Watigueleya Kèlê
Plaiting straw for the roofs of huts (Damaro, Guinea), February 2023
This is the preliminary work for roofing the hut. He braids the straw, complaining about the poor quality of the straw: because of the early fires that burn everything, because of the scarcity of water, they are forced to use straw in this state to cover their huts during the rainy season. Real straw has disappeared because of climate change,
Bush fires in Bougarila (Mali), February 2023
The crops in this millet field were dry due to the lack of rain. Bush fires devastated the rest. These bush fires can be factors or phenomena that can cause famine. Thanks to fire prevention techniques, this farmer’s field escaped the devastating effects of the bush fires. Part of his field burnt down completely and the other part escaped the
Women’s song for weeding (Bossoko, Guinea), February 2023
The women divide into two groups to weed the fields. The group that finishes first stops at the other end of the field to sing this song, celebrating their victory over the other group. Oh the lion, oh the weeding lion, This weeding lion is well in the bush If you’re a lion like us, Find me at the
Baobab leaves (Bouillagui, Mali), February 2023
Baobab leaves are widely consumed in Bouillagui. After the end of the rainy season, each family has to cut the leaves from a baobab tree. They are used for cooking; they are mixed with couscous and are also used to make sauces for certain dishes. They are eaten everywhere, with neighbouring countries such as Mauritania and Senegal travelling back and
The disappearance of the millet crop in Bandafassi (Senegal), February 2023
The photo shows a field of millet, but millet farming is disappearing in Bandafassi because of the lack of rain. Millet used to be the main source of food, and it is also very important culturally. It is used for celebrations: beer is made from it for traditional Malinké and Bedik ceremonies, and the stalks are used in the dance
Artisanal fishing by women (Mandou, Guinea), February 2023
Not only is there a scarcity of water in the marigots, but there is also a lack of drinking water in the villages. The same marigots are used for housework and now for fishing. Néré bark is put in the marigot (it’s a poison to catch fish), which makes the water unusable and cloudy, but the families still need the
A song of encouragement for farmers (Banzana, Mali), February 2023
Lyrics: The field is completely ploughed, shame on the farmer’s enemy. The field is completely ploughed by the young braves of the village, shame on the enemies of the village. The fields are ploughed, Ousmane Sidibé shame on your enemy. The field is completely ploughed, shame on your enemy! The field is completely ploughed, peul Djibril shame on your enemy!
The importance of the forest in Wassadou (Senegal), February 2023
The woman in the video is an example of the importance of the forest to the local population, and of the relationship between the people of Wassadou and nature. Here, she is sorting palm leaves, which she will then use to make brooms. She makes them to sell and earn extra income. However, this activity is becoming increasingly difficult, due
Market gardening in Damaro (Guinea), February 2023
Ibrahima Camara introduces himself. He deplores the fact that young people are currently more interested in mining than farming: he has a labour problem recruiting workers, since everyone is currently working in the mines. The second problem is climate change, which is disrupting his agricultural calendar, since the dry season is now longer than the rainy season, which was not
Lack of drinking water in Missirah Tabadiang (Senegal), February 2023
This photo, which shows a donkey pulling water, clearly shows the depth of the well and illustrates the problem of the lack of water and especially drinking water in the village of Missirah Tabadiang. The well is over 35m deep. Water is drawn directly from the well for personal consumption, but a donkey is needed to draw water for livestock.