Travail
"Learning about agroecology" is a project initiated by ASTOVOT a few years ago to learn how to cultivate differently and to safeguard biodiversity. It involves the exploitation of a market garden plot, where a variety of organic vegetables are grown for local consumption. This project has two components. The first component consists of the production of organic vegetables and the second component consists of awareness-raising on eco-actions and training on agroecology. In setting up this project, ASTOVOT intends to focus on the initial aspect of agroecology: in the form of manual farming techniques, respectful of the fauna and flora, (no chemical inputs, with plant cover, associations of plants and vegetables, etc.) so as to enrich the biodiversity of the site and the fertility of the soil. The project is also intended to be a platform for the exchange of skills, experimentation and promotion of organic farming between local and international volunteers.
The agro-ecological garden is located in an environment rich in biodiversity and vegetation, with a small river next to it which allows the plants to be watered.
General aims:
- Preserve the biodiversity of the site;
- Promote the cultivation of organic products (vegetables and fruits) through agroecology;
- To encourage educational exchanges on agroecology and other practices for a more responsible agriculture;
MAIN ACTIVITIES
- Weeding ;
- Making beds, nursery, hoeing ;
- Compost making;
- Protection of seedlings (shading), transplanting of young plants, watering of seedlings of different vegetables grown;
- Reinforcing the garden fence with bamboo;
- Construction of a straw and bamboo hut for relaxation and storage of tools and products;
- Organisation of educational activities in the garden with the children
NB: Volunteers interested in this project can bring seedlings and other documents related to agroecology.
Logement & nourriture
Accommodation is generally basic and specific to the project location. On site, volunteers are accommodated in groups of three or four people per room. The number of people per room depends on the collective organisation of the volunteers themselves. Depending on the location, volunteers may use dry toilets and showers without running water. This means that volunteers will have to fetch water from a fountain or a well. The association provides volunteers with plastic or foam mats. Volunteers who have sleeping bags, sleeping mats and a mosquito net can bring them with them if possible. Access to drinking water on the site. However, access to electricity and internet may be limited depending on the village. This is due to regular load shedding and difficulties in accessing the internet respectively.
During the workcamp, the volunteers will cook their own meals. An internal organisation will allow for the creation of groups that will alternate to carry out the different domestic tasks, including cooking. Food products used for cooking are sometimes imported, local and organic. The diet of each volunteer will be taken into account in the preparation of meals. Volunteers will have access to tropical fruits such as bananas, oranges, pineapples, mangoes, avocados, papayas, etc.
Emplacement & temps libre
Located 120 km north of Lomé, the commune of Kpalimé is the ideal place for nature lovers and hikers who wish to discover beautiful mountainous landscapes and tropical flora. Numerous natural waterfalls will allow you to refresh yourself at the water's edge. Kpalimé is also home to the country's most important craft centre where a large number of artists and craftsmen have settled.
With about 105,000 inhabitants, Kpalimé is a tourist town in the Plateaux region. The capital of the Kloto prefecture, Kpalimé is home to numerous infrastructures such as: district hospitals, the post office, the town hall, the prefecture, the police station, the gendarmerie, banks, schools, in short, all public and administrative services are represented. Apart from the public and administrative services, you will find art shops, shopping centres, bars, restaurants, discotheques, etc. The large market of Kpalimé comes to life every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and is full of a multitude of products including tropical fruits and vegetables of all kinds and handicrafts.
In addition to the main activities of the workcamp, other activities are organised such as: discovery walks, hikes, festive outings and cultural meetings. These activities allow the volunteers to come into contact with the local population and to discover the Togolese culture.
During the weekends, collective excursions are organised by the volunteers and their leaders to discover the tourist sites of the region where the workcamp takes place. It should be noted that the expenses related to the excursions and the volunteers' outings are not included in the participation fees. However, the association can facilitate or negotiate transport for the volunteers during outings or excursions.
Kpalimé
