Humanist Community Farm and Solar Irrigation Project


Kaira Humanist Group
Location of Group

Bundung, The Gambia

Members
: Awa Touray – 29 years, 
Fatou Jallow – 34 years, 
Mariama Sanyang – 22 years
, Binta Ceesay – 41 years
, Haddy Bojang – 27 years, 
Lamin Darboe – 38 years
, Ebrima Sanneh – 31 years, 
Modou Njie – 45 years, 
Isatou Touray – 26 years, 
Bakary Camara – 52 years, 
Alieu Manneh – 19 years

Email: isatooutouray4328@gmail.com


Phone: +220 736 4821890


What Does Humanism Mean to You

My name is Isa, and I am a young humanist from The Gambia. Humanism means choosing to live with honesty, compassion, and responsibility toward other human beings. It means believing that our lives have value not because of any promise of heaven or fear of punishment, but because of what we do for one another here and now.

I do not believe in God. This does not make me immoral or empty; instead, it makes me deeply aware that this life is the only one I am certain of. Because of that, we must take care of each other, reduce suffering, and work for justice in our communities. I base my values on reason, evidence, and empathy rather than religious doctrine or tradition.

Growing up in a very religious society, being a humanist is not always easy. Many people assume that without belief in God, a person cannot be good. I strongly disagree. My morality comes from understanding human needs, respecting human dignity, and recognizing that our actions have real consequences for real people. Humanism gives me the courage to think freely and the responsibility to act ethically.

For me, humanism is also about the hope that young people in The Gambia can build a future based on education, critical thinking, and mutual respect. It is about standing for human rights, equality, and peaceful coexistence regardless of religion or belief. Humanism helps me live truthfully, care deeply, and work toward a better society for everyone.

Project Description

Following the success of our initial Humanist Community Yam Garden, the Kaira Humanist Group proposes to expand the project into a diversified community farm supported by a small-scale solar-powered irrigation system. This expansion will allow us to increase both food production and income generation while improving resilience against unpredictable rainfall and climate challenges.

The project will build upon our existing yam cultivation by introducing additional crops such as cassava, vegetables (including okra, peppers, and leafy greens), and legumes. Diversifying crops will improve nutrition for members, reduce risk of crop failure, and create more consistent income opportunities throughout the year. By growing a variety of crops, the group can harvest at different times, ensuring a steady supply of food and marketable produce.

A key component of this project is the installation of a simple solar irrigation system. Currently, farming activities depend heavily on seasonal rainfall, which limits productivity and exposes the group to climate variability. With solar-powered irrigation, the group will be able to water crops more reliably, extend the growing season, and improve yields. The system will use solar panels to power a small water pump, allowing water to be drawn from a nearby source and distributed across the farm.

All group members will participate in the expansion activities, including land preparation, planting, irrigation management, and harvesting. The project will continue to operate as a cooperative effort, reinforcing teamwork, shared responsibility, and practical application of humanist values. Members will also gain new skills in sustainable agriculture and renewable energy use, which can benefit them beyond this project.

The expanded farm will serve both subsistence and economic purposes. A portion of the produce will be shared among members to support household food security, while the rest will be sold in local markets. The introduction of irrigation and crop diversity is expected to significantly increase productivity and income compared to the previous yam-only model.

In terms of sustainability, the project is designed to continue long after the initial funding. Seeds will be saved for future planting, and the solar irrigation system will provide a long-term solution for water access with minimal ongoing costs. Income generated from the farm will be reinvested to maintain and expand operations, ensuring continued growth and community benefit.

Budget

$100 – Yam seeds (seed yams)
$40 – Cassava cuttings
$40 – Vegetable seeds (okra, pepper, leafy greens)
$30 – Legume seeds (beans or groundnuts)
$70 – Basic farming tools (hoes, cutlasses, watering cans)
$50 – Organic fertilizer or compost materials
$120 – Solar panel (small-scale)
$70 – Solar water pump
$30 – Water storage tank or containers
$20 – Irrigation pipes or hoses
$20 – Fencing materials (sticks, wire, or netting)
$10 – Transportation of materials  

Total Requested: $600

Expected Income from Project, with Timeline

The project will begin immediately after funding is received. Land expansion, irrigation setup, and planting will take approximately 3–4 weeks. Vegetable crops may begin yielding within 6–8 weeks, while cassava and yams will take 5–7 months to mature.

With improved irrigation and crop diversity, the group expects to generate income in stages. Early vegetable sales may generate approximately $50–$100 within the first two months. At full harvest, the combined sale of yams, cassava, and vegetables is expected to generate between $300–$450 per cycle.

Over time, as the system becomes more efficient, the group expects increased productivity and higher income.

Benefits to the Community

This project will significantly improve food security by increasing both the quantity and variety of food produced locally. It will provide a reliable source of nutritious crops for group members and reduce dependence on market purchases.

The introduction of solar irrigation will make farming more sustainable and less dependent on rainfall, helping the group adapt to environmental challenges. It also introduces renewable energy practices, demonstrating environmentally responsible solutions within the community.

The project will create opportunities for income generation, skill development, and cooperation among members. It will also serve as a model of how humanist values—such as reason, collaboration, and mutual support—can be applied in practical ways to improve livelihoods.

By expanding the farm and increasing its impact, the Kaira Humanist Group hopes to inspire other community members and youth groups to adopt similar initiatives, contributing to long-term community development and resilience.