La Voûte Nubienne

Current Projects

Communication AVN — 2024-05-06T09:38:37Z

SERI - Deployment of the eco-construction sector: structuring and strengthening of stakeholders and tools enabling the scaling up of the NV market in the Sahel

Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, Ghana
2022/2025
Funded by AFD + co-financing

Objectives:
To strengthen the actors, mechanisms, and tools necessary for the consolidation of the NV eco-construction sector and the scaling up of its growth, as well as positioning AVN in a federating role as a network animator and accompanying reference, in a qualitative approach, involving a growing number of actors and stakeholders.

Strengthening income-generating activities of onion and shallot producer groups in Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso
2023/2024
Funded by the RAJA Foundation

Objectives:
To create Nubian vault storage spaces for onion and shallot producers in the Sahel, using local and affordable materials.

Activities:
– Construction of community buildings for the benefit of women's groups
– Advocacy support and fundraising assistance

Visit the project webpage

Incentives for the construction and donation of Nubian Vault housing for rural and vulnerable families in Mali, contributing to the stabilisation, resilience, and adaptation of communities to the effects of climate change

Mali
2023/2024
Funded by Life NGO

Objectives:
To contribute to improving the living conditions and resilience of rural populations in Mali in the regions of Ségou, Koulikoro, and Sikasso by supporting the growth of the Nubian Vault eco-construction market.

Activities:
– Distribution of financial incentives for Nubian Vault eco-construction
– Construction of latrines

Visit the partner webpage

Funding for 120 incentives for eco-construction

Mali-Benin
2023/2024
Funded by Meridiam

Visit the partner webpage

Construction and renovation of a school in Godel, Senegal, using the Nubian Vault method

Senegal
2023/2024
This project is carried out with the support of the Jean Kerber Foundation, hosted under the auspices of the Luxembourg Foundation

Visit the partner webpage

Incubating small local eco-construction businesses in Nubian Vault in Senegal

Senegal
2023/2026
Funded by the Egis Fundation

Objectives:
Facilitate the creation of small local businesses specializing in Nubian Vault eco-construction, bringing together the best Nubian Vault masons in the Senegalese sector with project managers (technicians, engineers, architects), capable together of addressing the formal construction market in Senegal.

Visit the partner website

Construction of Economic Activity Zones (ZAE)

Mali
2023/2024
Funded by the Geres

Objectives:
Architectural design and site supervision of 5 Electrified Economic Activity Zones (ZAE) in Nubian Vault (VN) architecture.

Visit the partner website

DEFI-VN: Strengthening the low-carbon building construction sector through the Nubian Vault technique in Senegal, leveraging momentum initiated from the Departments of Kanel, Matam, and Podor

Senegal
2023/2024
Funded by Le Partenariat/FICOL, Departments of Yvelines, Kanel, Matam et Podor

Objectives:
Promotion and dissemination of Nubian Vault eco-construction and training of sector actors (Nubian Vault artisans and their teams, technicians, engineering firms, companies, etc.).

Read the article Launch of the DEFI-VN project in Senegal

Emergence of an affordable bioclimatic construction market in the Plateau Central region of Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso
2024/2025
Funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) with the support of the Tind Yalgré Association (ATY)

Objectives:
Facilitate the emergence of a bioclimatic construction market, reducing the vulnerability of local populations to the effects of climate change through habitat adaptation and local economic development, while contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Activities:
– Capacity building for local actors
– Awareness-raising and information dissemination to regional authorities and populations
– Construction of Nubian Vault habitats for rural populations in the province

Read the article on the partner webpage

Co-development of a strategy and roadmap for advocacy for the right to decent and suitable housing in the Sahel, led by leaders of women's and peasant organisations

Burkina Faso
2023/2024
Funded by FRIO

Visit the partner website

Promoting stabilisation and prevention of violent conflicts in the border area between Burkina Faso, Benin, and Niger.

Burkina Faso
2024/2025
Project undertaken with the NGO Search for Common Ground as part of the LAFIA project funded by the PATRIP Foundation

Objectives:
– Improvement of access to climate-resilient economic and social infrastructure and their management in target intervention areas
– Strengthening of social cohesion and conflict resolution and prevention mechanisms in target intervention areas
– Improvement of natural resources management in target intervention areas

ACACIAS - Developing a functional carbon credit mechanism to generate recurring and sustainable income to finance incentives for Nubian Vault eco-construction.

Read the documentation

Mauritania

Communication AVN — 2024-04-08T07:29:17Z

The dissemination of the NV eco-construction market in Mauritania is being carried out at the initiative of the Al-Mizan Sahel consulting firm, founded by Mathieu Hardy, an architect and partner of AVN. These exemplary operations facilitate the initiation of a local NV sector and the awareness/mobilisation of a broad range of stakeholders in the country.

Country information

Population: 4.7 million inhabitants (43% rural)
GDP per capita: $2,190 (World Bank 2022)
Climate: Sahelian

Building constructed

As of today, the Mauritanian NV built park comprises 87 completed projects covering an area of approximately 3,300 m2, benefiting nearly 1,250 people.

The built park in figures

In the 2022-23 season:
– *5 projects representing a built area of approximately 172 m2 (100% community buildings)
– *24 new beneficiaries living or working in a NV

Updated August 2023

Supply Development

In the 2022-23 season, 25 apprentices, masons, artisans and entrepreneurs are active in the NV market in Mauritania.

NV supply in numbers

In the 2022-23 season:
– *25 active apprentices, masons, artisans, and entrepreneurs
– *7 qualifications validated

Updated August 2023

Noteworthy Projects and Activities

Here are the noteworthy projects and activities implemented in Mauritania in recent seasons:

Project "Popular NV Housing" (2022/2025)

Led by the International Labour Organization, in collaboration with Al-Mizan Sahel, the project implemented over a three-year period in the Hodh El Chargui region consists of a sustainable, modular, and scalable NV popular housing model, based on a single 20 m2 module, offering various layout options and possible combinations according to needs.

Read more: almizan-sahel.com/logement-populaire-vn-mrt

Project Sheikh Zayed Village in Diakré (2014/2017)

Diakré Village built in NV (Mauritania)

Between 2014 and 2017, AVN supported the establishment of the first entirely NV village, implemented by the NGOs Banlieues du Monde and Le Partenariat, with funding from the Dubai Charity Association. Located on the border of Senegal and Mauritania, along the Senegal River, the Sheikh Zayed Village in Diakré comprises 51 private houses, a mosque, a literacy center, and a maternity ward. The project beneficiaries are Mauritanian refugees who fled the country during the war. These families previously lived in precarious conditions under tin roofs, which are now used as shelters for their animals.

In July 2017, En Haut, a Mauritanian company, captured stunning aerial footage showcased in a video report.

Results and Impacts

Chloé Adloff — 2018-05-28T11:03:13Z

AVN's programme generates many visible and measurable impacts, responding to the challenges of the Sahelian populations.

AVN guides its programme with a well-rounded monitoring–evaluation–steering system.
Data collection from regional to international levels allows AVN to observe the markets and its evolutions, to visualize the socio-economic impacts generated by various programme levers and to anticipate activities that need to be strengthened.

Decent housing for the many

AVN's programme addresses the need for decent and affordable housing for the many in both rural and urban areas.

Nubian vault clients benefit from improved living and / or working buildings, adapted to the climate and uses, comfortable (internal temperatures more stable against external variations), durable (resistant to wind and rain erosion), modular (which can be enlarged according to changing needs) and offering special uses such as the rooftop terrace.

> Watch the video: The Nubian Vault for private buildings

Results

65,300 beneficiaries using or living in a Nubian Vault
83% of customers from AVN's target audience
1,753 localities with at least one NV
7,100 projects completed since the beginning of the programme

Updated August 2023

Access to basic services

The Nubian Vault technique offers an affordable and sustainable solution to the lack of appropriate buildings serving the basic needs of West African populations (health, education, agriculture).

