith continent since the 1960s, particularly due leled growththroughouttheentireAfrican channel inAfrica.Ithasenjoyedunparal media Radio isstillacruciallyimportant 54

© FAO/ Christiane Monsieur intense andfruitfulpartnership. a networkandcommunicatewithentirecommunities.Herewepresentportraitofthis among theclubs.Insodoing,radiostationsenableDimitraClubstooperateas club members,sharinginformationabouttheirachievementsandstimulatinglinks with localradiostations.Theserecordandbroadcastprogrammesthatgiveavoiceto In eachcountrywheretheyarepresent,theDimitraClubsworkinghandin partner Clubs’Dimitra natural radio, Community - telephones arebecomingincreasingly Today, othertechnologiessuchasmobile immediate aftermathofindependence. radiossetupinthe ranks ofthestate-owned werelaunched,joiningthe radio stations airwaves inthe1990s,thousandsofprivate Benefiting fromtheliberalizationof

knowledge andexperiencesforthebenefit to improve living conditions and share have similarobjectives:theformeraim are workingtogether, thatisbecausethey If theDimitraClubsandcommunityradios A vitallink source ofinformationforcommunities. media channelinruralAfrica,andthemain locations. Yet, radioremains the leading access totheInternetinmostremote popular inurbanandruralareas,enabling type offour-day sessionenablescommunity Dimitra Clubs implemented byFAO. This of the trainingmodule on Radiosand the benefit fromtraining,especially aspart also and memorycards).Theradio stations phone, headphones,rechargeable batteries recorder,including adigital externalmicro plying reportingmaterial(reporting kits, process ofsettingupclubsinvolvessup effectively togetherwithcommunities,the tooperatemore to enableradiostations ties orevenaccesstoelectricity. Inorder equipment, technicalandfinancialcapaci are well-known,whethertheyrelatedto The constraintsfacingcommunityradios rural communities. cise their mission of being at the service of but alsobecauseitenablesthemtoexer of strengtheningtheirtechnicalcapacities, from thispartnership,especiallyinterms own development.Theradiosalsobenefit controloftheir in theircapacitiesandtake enables individualstogainself-confidence one, oftenwomenandyoungpeople, a voicetopeoplewhonormallydonothave inspiration fromexperiences.Radiogives sharing theirdiscussionsanddrawing information abouttheirachievements, The clubsuseradioasawayofrelaying both crucialandasourceofchallenges. The linkbetweenclubsandradiosis information attheserviceofcommunities. to contributedevelopment,byplacing of allwomenandmen,whilethelatterseek - - - - sharing information and knowledge sharing information

