Ploughing a lonely furrow in Mali

"I work alone", says Mamadi Tangara, surveying the rows of deep green jatropha trees on his four-hectare plantation. "Collective plantation management is not an easy task, so I do it myself." Tangara explains that since inheriting his land, he has discovered that lone stewardship is far more effective. "I used to be part of a farmer association," he says, "but not any more." At harvest time he calls on his children, who help to gather in the jatropha fruit, which are used to produce biofuel and soap. But other than that, and despite only having one arm, Tangara does everything himself. "When it is your own field", says Tangara, "you are more efficient and accurate. I don't trust other people to plant and sow as well as I can – you can't control the quality of their work." Of course, the lone farmer is vulnerable in the market, but Tangara has got around this problem by selling directly to his local co-operative. The main challenge he faces is raising money for equipment and materials. Recently, Tangara had to buy a set of oxen to pull his plough. He also needs fencing to prevent sheep and goats from wandering on to his land. And not being part of an organisation, credit is hard to access. But, despite these complications, Tangara is adamant that he is better off on his own. "For many farmers", he says, "together is best – but it is not always the way."