NV buildings for education promote student learning, attendance and achievement. The NV technique allows the construction of inexpensive literacy rooms as well as classrooms with the "reinforced concrete NV" technique to increase the width of the buildings and thus meet the requirements of the government.

NV buildings for health (clinics, maternity homes and care centers) can be adapted to meet the standards defined by the national health services. These buildings offer excellent conditions of comfort and use, and facilitates the work of practitioners.

NV buildings for agriculture and livestock allow farmers to preserve and process agricultural products almost year-round, improving food security, production and stabilizing the cost of food.

> Watch the video: The Nubian Vault for community buildings

Results

Since the beginning of the programme, AVN enabled the construction of:

55 buildings for education
37 buildings for health
339 buildings for production

Updated August 2023

Vocational training and youth employment

The High Intensity Labour Force (HIMO) NV building sector supports local employment and off-season jobs in rural areas, mainly in favour of youths and smallholder farmers needing stable employment during the dry season. NV artisanship provides them with a complementary activity without the need to leave to the cities (rural exodus) or resort to precarious and dangerous jobs such as goldmining.

Vocational training in AVN's programme involves professional training actors, covering all skill areas in the construction sector, artisans and businesses in the informal economy, but also technical advisers, architects, transporters of local materials, and others. Trainees acquire skills and learn a trade with high growth potential, without needing any academic background.

Results

1,051 apprentices, masons, artisans and entrepreneurs active on the market including 208 new apprentices who joined the training in 2022-23
326 technical and academic training modules were provided in 2022-23
68% of construction sites are found directly by NV artisans

Updated August 2023

Strengthening local economies

Using or living in a NV building has beneficial impacts in economic terms for the user beneficiaries, who economize on imported and therefore expensive materials (cement, sheets, lumber). The construction of a NV costs up to 60% less than other construction solutions.

Savings are also made on the frequent and expensive repairs required because of the fragility of these same materials, in particular sheet metal, frequently carried away by the wind and with the average life well below that of a NV (less than 10 years).

Energy savings are also noteworthy for the end-users: a NV's thermal stability renders air-conditioning unnecessary for equal indoor comfort.

Results

6,3 million euros were generated directly into local economic circuits by NV constructions since inception
5,677 MWh potentially spared on cooling energy consumption, witness to NV building's high energy efficiency

Updated August 2023

Mitigation and adaptation of climate change / Environment

Both environment and climate dimension are transversal and directly integrated into AVN's programme.

The NV building sector uses mainly frugal techniques (non mechanized processes) and local materials with a light carbon footprint (local circuits, non-transformed materials, etc.), inducing strong passive performances, and answering commitments made regarding reduction of greenhouse gases emissions. It represents an alternative to the use of ligneous resources (brushwood and straw) in building and therefore preserves forest cover and biodiversity.

Moreover, thanks to the qualities of these buildings for decent living standards (thermal comfort) and their resistance to extreme weather phenomena, the NV construction sector permits the adaptation of the building stock to climate change.

Results

183,249 tons CO2 eq. potentially spared since the beginning of the programme
5,677 MWh potentially spared on cooling energy consumption
0 trees cut for the building of NV houses
65,323 beneficiaries with better living conditions in the face of climate change

Updated August 2023

Valorisation of the local “archi-culture”

An appropriate housing sector and its associated skill-set reinstate traditional "archi-cultural" practices into the dynamics of African development in the current millennium.

The Nubian Vault project aims to leverage building cultures (knowledge and know-hows) to factor in local contexts, and populations' cultures and history. The programme relies on local know-hows and potentialities and a millennia-old experience. AVN's ambition is to produce a “situated architecture”, founded on local economic and cultural development, as opposed to a so-called modern “international architecture” (Hassan Fathy, 1999). It is essential to emphasize local diversity, favouring it to increasingly global imposed solutions.

Other countries

Chloé Adloff — 2018-05-23T11:01:49Z

Currently present in five West African countries, AVN's goal is to disseminate the Nubian Vault technique in all countries where it is appropriate, particularly in the Sudano-Sahelian band.