radios to increase their capacity to use mate- These special Dimitra Clubs’ radio rial distributed to them, conduct participa- programmes exist in all countries. During Practical training on tory and gender sensitive radio broadcasts a survey conducted in May 2017 among 310 Community radio and and strengthen links between the radios Dimitra Clubs (out of a total 1 600 clubs) and the clubs. Based on a flexible approach in Niger, DR Congo and Senegal, 80% of Dimitra Clubs that makes strong use of practical exercises, respondents said that they knew at least one FAO has developed a specific training this training methodology was developed community radio station that had a specific module aimed at improving links to respond to the short-term needs of both transmission on the Dimitra Clubs, and that between the Dimitra Clubs and radios and Dimitra Clubs. The training is 86 percent of clubs listened to this broad- community radio stations. It includes now systematically included in all projects cast either collectively or individually. three main sessions: that involve the clubs, though it is always adapted to suit each particular context. In several cases, community radio stations –– The first training session clarifies the also solicited a direct contribution from clubs’ main principles, which must A targeted support for producing Dimitra members of the community, to enable also guide the production of radio Clubs’ radio programmes them to work more effectively. In some broadcasts. Two of these principles, Often, partnership agreements are drawn villages in the Province of Tshopo, DR which are crucial for collaboration up between clubs, clubs’ networks and Congo, a number of clubs have decided to with radio stations, are explored radios. In the provinces of Kwango and Sud compensate the radio broadcasters who in detail: gender and community Kivu, DR Congo, for example, several radio came to record programmes in the commu- participation. Participants – men and stations are producing and broadcasting nity, by paying for their transport or giving women – conduct a critical analysis of Dimitra Clubs’ programmes, which high- them agricultural products. π media from a gender perspective, to light clubs’ experiences. Recorded sum- ensure a good overview of the concept maries of the debates subsequently serve as of gender. Participation is central a source of inspiration to both women and to exercise on the formats/types of men listeners. participatory radio broadcasts that can be used in a rural setting to attract the widest possible outreach. DR Congo –– The second session is devoted to preparing and recording a live Partnership with clubs in Tshopo, the view of the broadcast on the clubs, paying radio stations special attention to the two principles highlighted earlier. Listening to The dynamism of community radio stations in the Tshopo Province and their partner- this afterwards allows technical and ship with Dimitra Clubs has been critical in the process of setting up the clubs. Seven content issues of to be addressed. radio stations – Radio Kulukoko, Radio Mabele, Radio Yanonge, Radio Bondeko –– Finally, the third session allows d’Isangi, Radio Boboto, Radio Mwangaza and RadioTélévision Bondeke-Isangi (RTBI) relations between the clubs and – have since 2013 become involved in working with the clubs. Partnership agreements radio stations to be explored, and have been signed between Dimitra Clubs and community radios, and dozens of pro- to emphasize the need for clubs to grammes have been produced and broadcast on subjects chosen by the clubs themselves engage with radios that they have (literacy, sharing of farming tasks between men and women, aquaculture, horticulture). themselves chosen. The message for During a forum held in Kisangani, at the end of the project (2015), the partner radio the radio stations is that the clubs stations shared their views on the club approach. are a by-product of the community, not an FAO project, and that this “For us journalists, the clubs have revolutionized our work. Now, when we go to represents an opportunity for the the communities, people know us and we feel like members of the community. And radios. these communities participate in the radio transmissions. Radio programmes have been redeveloped to include proposals made by the community. This is radio by the communities and for the communities! (…) Our broadcasts are far more interesting when they include the voices of women. That makes them richer, the broadcasts are participatory, and full of ideas: people listen and enjoy hearing themselves on the radio.” joseph bassay of rtbi

“Before the clubs arrived, we spoke on behalf of the people. The training has been important in showing us how to design and produce our programmes differently, in a participatory manner, giving an equal voice to women.” sylvain loula, of radio boboto © FAO/ G. Ntaraka © FAO/

55 dimitra | 30 as enablersfor collectiveaction,improved are successfullyusedbyFAO DimitraClubs Many storiesfromthefieldshow howICTs exchangeandnetworking. facilitate tion requestedbytheclubs’members and and othermeansareusedtorelayinforma from theclubs,communityradiostations empowering processledbymenandwomen mobile phonesconnectedinafleet.Inthe solar-powered radios,oftenpairedwith The clubs are equipped with wind-up and thus, sustainability. and ownership oftheactionsundertaken tra Clubsensureinclusiveparticipationand process ledbyruralcommunities,theDimi use oftheminsupportanempowerment improved dialogueinruralareas.Bymaking They areenablersforsocialinclusionand a developmentobjectiveinthemselves. use ofICTs. Inthisdynamic,ICTs arenot capacity developmentprocesseswiththe rural development.Theclubscombine and puttingICTs attheserviceofinclusive be extremelyeffectiveinachievingthisgoal The DimitraClubs’approachhasprovedto development. and thatICTs canplayakeyroleinrural the gendergapacrossallareasofitswork increased attentionisneededtoreducing In thiscontext,FAO is convincedthat internet access. 10 youngindividualsisnotbenefittingfrom in developedeconomies.InAfrica,9outof access totheinternetcomparedwith94% in LeastDevelopedCountries(LDCs)have larly inAfrica.Only30%ofyoungpeople world’s populationisstilloffline,particu cation technologies(ITU),overhalfofthe ized agencyforinformationandcommuni According totheUnitedNationsspecial been made,hugechallengesstillremain. Despite thefactthatmuchprogresshas 56 while contributing togenderequality. food securityand ruralpeople’sresilience technological advancement,with70%ofthem(aged15-24)usingtheinternetglobally. Youthexpanding jobopportunitiesandimprovingservices. areattheforefrontof this to importantsocialandeconomictransformations,boostingagriculturaldevelopment, has surpassedaccesstoelectricityandimprovedsanitation.Theirproliferationled including inthedevelopingworldwheremobilephones’penetrationathouseholdlevel Worldwide, InformationandCommunicationTechnologies (ICTs) haverapidlyspread, development sustainable for Dimitra Clubs use ICTs enablers as - - - - - to share achievements, pictures, as well as participate inapermanentdiscussiongroup wereprovidedsmartphonesand facilitators own Dimitra ClubsinNigerhavecreatedtheir the twoNGOsprovidingsupportto other clubs,beyondthevillages.Similarly, of localsynergies and partnershipswith acts asafirststeptowardsthecreation ing villagesoutsidethecommunity, which ments. Thisisanopenwindowtosurround use ittoexchangeexperiencesandachieve Clubs havecreatedaWhatsAppgroupand In thedistrictofFalwel,youth’sDimitra adequate treatmentontime. seen the after, thepestcontrolagentshadalready Threedays actions tostoptheinfestation. tor who wasable to promptly advise on picture to theregionalagriculturalinspec actionbysendingamobilephone to take fields. Afterdiscussions,theclubdecided that some insects were damaging the millet Koïra), awomen’sDimitraClubnoticed In a rural isolated village of Niger (Mallam network usingWhatsApp.Alltheir picture and were abletoprovidethe - - - messages. TheuseofICTs coupledwiththe using photos, videos,textsand voice world tosharetheirclubs’achievements communicate forthefirsttimewith Some of these isolated rural communities page. are oftenpostedina“private”Facebook Thebeststories to motivatethefacilitators. issues. Thenetworkisalsoapowerfulway to thefunctioningofclubsortechnical to seekadviceonspecificchallengesrelated equality. alized groupsinruralareas,andgender of ruralpeople,socialinclusionmargin of ICTs, whichcontributesto Dimitra Clubsaremakinganinclusiveuse show howparticipatoryapproacheslikethe behind´ fromAgenda2030,thesestories In linewiththeprincipleof´leavingnoone inruralareas. them tostay making canbeasourceofmotivationfor of theyoungmenandwomenindecision- process andtheincreasingparticipation dynamism ofthecommunitydevelopment π

empowerment

South-South cooperation – the clubs of Niger, Mali and Senegal share experiences

FAO offers substantial support to South-South cooperation as part of its efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, especially those linked to hunger, malnutrition and poverty. Among other things, this involves promoting solidarity between developing countries to enable them to share their knowledge, skills and resources. In this context, the Dimitra Clubs have been identified as a good practice to share. In 2017, exchanges were organized between the Dimitra Clubs of Niger, Senegal and Mali.

As a first step, two delegations made up of In Niger, participants developed individual In Senegal, the Governor of the Region of clubs’ members and other actors from Mali and collective plans of action, and commit- Tambacounda, Mr. Elhadji Bouya Amara, and Senegal visited Niger in August 2017. ted themselves to taking concrete action stressed “the relevance and efficiency in in their respective countries, together combining FAO’s programme of South- On this occasion, a training and discussion with initiatives aimed at strengthening the South cooperation with the methodological workshop was organized on the theme of capacities of rural actors. They went on approach of the Dimitra Clubs to promote “South-South cooperation in the Sahel: to draw up a series of recommendations, harmonious and equitable development in Mali, Niger, Senegal. The Dimitra Clubs namely: institutionalizing Dimitra Clubs in our rural communities. All this is in line for social cohesion, gender equality, com- all FAO programmes, setting up a network with the Plan for an Emerging Senegal munity mobilization and the empower- of Dimitra Clubs at national, sub-regional (PES), our new policy aimed at leading ment of rural people.” The event was an and regional level, and a platform for the Senegal towards emergence by 2035.” opportunity to gather different actors from exchange of knowledge. the rural sector around the same table: In Mali, there was also full support from men and women farmers, clubs’ members, Delegations in Mali and Senegal the authorities: Mr. Siaka Fofana, the NGO partners, representatives of producer The second phase of this initiative for South- National Director of Agriculture, sent a organizations, community radios, national South cooperation took place in December message of support and encouragement and regional administrative authorities, 2017, when two delegations from Niger paid for the approach, declaring that “the clubs traditional chiefs and religious leaders. It a visit – one to Mali and the other to Senegal. fit perfectly into the vision of the highest enabled all participants to present their In the two countries, the delegations met a authorities in Mali, and specifically, inte- vision of the Dimitra Clubs’ approach and number of people involved in implementing grating the gender perspective into the to begin the process of sharing experiences, clubs’ activities, including small-scale men economic and social development process.” success stories, and particularly constraints. and women farmers (members of Dimitra Clubs), local NGO partners, and represen- This initiative has demonstrated the A field visit to the village of Gasseda,situated tatives of producer organizations and com- relevance of South-South cooperation as 80 km from the capital of Niamey, followed munity radios. The participants were able to an effective mechanism for exchange on activities in the workshop. Gasseda was cho- strengthen the exchanges that had begun technical issues, but also and above all, an sen since this was the site of the first Dimitra in Niamey, and took stock of and renewed opportunity to build strong relationships, Club in Niger. The visitors from Mali and the individual and collective commitments confidence and mutual understanding Senegal joined club members from Niger made during the first phase. between development actors. π in planting one thousand fruit trees. In the village schoolyard they also witnessed the planting of the FAO-Dimitra grove for the education of girls.

