Community Garden for Humanists In Mao Sara

Mao Sara Collective

Members:

Female

1. Aïcha Mahamat Abdoulaye 25years

2. Fatima Kimboutou Youssouf 24years

3. Amira Abakar Oumar 27years

4. Rokaya Djibrine Kollé 28years

5. Mouna Ali Mahamat 27years

6. Amina Gali Gata 32years

7. Halima Brahim Haggar 29years

8. Zara Hassan Abakar 21years

9. Noura Idriss Déby 30years

Male

1. Mahamat Abakar 17 years

2. Youssouf Koussou 15years

3. Abdelkarim Djerou 14 years

4. Amine Hassan 14years

5. Oumar Mbaïdoum 18years

6. Ali Guedmbaye 18years

7. Moussa Fadoul 14years

8. Hassan Mahamat 14years

9. Abdoulaye Nodji 13years

10. Idriss Déby 13years

11. Mudir Usman 15 years

Email used by your group: idreesnoura0@gmail.com

Phone used by your group: +2357034283311

What does humanism mean to your group?

We are a group of young boys and girls embarking on a transformative journey, driven by a deep longing for a more compassionate and just world. As we struggle with the troubles of growing up in a region marked by poverty, inequality, and limited opportunities, we are finding solace in the principles of humanism. Humanism to us is illuminating a path forward, guiding us to embrace the power of reason, science, and critical thinking. This our newfound understanding is empowering us to challenge harmful traditions and beliefs, and to instead cultivate a culture of inclusivity, empathy, and love. As we gather together, sharing stories and experiences, we are forming a community that is unapologetically committed to the values of humanism.

We are learning to see the good in each other, and to recognize the inherent worth and dignity of every individual. In our local community, We gradually are discovering that humanism is not just a philosophy, but a way of life - a call to live with intention, purpose, and compassion. And as we embark on this journey together, we are becoming the change we wish to see in the world, creating a brighter future for Ourselves and for generations to come. Our local group of boys and girls in Mao, Chad is embracing humanism and also applying as a partner to HuMAN as a response to the social, economic, and cultural challenges we face in their daily lives.

Growing up in a region affected by poverty, inequality, and limited access to education and opportunities, We are seeking a values-based approach that emphasizes:

1. Empowerment: Humanism offers a framework for self-empowerment, encouraging individuals to take control of our lives and create positive change.

2. Critical thinking: Humanism promotes critical thinking, helping us question traditional beliefs and practices that may perpetuate inequality and injustice.

3. Inclusivity: Humanism values diversity and promotes inclusivity, providing a sense of belonging and acceptance for individuals from diverse backgrounds.

4. Reason and science: Humanism encourages the use of reason and science to address problems, rather than relying on superstition or dogma.

5. Compassion and empathy: Humanism fosters compassion and empathy, helping us build stronger, more supportive communities. By embracing humanism, our local group is seeking to create a more just, equitable, and compassionate society, where individuals can thrive and reach their full potential.

Project Description

Mao Sara is a rural area in Chad that faces significant challenges related to food insecurity, limited access to quality seeds, and unpredictable climatic conditions that make traditional agriculture difficult. Despite efforts to improve agricultural productivity, local farmers often struggle with low crop yields, pest infestations, and soil degradation. To address these challenges, we propose the establishment of a community garden that will leverage the benefits of crops which are engineered to withstand harsh environmental conditions, increase yields, and require fewer chemical inputs.

The Humanists community in Mao Sara is an active and engaged group that is committed to improving their livelihoods and contributing to the betterment of their surroundings. By establishing this Community Garden, the project aims to provide sustainable food sources for the local population while simultaneously empowering the community to generate income through the sale of surplus produce.

This Community Garden will be designed to meet the dual needs of food security and economic empowerment for the Humanists community in Mao Sara. The garden will be divided into different sections for cultivating various crops, focusing primarily on varieties that are resilient and high-yielding. These crops will be selected for their ability to thrive in the local soil and climate conditions while providing essential nutrients to the community. Examples of crops to be planted include:

1 Corn – A high-yielding variety that can withstand drought conditions and provide a staple food source for the community.

2 Soybeans – A protein-rich crop that can be used for food or oil production and also serve as a rotation crop to improve soil health.

3 Cassava – A drought-tolerant tuber that can be stored for long periods and used as a major carbohydrate source.

4 Tomatoes – A high-yielding variety that can be processed into sauces and sold both locally and in surrounding areas.

The farm will be structured to allow for maximum production efficiency and sustainability. To ensure long-term success, the produce from the garden will be handled in several ways:

1 Food for the Community: A significant portion of the harvest will be allocated to the Humanists community for direct consumption, improving nutrition and food security in the region.

2 Storage and Preservation: Surplus produce will be stored in silos and barns to minimize post-harvest loss. This will allow for better management of seasonal fluctuations in supply and demand, ensuring that the community can rely on a consistent food source year-round.

3 Economic Empowerment: The remainder of the surplus produce will be sold locally and in surrounding markets. By generating income through the sale of these crops, the project will not only sustain itself financially but also provide the Humanists community with a revenue stream that can be reinvested into other community development initiatives.

