Far-reaching MAF flights regularly transport CODAPA’s staff to train, monitor and support communities – impacting people through a wide range of activities whether through bushfire prevention, fuel-efficient stoves or fish farms.
Story by Joel Conte
“I had lost everything. My plantation was destroyed by bushfire,” said Tamba Kamano, president of the Gbanbadou district, in the sub-prefecture of Kissidougou.
Tamba, who grows rubber trees to support his family, learned about the existence of CODAPA, a Guinean national NGO specialising in environmental protection, the promotion of sustainable agriculture and the fight against poverty.
“After learning about CODAPA, I called them. Before we planted, we didn't know how to maintain our plantation well, we didn't know when to make a firebreak.”
“CODAPA came, they cleared and demarcated a firebreak while showing me its importance and how to plant.
“This year, the bushfire came suddenly – but couldn't reach my plantation.
“So really, I’m very happy with CODAPA and look – the plants grow very well. And when they grow up, maybe in the future my children will be secure. "
The successful impact of this project speaks to the hearts of many people in the community of Nongoa, located three kilometres from the city centre of Kissidougou.
Trainers and partners from CODAPA are spared two days of road travel by taking a 2-hour flight with the MAF aircraft.
“MAF is a huge blessing for us as an organisation and also for the community,” said Raoul Leno, the Vice Coordinator of projects and supervisor for CODAPA in the Kissidougou area. “We have various projects taking place in different communities, far from the capital, Conakry.
“Trainers and partners used to spend two days traveling in very poor road conditions, which are deplorable. This led to unexpected delays and caused adverse health effects.
But currently, with MAF, we arrive at our destination in a two-hour flight, or an hour-and-a-half, and we can automatically start our activities as planned.
“Before the arrival of this project, the community was very involved in the massive destruction of the forest.
“With the construction of these improved stoves today, we are witnessing a drastic reduction in the consumption of firewood,” Raoul said.
“I was in a lot of pain before,” said Elisa Tolno, cook and mother of seven.
“I had to go and get wood in the bush. After I got done with two or three days of cooking, the excessive smoke caused my eyes to ache.
“The improved stove-making initiative from CODAPA helps us and reduces a lot of chores and household time – and our health is less threatened. We consume less wood now,” Elisa said.
“I am a passionate fish farmer,” added François Tamba Soumbadouno. “We created our shrimp fishponds to solve a family need.
“We had started before CODAPA, since 1997. In 2022, we partnered with CODAPA who provided us with catfish and the appropriate food for them.
“Fish farming is of paramount importance because it helps to support our households and the households of other fish farmers.
“Because when I catch fish, I myself don’t eat alone – I make sales.”