The participants held talks with the villagers on the functioning of the Dimitra Clubs and their achievements. Some of the most notable accomplishments include the vegetable garden of the women Dimitra Club in Banizoumbou. This made a strong impression on Mariama Nantoume of the women’s club in Mopti, Mali: “In our village, women have difficulty in accessing land and water. For me, the experience of this vegetable garden has been a source of inspiration to take action in my own club, to improve our livelihoods.” © FAO/ Najros/Sanchez Enciso © FAO/

According United Nations estimates of 2015, Africa has the world’s youngest rural population, with 130 million rural inhabitants aged between 15 and 24. These young people are the focus of growing interest by the international community, even though their situation is often viewed through the prism of extreme phenomena (conflicts, violence, migration, rural exodus), or based on the experience of previous generations. Who are these young women and men? What are their aspirations? What roles can they play as agents for change in the economics and social norms of the rural sector? They represent a major asset for development in Africa, but is their potential being sufficiently exploited? Experience shows that the Dimitra Clubs’ approach can help to find answers to these questions and enable young people to become engaged. Thanks to this inclusive approach, young rural Africans can at last play a full role in community life, have a say in the decision-making process, and take action for their personal development, and that of their community. In rural areas, young people are often out of step with previous generations, especially regarding their openness to the world, notably as a result of new information and communication technologies. It is time to remove the constraints that hamper their social and economic empowerment, and the need is even pressing in the case of young women, who face even more challenges. The clubs serve as a lever in this sense, and can help young people to develop self-confidence and realize their aspirations. © FAO/ Yannick De Mol Yannick © FAO/

59 dimitra | 30 and mal culture, soastocombatfood insecurity areas linked toruraldevelopment: agri conducted awiderangeof activities in their launch,theclubshave successfully of twenty one municipalities.Since total of the country’s regions, and covering a Clubs inNiger, distributedthroughoutfive In 2018, there were more than 1 200 60 education, infrastructures, etc.Bybuilding empowerment for men,womenandyouth,

© FAO/ Eliane Najros nutrition, economic and social community activitiesarewidelyacknowledged. Dimitra Clubs,especiallythoseofyoungpeople,whoseengagementandmobilizationfor villages andruralcommunities,municipalitiesareincreasinglyencouragingsynergieswith process ofdecentralizationandlocalgovernance.Inordertobemorecloselyalignedwiththe In Niger, asanimportantleverinthe theapproachand successofDimitraClubsserves governance local driver for a Youth Clubs: Dimitra NIGER Dimitra - step in order to maintain communities’ communities’ step inorder to maintain Focusing onyouth thereforeappearsa Strengthening youth capacities zation andcollectiveaction. group decisions, community mobili tates young people–boysandgirls – and facili place to gives an increasinglyimportant generational dialogueatvillagelevel,which Clubs havemanagedtointroduceaninter on anendogenousdynamic,theDimitra

