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Permaculture master grows lush green oasis in the Senegal desert

2 min read

Good Stuff
Source: France24

Following his own success, Goran N’Diaye is now training the next generation of young Senegalese farmers.

In Senegal, one man has created a lush oasis in the middle of the desert

Goran N’Diaye is a pioneer of permaculture. Following his own success, he’s now training the next generation of young Senegalese farmers. In doing so, he hopes to change traditions and spread sustainable, ecologically friendly farming practices. Our colleagues from France 2 report, with FRANCE 24‘s Ellen Gainsford.

In Senegal, a master of permaculture grows a lush oasis in the desert Goran N'Diaye is a pioneer of permaculture. He hopes to change traditions and spread sustainable, ecologically friendly farming practices. Report by France 2 report, with FRANCE 24's Ellen Gainsford. Source: YouTube/France24

Permaculture: more from less

According to the authoritative website Permaculture.co.uk:

  1. Permaculture is an innovative framework for creating sustainable ways of living.
  2. It is a practical method of developing ecologically harmonious, efficient and productive systems that can be used by anyone, anywhere.

By thinking carefully about the way we use our resources – food, energy, shelter and other material and non-material needs – it is possible to get much more out of life by using less. We can be more productive for less effort, reaping benefits for our environment and ourselves, for now and for generations to come.

The Essence of Permaculture

This is the essence of permaculture – the design of an ecologically sound way of living – in our households, gardens, communities and businesses. It is created by cooperating with nature and caring for the earth and its people.

Permaculture is not exclusive – its principles and practice can be used by anyone, anywhere:

  • City flats, yards and window boxes
  • Suburban and country houses/garden
  • Allotments and smallholdings
  • Community spaces
  • Farms and estates
  • Countryside and conservation areas
  • Commercial and industrial premises
  • Educational establishments
  • Waste ground

Permaculture encourages us to be resourceful and self-reliant. 

Permaculture is not a dogma or a religion but an ecological design system which helps us find solutions to the many problems facing us – both locally and globally.

Writer Emma Chapman defines it as:

"Permaculture, originally ‘Permanent Agriculture’, is often viewed as a set of gardening techniques, but it has in fact developed into a whole design philosophy, and for some people a philosophy for life. Its central theme is the creation of human systems which provide for human needs, but using many natural elements and drawing inspiration from natural ecosystems. Its goals and priorities coincide with what many people see as the core requirements for sustainability."

Permaculture tackles how to grow food, build houses and create communities, and minimise environmental impact at the same time. Its principles are being constantly developed and refined by people throughout the world in very different climates and cultural circumstances.

Further reading, see also

Make an Impact

THE 12 PRINCIPLES OF PERMACULTURE (FOR THOSE SERIOUS ABOUT TRYING IT)

Permaculture gives us a range of practical solutions for a better world. These principles are most commonly used in relation to food growing systems, but can also be used to guide us in all parts of our lives. To help us understand how permaculture leads us to a more ethical and sustainable way of life, it’s useful to look at a list of twelve design principles put forward by David Holmgren: