Gbolou Konan Toupou holds a bachelor's degree in Forest Environment and is the current head of the Association for Community Agro-Pastoral Development. In her current role Gbolou promotes and encourages integrated rural development through sustainable practices. Gbolou is also the president of the Association of Catholic Women of Sérédou. The association's vision is to demonstrate the role of women in the church. Additionally, Ms. Toupou is the president of the Economic Interest Grouping ZIAMA. The group aims to raise awareness and train young people to accept the idea of creating income-generating activities. Ms. Toupou has been highlighted by the U.S. Embassy in Guinea during a visit to ZIAMA biosphere reserve. She was also spotlighted in radio and television during visits from the Minister of Agriculture to the Agronomic Research Institutes of Guinea. 

IVLP Impact Award Project: Agricultural Production Development - Market Gardening, Rice Cultivation and Perennial Plantation Nurseries

Agriculture is considered globally the "cornerstone" of all socio-economic development. In Guinea, the agricultural sector is the engine of economic development because many of its rural population receive their income this way. Increasingly pronounced disturbances of climatic conditions and advanced soil degradation are nowadays leading to a considerable drop in yields. Traditional agriculture is characterized by the lack of control of water and cultivation techniques and the silting up of arable land under the effect of deforestation. Agriculture in Guinea is characterized by its inability to cover the growing demands of populations for food products and other goods and services.

This project equipped and trained farmers with advanced farming techniques in order to increase crop yields. An increase in crop yields improved the standard of living for farms and helped solve the food crisis in local markets. 40 farmers benefited from the Gardening Development Project by learning about market gardening, rice cultivation and perennial plantation nurseries. By practicing new agricultural techniques, farmers increased their crop yields and this reduced food insecurity in local communities. Multiple local project partners appreciated the training and its ability to technically support farmers.  

Practical training on the technique of sowing improved palm seeds to the community of BOO

Awareness session on the creation of income-generating activities in the community of Sérédou

Visit to the rice field of a farmer supported by Ms. Toupou’s NGO (ADCAP)

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Gbolou was a participant in the IVLP Project Women and Entrepreneurship organized by the U.S. Department of State and American Councils for International Education.

Gbolou's exchange experience led to the development of her IVLP Impact Award Project: "My IVLP experience allowed me to create my own small business that produced and sold coffee palm seedlings."

U.S. Communities Visited Virtually 

Phoenix, AZ; Washington, DC; Miami, FL; Detroit, MI; Kansas City, MO

Country: Guinea

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