On the outskirts of Dakar, Senegal’s capital, lies the Mbao Forest Reserve—a vital green space often referred to as the “green lung” of the region.

“This is the only remaining green space,” says Khady Camara an environmental activist, “that naturally helps mitigate the effects of air pollution.”

Yet, over the years, this forest reserve has been gradually shrinking under the pressure of rapid urbanisation and infrastructure development. 

Determined to protect what remains, Ms. Camara is among the environmentalists leading the charge. She advocates for Les Femmes de Kamb (The Women of Kamb), a group of local women committed to preserving the environment while creating sustainable livelihoods. 

Over the years, Les Femmes de Kamb have reclaimed part of the forest, transforming a neglected garbage dump into a thriving vegetable garden.

“We used to rely on small bank loans to finance our activities and meet our needs,” says Binta Wane, the president of the group, in an interview with Africa Renewal.

Searching for a more sustainable financial model, they turned to vegetable farming, securing permission to cultivate 500 square metres of forestland that had been used as a waste site. Many of the women had no prior experience in agriculture, but they learned quickly. They began by clearing waste, preparing the soil, and planting their first crops—tomatoes, eggplants, and lettuce. 

Their efforts paid off. Within six months, they had transformed the land into a productive farm. 

“We cleaned up the site and invested 6,500 FCFA [about US $11.00] to plant crops. Eight months later, we earned 600,000 FCFA [about US $1,000] in revenue,” she said. 

Encouraged by their success, forestry authorities allocated the women more land—first one hectare, then two more—allowing them to expand their farming efforts. 

Empowerment through agriculture

But the project was not just about growing food—it was about empowering women. The garden became a lifeline, providing them with income, skills, and confidence.

"We decided that each woman would earn based on her contribution,” explains Ms. Wane.

To ensure fairness and transparency, the group established a system to track work hours and earnings. Each woman received her fair share of profits, fostering a culture of accountability and cooperation. 

Much of the group’s success is credited to Ms. Wane’s leadership as president. 

“Her leadership and determination kept them going,” says Ms. Camara. “She mobilised the women, secured external support, and kept them focused on their goals.”

Through partnerships with NGOs, local authorities, and organizations like UNDP, the women gained resources, training, and technical assistance—ensuring the project’s long-term sustainability. 

Restoring the land 

Beyond farming, the women also focused on environmental restoration.

Instead of just cultivating crops, they worked to revive the land—improving soil fertility, planting trees, and restoring biodiversity.

"We replaced old cashew trees with fruit trees," says Ms. Wane, pointing to the greenery around her. “All the fruit trees you see—we planted them.”

They introduced a variety of fruit trees, including papayas, coconuts, and citrus fruits. These not only provided food and income but also helped prevent soil erosion, improve soil health, and create habitats for wildlife.

The women’s efforts are particularly significant in the context of climate change, which has severely impacted Senegal. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and extreme weather events have made agriculture more challenging, putting food security and livelihoods at risk.

By adopting sustainable farming methods and reforesting degraded land, Les Femmes de Kamb are helping to combat climate change at the grassroots level. 

The story of Les Femmes de Kamb offers powerful lessons on the impact of community-driven initiatives, the importance of women’s empowerment and the potential of grassroots solutions to tackle global challenges like climate change and poverty 

"These women have become their own bank,” says Ms. Camara, emphasising their financial independence.

Their success, she adds, highlights the need for greater recognition and support for women’s role in climate action and environmental conservation. 

A Green Legacy 

Reflecting on their journey, Ms. Wane and Ms. Camara see their transformation of a garbage dump into a green oasis as proof that even the most degraded land can be revived with determination, collaboration and vision.

“Our story is a powerful reminder of women’s resilience and ingenuity and the critical role we play in building a sustainable future,” Ms. Wane says. 

Their legacy, Ms. Camara, says, is more than just a thriving garden or a restored ecosystem—it is a blueprint for communities everywhere to heal the planet and create a better future.