logical logical - - - ties ofyoung Dimitra Clubleadershave In thiscontext, the organizational capaci mism throughtheDimitraClubs’ approach. make themflagbearersofcommunity dyna communities, so as to setupa network and of youngleaders–menandwomen –inrural to strengthentheorganizational capacities with thataiminmindtheideaemerged Dimitra Clubs’approachcontinues.Itwas dynamic momentumandensurethatthe - - the voice of youth

been strengthened by FAO, in partnership Encouraging closer ties sources of funding, so as to strengthen with local NGOs AEDL and APEBA, in For NGOs AEDL and APEBA, it is crucial to the capacities of the Dimitra Clubs. On the regions of Zinder, Tahoua, Dosso and have effective communication strategies, so other occasions, when a large project is to Tillabéry. In each municipality, two young as to draw the attention of the traditional be undertaken, requests are made to the women and two young men are tasked with and municipal authorities to planning municipal technical services, before start- organizing monthly meetings, managing issues and achievements by Dimitra Clubs ing work or to prepare specifications. inter-village gatherings, monitoring the in the municipality. They have seen that results of activities and arranging cascade “overall, local elected officials in these One lesson to bear in mind, according to the training at village level. places have been made aware of the activi- representatives of NGOs AEDL and APEBA, ties of the Dimitra Clubs and are in contact is that villages manage themselves with A municipal bureau Réseau des clubs Dimitra with them, either through the mediation of determination and autonomy according (Network of Dimitra Clubs) has already young leaders, or through direct exchanges to the Dimitra Clubs’ approach, when the been set in place in fifteen municipalities, with members of Dimitra Clubs, or often dynamic is driven by young people – men with the support and empowerment of through a facilitator (of the NGO) for the and women – who are committed and well the young Dimitra Club leaders represent- Dimitra Clubs. trained. They maintain it is a good policy to ing the communities. In the future, these plan “the involvement of youth as a deliber- municipal bureaus will in turn be organized On some occasions, the elected officials ate strategy for impetus and sustainability into a national federation of municipal club have requested community radio, which of the Dimitra Clubs, while promoting the networks, with a mandate to strengthen com- is the most suitable channel for getting setting up of a sharing network for these munity dynamism, while developing links messages to club members and the commu- young people.” In the same way, it is impor- with the municipal administrative authorities. nity. At all stages, the municipal authorities tant to define and plan “a strategy capable are encouraged to highlight the Dimitra of systematically supporting municipal Networks of Dimitra Clubs Clubs’ capacity for mobilization, and the networks of young people in Dimitra Clubs, Each Network of Dimitra Clubs bureau is importance of making them known to so as to lay the foundations for actions to charged with developing and implement- public services, NGOs, and development continue in the long term”. π ing monthly plans of action to support the projects in the municipalities, which can Dimitra Clubs’ dynamics, assist the young all draw considerable advantage from Dimitra Club leaders, organize forums and collaboration.” meetings to galvanize the clubs, and give “The enthusiasm shown feedback on and share the results with the Communication and dialogue certainly municipal authority. The process has just facilitate the forging of closer ties and by the young people started, but setting up the network is a long- collaboration between municipal authorities demonstrates the value of term process, in the words of Assoumane and citizens. At Fararat Babba (Garhanga), Hassane and Ibrahim Seybou, coordina- for example, a participatory analysis led to investing in community tors of NGOs AEDL and APEBA: “The the drawing up of a list of problems facing mobilization on a voluntary enthusiasm shown by the young people the municipality, and solutions to address demonstrates the value of investing in com- them. This discussion resulted in the plan- basis.” munity mobilization on a voluntary basis.” ning of activities to be carried out in the village, which will be included in the new assoumane hassane and ibrahim seybou, The two coordinators say they believe a Municipal Development Plan. This work coordinators of ngos aedl and apebaong significant step has already been taken in has been possible partly due to members of aedl et apeba terms of community management. Some Dimitra Clubs, some of whom are also local Dimitra Clubs, like those of Dantiandou councillors. To secure the involvement and and Garhanga, have already set in place engagement of the town hall in the develop- municipal bureaus for Dimitra Clubs and ment of their village, men and women club in some cases have moved on to formalize members displayed skills in debate, plan- their organization. ning and negotiation.

