CENTER FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY AND APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY FOR THE

CREATE!s goal is to promote a “real green revolution” in rural Senegal and other similar regions in Africa together with developing self-sufficient, environmentally responsible and sustainable communities. “Water is life” is a well-known phrase throughout Africa, and is especially true in Senegal, where the annual dry season is nine months long. Agriculture here is traditionally carried out during the short rainy season with nearly 90% of agricultural land worked by small-scale, family-based farms engaged in subsistence agriculture. This results in food insecurity and micronutrient deficiencies. CREATE!s programs try to ameliorate the situation by providing year round access to clean water to the communities through rehabilitated wells and solar powered water pumps. This water helps the communities produce nutritious vegetables year round which improves their food security and nutritional outcomes. They also sell their excess produce in local markets, thus improving their income opportunities. Our success is measured by the amount of vegetables our communities produce, how that changes their nutritional indicators and how much each program participant earn and save through our projects. In 2020, CREATE!s 18 partner communities produced 13 tons of vegetables, turning barren community gardens into green oases; 100% women of reproductive age achieved Minimum Dietary Diversity, a verifiable nutrition indicator; and each participant earned and saved $20 per month. Our programs thus improve the lives and livelihoods of the rural population that we serve.