The World is My Oyster

The new year has been busy thus far and much has been happening in the world of bivalve molluscs.  Oyster  season has just opened and the women are busy harvesting and selling oysters.  Dr. Rice from URI came for a visit and we explored the potential of cockle harvesting in Kartong, a border village that is situated on the mouth of the Allaheim River that divides The Gambia and southern Senegal. Oyster and cockle harvesting have many social and economic benefits such as providing jobs, a source of income, and contributing to food security and diet. 

The women identifying harvesting areas

Dr. Rice talking to the women of Kartong about cockles

Cockles!

The women of TRY (association of women oyster harvesters) have also been working on other income generating projects to supplement their income, such as weaving, soap-making, and tie dye, and have received training in micro-finance and are learning to save money.  This is truly one of the most essential areas of need in this country, as savings and management of  finances is virtually non-existent.  

Along with Dr. Rice, I recently had the privilege of meeting with our new U.S. Ambassador and discussing the Ba-Nafaa Project and some of our current activities.  She has an extensive background in development work across Africa, and was interested to find out more about the happenings at the TRY center and meet the women oyster harvesters.  Just before the harvesting season opened, the Ambassador paid a visit to the women and expressed her support and encouragement and the event made its way into the local newspaper!  

The Ambassador spoke in English, while the Ba-Nafaa Project Manager translated for the women in Wolof

Checking out the micro-finance setup

Can you spot the toubabs?!

For more information on TRY, please visit their newly constructed website: http://try-oysters.com/

I have really enjoyed collaborating with the women through my work on the Ba-Nafaa Project and I have never experienced so many motivated and hard working women who truly want to better themselves while protecting their resources.  The world of bivalve molluscs involves many different shareholders and I feel blessed to have the opportunity to take part in the process of creating a sustainable management structure for these creatures.