Amidst an atmosphere of apparent tranquillity, a gentle swirl of dust follows Zaharata Sawadogo's footsteps. Like clockwork, this mother goes to the market, now shaded by corrugated roofs. Some of her colleagues are already present. After exchanging customary pleasantries and meticulously sprucing up their stalls, Zaharata heads towards the refrigeration units, retrieving crates brimming with bananas, apples, mangoes, tomatoes, lettuce, and onions.
Refrigerators for Preserving Food at the Market
Prior to the establishment of the cold room at the market, the traders were compelled to discard copious amounts of rapidly spoiling produce each day, incurring significant financial losses that undermined their livelihoods and autonomy.
This cold room could not have been feasible using conventional energy sources, given their exorbitant costs. In addition to food preservation, the photovoltaic panels installed a few meters away from the stalls allow them to consume electricity reasonably and sustainably. Their utility bills have been reduced by at least half. An additional welcome relief for the head of women traders at this market in Kaya.
"In the past, we were devoid of any access to electricity. However, with the aid of batteries, we can now store and utilize energy at a reasonable price. Solar energy has proven to be a transformative force for our city's people, firstly by alleviating the burden of escalating electricity costs and secondly by empowering us to care for our families through the profits we generate."
Zaharata Sawadogo, Head of the Association of Women Traders in Kaya, Burkina Faso
Having dedicated a significant portion of her life to trading at local markets, Zaharata Sawadogo's wealth of experience fortifies her spirit. What was once a vocation born out of necessity has evolved into an ardor, an avenue through which she asserts her presence within society while attaining self-reliance. Zaharata draws daily inspiration from her unwavering resolve to effect change in her immediate surroundings.
"The flame of my entrepreneurial zeal was ignited by my mother. Even as a young child, I eagerly lent a hand in selling vegetables at the market. Over time, I developed an affinity for the trade and forged a career that I sustained even after my marriage. Thanks to this project, I realize that we can go even further in this activity," she confides.
A Large-Scale Project Combining Green Energy and Job Creation
The project Zaharata refers to is the Africa mini-grids programme initiated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in about twenty countries across the continent. These mini-grid systems operate on solar power, functioning independently of the national grid. They provide an alternative to communities that lack access to electricity for their daily household activities while also fostering income-generating opportunities and capacity building, particularly for young people and women. Green energy as a catalyst for development. In Burkina Faso, the total amount allocated to this project, benefiting Zaharata, amounts to 1,086,476,580 CFA francs, covering the period from 2023 to 2027. With the recent installation of renewable energy sources that power the market facilities, new prospects have opened up for the Burkinabé trader. Zaharata has ventured into the production and sale of ice creams and refreshing beverages. The sun, once seen as a potential adversary, has now become her greatest ally.
Like other women in the community, Zaharata has recognized the importance of environmental preservation for sustainable development and the future of the younger generation. The entire sector, from farmers to traders, is grappling with the dire effects of climate change. It is, therefore, only natural that she has become an ambassador for renewable energy.
"We play a crucial role in raising awareness about the use of solar energy. We engage with communities, and our voices carry weight because we are their mothers and wives. The people recognize our visionary outlook and comprehend that our collective efforts are driven by a noble aspiration—a better, more promising future for our region," she confides with an unmistakable sense of pride.
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