Zorgho - On September 20, 2023, the Sanbrado Mines Company (SOMISA) organized a guided tour of moringa leaf production sites in the village of Noessé, located in the commune of Boudry. The event was chaired by D. Mohamed Ouédraogo, the prefect and President of the special delegation of the commune. Local authorities and community representatives participated in the tour.
According to a new release by Burkina Information Agency, the senior coordinator of the SOMISA livelihood restoration program, the purpose of the tour was to showcase the company's efforts to improve the livelihoods of communities impacted by the Sanbrado gold mining project. The initiative is part of a larger moringa promotion and valorization project spearheaded by SOMISA.
In Noessé, near the Sanbrado gold mine, approximately 20 women operate a moringa leaf production field that spans around 500 square meters. Harvested leaves are processed and packaged in a storage warehouse further in the village of Sanbrado. The moringa leaves are dried, transformed into powder, and packaged in a manner that has drawn the attention of visitors.
Kambiré also revealed that four other similar gardens are in the works in the villages of Mankarga Traditionnel, Douré, Pilaka, and Sanbrado, which are adjacent to the mining site. The pilot project aims to produce moringa leaves on a large scale, improve dietary and nutritional needs, and offer marketing opportunities for the produce.
In partnership with the Beoog-Neere Association of Ganzourgou (ABNG) and the Boudry departmental environment service, several activities have been implemented, including capacity building for women, provision of necessary production materials, and preparation of the sites. The pilot phase is set to conclude in February 2024, after which an assessment will be conducted to determine the next phase of the project.
D. Mohamed Ouédraogo emphasized the significance of the project in fighting grassroots poverty. “It is a value chain which, well organized, will contribute to helping the municipality," he stated. Ouédraogo also noted that such initiatives help ease tensions between the mining company and local communities.
Gertrude Coulibaly/Yaméogo, the director of promotion and development of non-timber forest products at the general directorate of green economy and climate change, commended the investments made and the suitability of the site for moringa production. She also suggested that SOMISA incorporate baobab plants into the gardens and assist women in certifying their products.
Fati Zagré, president of the women's cooperative, expressed gratitude for the support they've received and welcomed more. She also indicated the willingness of project beneficiaries to share their experiences with other women.