It is expected that the networking by Youth's active engagement Dimitra youth clubs will help to strengthen Here as in other municipalities, the youth cooperation between the municipal authori- Dimitra Clubs and rural communities feel ties and village institutions. Already, the more comfortable in their relationships Mayors of Tamaské and Garhanga have been with the administrative authorities, and have made aware of the existence of the Clubs no hesitation in presenting their grievances and the municipal bureau, acknowled or requesting an intervention. In Laba and ging them as well structured organizations Fararat Babba, at the request of clubs which that are effective in driving community expressed a need for training, the Mayor mobilization. of Garhanga organized training to identify

61 dimitra | 30 Clubs. “Giventhe situation,Ihadbegunto etiquette andbringthedebateto the the youngmenofDikkitodefy therulesof The gravityofthesituationhas prompted honour. is a virgin, considered a bonus to the family money intheformofarewardifbride prospective groomhastopayalargesumof where, aswellthemarriagesuitcase, Kwara, in the municipality of Falwel, The pressureisevengreaterinMarafa marriage drawscloser. bolt totheheadastheysay, astheageof dread,athunder ofconstant live inastate for manyyoungpeopleinthevillages,who to neighbouringcountries.Thatisafortune those whohavetheopportunitytoemigrate of twobullsoratleastyears’workfor from thevillageofDikki.Theequivalent mention cash,”explainsayoungbachelor clothes forthefutureparents-in-law, notto jewellery, cosmetics,aradio,telephone, suits madeofhighqualityfabric,shoes, monly known as the marriage suitcase. “15 groom to offer his fiancee what is com from the urban areas, obliges the aspiring A recentpractice,nodoubtpassedon find thedowry. place,the suitor must first wedding can take sweetheart andaskforherhand.Beforethe it isnotenoughtodeclareyourlovefor over theissueofmarriage.To getmarried, to adulthoodwithconsiderableanguish ages of18and21contemplatethetransition region ofDosso,youngpeoplebetweenthe In Dikkiasinmanyothervillagesthe community. withinthe a positionofrespectability ing youngisasignofmaturityandsecures Because here,intheeyesofsociety, marry early in Niger.The dream of marrying starts mate, settingupahome,havingchildren. life, hopes anddreams.Findingtheirwayin leave adolescencewiththeirheadsfullof In Niger, aseverywhere,young people 62 village asaplace toliveandflourish.But lose hope–me whoalwaysthoughtofmy making careerplans,meetingasoul The youthbringthedebateondowryand“marriagesuitcase”toDimitraClubs. young people? for choice which married: Getting NIGER Dimitra - - - because the whole community supported “The decision was swiftandunanimous, end theruleabout themarriagesuitcase. to those involved,thedecisionwas taken on forthreeweeks,andtothe surpriseof Discussions withintheDimitra Clubswent the secondwifeofanolderman”. young women end up agreeing to become sure, andtiredofwaitingfortheirsuitors, resident ofDikki,“asaresultsocialpres the wedding.Andoften,accordingtoa in anattempttoamassenoughmoneyfor fiancés leavingthevillageforseveralyears get married.Itisnotunusualtoseeyoung men arenowwaitinglongerandto people marryingearly. On thecontrary, is inconsistent with the custom of young members. Paradoxically, itisapracticethat to explaintheirargumentstheolder of the spaceoffered by the Dimitra Clubs advantage The youngpeoplehavetaken A unanimousdecision one youngman. was unsettlingallyoungpeople”,observes hold adiscussiononthispractice,which to shakeupthecommunityandforceit help oftheDimitraClubs,wehavemanaged things havechangedveryquickly. Withthe © FAO/ Ronny Schoenmaeckers - without toomany constraints. areas, youngpeople arenowfreetomarry, Marafa Kwara andotherneighbouring changed,andinDikki, Times havecertainly community”. of ourmarriedlifefromthe gazeofthe have enabled us to remove the intimacy progress, confiding:“theDimitraClubs who wasmarriedlastApril,welcomesthe dignity ofyoungmarriedcouples.Hadjara, relationsandthe positive effectonmarital marriage requirementstoberelaxed,witha by theDimitraClubshasalsoenabled Kwara, theawareness-raisingcarriedout In the neighbouringvillageof Marafa indeed nothingmorethanabadmemory. thatthemarriagesuitcasewas ascertain man fromDikki,whodidnotwaitlongto follow theexampleofAbdoulRazak,ayoung dozen familiesareencouragingtheirsonsto ing agirl’shandinmarriage.Aroundone suitcase is no longer a precondition for ask Much tothedelightofyoungpeople, young bachelor, happily. done anythingtoputastopit,”saysthe against thispractice,butnoonehadever our demands.To thinkthateveryonewas

