The melifera fence surrounding the Fass Koffe garden is now taller than CREATE! Field Technician Codou Gadji.

The melifera fence surrounding the Fass Koffe garden is now taller than CREATE! Field Technician Codou Gadji.

In Fass Koffe, cooperative members have planted melifera, a type of thorny acacia bush, on the edges of their garden site.   The melifera grew rapidly during the recent rainy season and is now providing significant protection for the Fass Koffe garden. Melifera forms a nearly impenetrable barrier. This fencing protects the garden site from curious and hungry animals, including cows, goats, donkeys, and chickens.

The thorny melifera forms a barrier around the Fass Koffe garden that protects growing vegetables, including eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes.

The thorny melifera forms a barrier around the Fass Koffe garden that protects growing vegetables, including eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes.

Oumar Ka, CREATE! Field Technician, says, “La cloture c’est l’assurance,” or “your fence is your insurance.” Living fences are sustainable investments in the future bounty of the Fass Koffe garden. The garden’s melifera fence will protect growing fruit, vegetables, and trees for years to come!