In the heart of Casamance, a region known for its lush landscapes, Niaguis has become the epicenter of a quiet revolution led by Mariama Sonko. For over three decades, this daughter of peasant farmers has been at the forefront of a movement that champions women’s financial independence through agriculture and agroecology. Her journey began with a simple yet powerful conviction: true food sovereignty in Africa can only be achieved by empowering rural women and preserving indigenous agricultural knowledge.
« If we don’t organize ourselves, if we don’t take action, tomorrow we will be strangers, even in our own land, » declares Mariama Sonko with unwavering resolve. Her words echo through the fields of Niaguis, where she has spent over 20 years breaking barriers that have long confined women to the margins of agricultural development. As the president of the pan-African movement Nous sommes la solution—which unites over 800 associations across eight West African nations—she is rewriting the narrative of rural African women’s economic and social empowerment.
a legacy rooted in resilience
Mariama’s journey is one of defiance against deep-seated inequalities. Raised in a farming family, she grew up witnessing the struggles of rural women who, despite legal rights to land ownership, were systematically denied access to agricultural resources. « I saw how women were pressured, and it ignited a fire in me, » she recalls. This injustice fueled her determination to challenge the status quo.
Her path was further complicated by personal tragedy. At just 19, she was forced into marriage by relatives who believed a woman’s place was in the home. « They thought they could break me, but they only strengthened my resolve, » she reflects. Undeterred, Mariama secretly cultivated a small plot of land with other women, only to face expulsion three years later. This setback only deepened her commitment to securing land and resources for rural women.
turning vision into reality
In 2013, Mariama’s perseverance bore fruit when she acquired 3 hectares of land near Ziguinchor, establishing an experimental farm dedicated to agroecology and local seed preservation. Today, this farm is a beacon of hope for over 30 women who work the land without pesticides or chemical fertilizers. The farm’s success lies in its commitment to seed sovereignty—freeing farmers from dependence on multinational corporations that often prioritize profit over sustainability.
The impact is tangible. Over 100 women now have individual bank accounts and are building savings, while diversifying their income through secondary activities. « Seeing them thrive fills me with pride, » Mariama shares. Her farm is not just a plot of land; it’s a classroom where women learn organic farming techniques, financial literacy, and collective bargaining—tools that are reshaping their futures.
a movement that spans borders
Mariama’s influence extends far beyond Niaguis. As president of Nous sommes la solution, she has mobilized a network of 800 associations across 10 West African countries, reaching over 200,000 predominantly illiterate women. The movement’s core mission is to restore Africa’s seed capital, ensuring that future generations can feed themselves without succumbing to external dependencies. « This is not just about farming; it’s about reclaiming our dignity and sovereignty, » she asserts.
Her work has earned her recognition as a champion of agroecology and women’s rights, yet Mariama remains grounded in the communities she serves. « The joy I feel when I’m with these women is unmatched, » she says. « They are the backbone of our continent, and their strength is our greatest resource. »