π - the voice of youth

TESTIMONY DR CONGO Reducing early marriage

In the province of Kwilu, a number of tribes, among them the Yansi, have the tradition of encouraging young girls to marry at an early age. Mimi Mungiele, member of a Dimitra Club, explains how the Dimitra Clubs are helping to curtail this phenomenon.

“Where we live, early marriage is a real these numerous meetings they end up get- For us it was an opportunity to say no to this obstacle to development. ting pregnant. Once a girl is pregnant, her customary practice, which stopped girls father demands that the boy’s parents take from going to school and forced them to The main cause is poverty. When we parents responsibility for her, and that she goes to stay at home to help with household chores are unable to send our children to school, live with this new family. When the baby is and work in the fields. Since discussions it becomes difficult to supervise them and born, the girl does not return to live with her on the subject also included the traditional meet their needs. parents. The girl’s parents end up claiming chiefs, we realized that changing our habits the dowry, since the marriage has been could lead to improvements in our lives. Up until now, it was the men who generally consumed. All these family responsibilities managed the household revenue. The wives represent a significant expense. The boy, Although it was not easy, we put this sub- were not involved, even though they do who is often not prepared to start a family, ject at the centre of our discussions. All the almost everything in terms of agricultural is forced to look for a way to sustain a living. members of our club committed themselves production. This meant that the women and That is the vicious circle of poverty. to talking about it by taking part in the young girls were forced to look for ways to public theatre shows organised by UNI- find a minimum to survive. The question of early marriage, and the CEF, taking the message door-to-door and negative consequences it entails, used to be using slogans, with the help of clubs and The other cause is tradition, which poses a taboo subject for us. People simply said it FAO leaders and facilitators. Today, many a threat to our society: parents sent their was tradition, and that was an end to it. families have been made aware of the issue, sons to school while the daughters stayed at and that is a good thing for the whole com- home to help their mothers with household Here in Bulungu, the arrival of the project munity!” π chores or work in the fields. “Women and men, let’s make progress together” (see box), brought about significant At the age of 12, 13 or 14, the girls are changes. As a result of improved communica- often approached by boys of their own age tion between all groups in the village, and the along the path leading to the field, or the information on gender roles learned within place where they fetch water. As a result of the Dimitra Club, we started to get organized.

“Women and men, let’s make progress together” Dimitra Clubs were set up in the province of Kwilu in DR Congo as part of the programme to combat gender- based violence implemented by FAO and UNICEF between 2014-2017, with funding from the European Union.

A total of 153 Dimitra Clubs made up of 3 900 members, of whom 2 730 are women and 1 170 are men, have been set up, with 20 of the clubs launched in the province of Kinshasa, and 133 of them launched in the former province of Bandundu.

The Dimitra Clubs are an important tool for behaviour change and gender relations, with a view to combating gender-based violence. © FAO/ Julie Nyolo Love © FAO/

63 dimitra | 30 that itlastednearly4hours! istrator. Theconferencewas so successful our suchasthevillagedoctorandadmin gathering, includingseveralguestsofhon cess: morethan200peopleattendedthe The also found health andpsychologicalaspects.They definition ofthisviolenceanditslegal, onthe event andfinddocumentation amongthemtoorganizethe the tasks Members ofthismixedclub divided-up Congo. eastern partoftheDemocraticRepublic matter:violenceagainstwomeninthe tant arranged toexploreasensitivebutimpor debates. Thefirstpaneldiscussionwas village tookthedecisiontoorganize members of the youthDimitra club in the engaging theyoungpeopleofYanonge, the Noticing thelackofdevelopmentinitiatives 64 conference was a resoundingsuc videos onYouTube toscreen. In the province of Tshopo, the Mwangaza (Light) Dimitra Club has launched several initiatives In theprovinceofTshopo,Mwangaza(Light)DimitraClubhaslaunchedseveralinitiatives self-determination of example an Youth club Yanonge, of as welltrainingininformationtechnology. resources, theseyoungpeoplehaveorganizedpaneldiscussionsonthemesofgeneralinterest, aimed atmobilizingtheyoungpeople–bothgirlsandboysofYanonge. Despiteverylimited DR CONGO DR public - - - - community, theyalsoorganizedactivities early marriage and illiteracy. To benefit the other issuesofgeneralinterest,suchas club subsequentlydecidedtofocuson Aside fromthedebateonviolence, technology Other activities,includinginformation viding fundsfortheclub. asawayofpro stall, to setuparestaurant result, theyoungpeoplegroupedtogether to findresourcesforitsownactions.Asa conduct theiractivities.Itisuptotheclub money orfinancialsupportfrom FAO to reminder, theDimitraClubsneverreceive and useofaprinterallcostmoney. Asa question: hiringtheroomandagenerator, But withoutabudget,thiswasoutofthe event wouldnowbeheldonaweeklybasis. of Yanonge, whohopedthatthistypeof much enthusiasmamongtheyoungpeople This firstyouthclubactivitygenerated

- For club members, it is important tochange For clubmembers,itisimportant charge ofyourowndestiny No needforfinancialsupporttotake as tointeractwiththerestofworld. and Facebookaccountshavebeensetupso tion ispoorandcostlyinYanonge, email capacities. Althoughtheinternetconnec they receivedsupport to strengthentheir some club membershad computer skills, andcleanupthearea.Since to maintain to make. particular haveanimportant stop beingpassive,andthatyoungpeoplein chargeoftheirownlivesand one cantake out external funding is possible, that every through itsownactivitiesthatactionwith Club ofYanonge wasdeterminedtoshow refuses to espouse this idea. The Dimitra action, youmustreceivemoney, buttheclub ple intheregionthinkthatordertotake mindsets, and to set an example. Many peo π contribution

Acknowledgements How not to begin by thanking the women and men from Our warmest thanks are also extended to all those who the Dimitra Clubs for their trust and enthusiasm? It is of work so hard on a daily basis to put the Dimitra Clubs’ course to them that this issue is dedicated, even though approach into action, first and foremost the partner orga- there is not enough space to describe all the incalculable nizations that “accompany” the clubs. They are tireless in changes and achievements generated in their communities. communicating the results of their work, and are a source of inspiration to us all. A number of people made this special issue of the newsletter possible. The contribution of the members of the FAO This work is also the result of the continuous support Dimitra team was invaluable. They are, in alphabetical provided by FAO country offices in Burundi, the Central order: Ali Abdoulaye, Aster Bashige, Mauro Bottaro, Yan- African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, nick De Mol, Ibrahim Farmo, Christiane Monsieur, Eliane Niger, Senegal, and by the state partners that sustain this Najros, Alassane Ndiaye, Julie Nyolo Love and Andrea initiative. Finally, we would like to recall that the Dimitra Sánchez Enciso, not forgetting Sidi Koné and Julien Clubs approach could not have been developed without the Zamuangana. We would also like to mention Seydou Sarr, support of the Belgian Cooperation that we wish to thank who provided the critical impetus for the work of informa- here for their continued trust. tion gathering and writing of many articles.

This publication was made possible thanks to the support of the Governments of Belgium, Sweden, Netherlands and Switzerland through the FAO Multi-partner Programme Support Mechanism (FMM). The number of Dimitra Clubs in sub-Saharan Africa has reached 3 000, marking a milestone. This gender-transformative approach aimed at rural people’s empowerment through community mobilization has proved increasingly successful.

Through this flexible approach developed by FAO, the rural communities themselves, through their decisions and actions, determine the changes that need to be made to their environment, and how to improve their livelihoods.

The Dimitra Clubs’ areas of impact are many and varied. Several themes shape this special edition of the newsletter: community mobilization, gender and women’s leadership, food security and nutrition, social cohesion and peace, adaptation to climate change, rural organizations, information and knowledge, and last but not least, the future: youth.

Contact us: Christiane Monsieur Coordinator Dimitra Clubs Programme, FAO [email protected] www.fao.org/dimitra © FAO, 2019 © FAO, I7865EN/1/04.19