A Self-Determined Life for Everyone Everywhere

Botchi from Gando, Togo, has demonstrated the transformative power of Community Based Inclusive Development (CBID). Botchi’s unwavering determination has enabled her to flourish, thanks to the "Inclusive Food Security and Resilience in Togo" project supported by CBM and implemented by Inades-Formation Togo.

Following a childhood illness, malaria, Botchi has been in a wheelchair. As a result, she was forced to abandon her education prematurely. Undeterred, Botchi turned to farming, cultivating soya beans, sesame seeds and maize. Her patience was tested, however, when her fields were hit by a severe drought in 2022. The drought led to a drastic drop in production, leaving Botchi unable to harvest a crop from her sesame field. The food shortage forced Botchi and her family to reduce their meals' quantity and quality.

However, Botchi's life took a positive turn when she participated in a CBM CBID project. She was trained in agroecological practices, especially compost making, which gave her the knowledge to improve her farming practices. She was also supported to start a savings and credit group specifically for persons with disabilities. Her leadership skills were also recognised, and she was elected president of the group. Motivated by her newly acquired knowledge and resources, Botchi foresees a brighter future for her business.

"In the next cropping season, I will put into practice what I have learnt to get better yields. I will also start growing vegetables to diversify my activities. I will be able to sell what I produce and increase my savings.”

In addition, Botchi's participation in the project has given her the opportunity to take an active role in the development of the community. With administrative support, she was able to establish the "Association des Personnes Handicapées de l'OTI Sud". This success underlines the project's commitment to promoting inclusion and ensuring that persons with disabilities have a voice in shaping the future of their community.

Botchi's journey highlights the spirit and resilience of people facing adversity when given the support, resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Through the transformative power of CBID, she has been able to overcome challenges and regain her independence. Botchi's aspirations go beyond herself. She dreams that her efforts will inspire and empower her children to continue her legacy of promoting inclusion. CBM will continue to advocate for the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities to create a world where everyone can reach their full potential.