Drill a Well and Irrigate a new farm in Benin

Dear Friends,

Happy New Year!  We trust that your 2024 has started off well. 

The Gbedavo farm, purchased in 2021, was added to the Dassa center for the reintegration of patients with mental illness and addiction. It is located 24 km/15 miles from Dassa. 

Great news from 2023 - thanks to your gifts, the 70 hectare/173 acres (divided into 20 and 50 hectares) farm is flourishing.  The well and irrigation systems are working and the beginning crops have been harvested.  In April, the land was cleared and a container of agricultural supplies arrived in June. One hectare of corn was sown in July and harvested in October.  As this crop proved successful, it led the way to planting tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers. and others.   

In September, 2300 banana plants were started and harvest is expected beginning in April. 

A drip irrigation system has been added in sections, aiding the beds of onions, green peppers, and watermelon with harvesting between now and May.

The farm building was started in July. This building will house the farm workers and staff, the majority of whom are patients in recovery. In December, the walls were erected, and septic tanks dug. What remains are the roofing, backfilling, exterior and interior fittings which include the electricity, plumbing, windows, ceiling and paint.   

The team in Benin joins me in thanking you for helping this farm come to fruition. We hope to have news soon to share with you the date of the Dassa treatment center's grand opening.  Please know that you are making a significant difference in the lives of people with mental health challenges in West Africa.