This Community Garden project in Mao Sara is a crucial step toward addressing food insecurity and economic challenges faced by the Humanists community. With a focus on high-yielding, resilient crops, this garden will provide sustainable food sources for the community, create job opportunities, and generate income through the sale of surplus produce. The $1,200 budget will cover all essential aspects of the project, including land preparation, seeds, irrigation, storage, tools, and training. By supporting this project, we can contribute to the long-term well-being of Mao Sara’s residents and help them build a more secure and prosperous future.

Budget - $1200 maximum (list all items needed and their cost, we do not provide funds for “savings” “sustainability” or miscellaneous." If the cost is inflated, we do not provide funding)

Budget Item: Land Purchase and Preparation - $300

1 Land Purchase ($200):
Cost to acquire suitable land for the Community Garden, ensuring accessibility and space for planting and future expansion.

2 Land Preparation ($100):
Clearing, tilling, and soil testing to optimize land for planting crops, including necessary soil amendments for fertility.

Seeds Budget  - $300

Bt Corn (Monsanto Dekalb DKC67-44) – 3 lbs – $45

Heirloom Maize (drought-tolerant) – 3 lbs – $30

Roundup Ready Soybeans – 3 lbs – $37.5

Organic Soybeans (edamame or dry beans) – 3 lbs – $25

Rainbow Papaya (virus-resistant) – 50 seeds – $25

Papaya (Red Lady or Sunrise Solo) – 50 seeds – $15

Bt Brinjal (Eggplant) – 200 seeds – $20

Drought-Resistant Rice – 2 lbs – $7.5

Tomato (Flavr Savr-type hybrid) – 200 seeds – $15

Open-Pollinated Tomatoes (Brandywine or Roma) – 200 seeds – $15

Traditional Eggplant (Black Beauty) – 200 seeds – $10

Cowpeas (Black-eyed peas, drought-resilient) – 2 lbs – $12.5

Amaranth (high-protein grain/leaf vegetable) – 1 lb – $10

Chili Peppers (local/adapted variety) – 100 seeds – $7.5

Okra (Clemson Spineless or local variant) – 1 lb – $10

Sunflowers (for seed/oil, pollinator-friendly) – 1 lb – $15

Barn and Silo Construction - $300

1. Barn Construction – $180

• Wooden Poles & Bamboo (for frame & walls) – $60

• Corrugated Metal Sheets (for roofing, 5 sheets) – $50

• Nails, Screws, & Fasteners – $20

• Mud Bricks or Adobe (for partial walls) – $30

• Local Labor (for construction assistance) – $20

2. Small Grain Silo – $120

• Oil Drums or Metal Barrels (repurposed for airtight storage) – $50

• Concrete & Sand (for raised foundation) – $30

• Wooden or Metal Lid (to protect from pests) – $20

• Sealing Materials (tar, clay, or rubber gasket) – $20

Composting and Farming equipment -$300

1. Composting Setup – $120

• Wooden Pallets or Bamboo (for compost bins) – $40

• Manure (cow, chicken, or goat for nitrogen boost) – $30

• Shredded Leaves, Straw, or Sawdust (carbon source) – $20

• Compost Activator (starter microbes or local EM) – $20

• Watering Can (for moisture control) – $10

2. Farming Equipment – $180

• Hand Tools Set (hoes, rakes, trowels, pruners) – $50

• Wheelbarrow or Large Basket (for transport) – $40

• Shovels (for digging and compost turning) – $30

• Sprayers (for organic pest control or irrigation) – $30

• Machetes or Sickles (for clearing and harvesting) – $30

Total $1200

Project Timeline and Estimated Profit 

Starting in mid-April, the community GMO farm will follow a structured timeline to maximize productivity. The first phase, from April to May, focuses on land preparation, composting, and planting GMO corn, soybeans, papaya, and vegetables. Growth and maintenance continue through September, with regular weeding, fertilization, and pest control. By October, the first major harvest of corn and soybeans takes place, generating early revenue, while papaya and other long-term crops mature between January and March. This cycle ensures continuous production and reinvestment into future planting seasons.

Financially, the farm projects an estimated revenue of $7,050, with primary income from Bt corn ($1,800), soybeans ($1,000), papaya ($4,000), and vegetables ($250). After subtracting $3,000 in costs for seeds, labor, and equipment, the expected net profit is approximately $4,050, with a 57% profit margin. This model ensures food security while generating sustainable income for the community, with potential for expansion through increased acreage or value-added processing.

Explain the Benefits to your Community

Increased Food Production & Security : 

These selected crops have higher yields and can resist pests, diseases, and harsh weather, ensuring a more stable food supply for the community. This helps reduce hunger and improves nutrition.

• Lower Farming Costs & Higher Profits 

◦ With built-in resistance to pests (e.g., Bt corn) and herbicide tolerance (e.g., Roundup Ready soybeans), farmers spend less on pesticides and herbicides, reducing costs and increasing their earnings.

• Environmental Benefits & Sustainability 

◦ These sturdy crops require less pesticide use, reducing chemical pollution. Some varieties are drought-resistant, needing less water, which helps conserve natural resources and makes farming more sustainable.

Explain how to send your group money, using the methods below :

Btc wallet: 186KU36EXB1LPUHS9U6WQzEWBXDkfekvcb