AVN is regularly solicited by different actors (NGOs, training centres, political actors, etc.), interested in the advantages of the Nubian Vault technique, and eager to develop this concept in their countries. AVN studies the different proposals and responds according to their relevance to the strategic goals of the Association.

During the 2016-2017 season, some discussions were initiated with:

Sudan: In 2016, AVN signed a contract with the Forest National Corporation to study the feasibility of the AVN programme in Sudan, financed by AFD's Proparco. As part of their development programme for the gum arabic sector, a key resource for the country, Sudan, through the National Forest Corporation, is seeking construction solutions to avoid cutting down acacia trees for roofing.;
Ivory Coast: AVN has received multiple requests for partnership from Ivorian actors: the NGO Sounyegnon, Municipality of Kouto, Société MIRI Ingénierie SARL, etc. AVN was also invited to present the Nubian Vault at a seminar on Sustainable Construction, organised in June 2017 by the Ecole des Mines of Saint-Etienne and the Ivory Coast Chamber of Commerce, for executives, entrepreneurs, directors and managers in the building sector in Ivory Coast;
Chad: The Cooperative of Construction and Public Works Professionals (COOPBT) of Chad has made a formal request to AVN to act as a training operator and promoter of NV housing. A meeting was held with the Minister of Economy and Development Planning to initiate an application for accreditation of AVN as an international NGO in Chad.

Exchanges were also held with organisations operating in Kenya, Morocco, Togo and Tanzania, among others. Note: isolated constructions had already been carried out in northern Togo and in central Ivory Coast.

AVN is currently working on structuring its intervention strategy in new countries, presenting different modalities of intervention (opening of an AVN office in the country, deployment of the programme by a local NGO with support of AVN, deployment of the programme with actors in construction and training, etc.)

History of deployments outside the host country

Mauritania

Diakré Village built in NV (Mauritania)

Between 2014 and 2017, AVN was instrumental in the construction of the very first village built entirely of Nubian Vaults, implemented by the NGOs Banlieues du Monde and Le Partenariat, and funded by the Dubai Charity Association. Located in Mauritania, practically on
the frontier formed by the river Senegal, the Sheikh Zayed Village of Diakré is made up of 51 private houses, a mosque, a literacy centre, and a maternity clinic. The beneficiaries of the project are Mauritanian refugees who fled their country during the war. Previously, these families lived in precarious shelters, under tin roofs – which are now used to stable their livestock.

In addition, in January 2012, the UJEOF (an association of Mauritanian nationals based both in France and in Mauritania) hired Burkinabe masons to carry out the first private projects in the southern region of the country (Oulombony).

Southern Africa - Zambia

NV Building site in Zambia

In Zambia, a first assessment mission was conducted in 2010 by AVN. This had revealed a situation very similar to the realities encountered in West Africa: widespread earth architecture, deforestation and interest of local populations for the VN concept. It was therefore possible to envisage a deployment in this country with the ambition to make it a stepping stone to reach other countries of Southern Africa.
Subsequently, two Zambian Mason apprentices went to Burkina for training, and two missions were carried out by Burkinabé VN masons in 2010 and 2011.
These missions aimed at laying the foundations of a deployment in a country far away were not conclusive enough, but allowed a significant additional experience and a better visibility on the strategies to be developed for a continuation of the actions of distant swarming.

Madagascar: pilot phases on the Big Island

NV in Madagascar

At the invitation of the association Écoles du Monde, AVN carried out an evaluation mission in 2010, financed by the Veolia Business Foundation, to validate the interest of the concept on the island and the possible opening of a programme. This mission highlighted the obligation of setting up pilot phases of advanced construction / validation.
A French architect, Jean-Louis Rostaing, attempted at his home in Majunga, the first Nubian constructions and arranged the organization of the trip of a Burkinabé mason VN, Moussa Bonkian.
Moussa Bonkian's mission allowed for the construction of a NV in the highlands, but several other attempts to build in the Majunga region were unsuccessful. It seems that the local lands and the climate do not allow to use the NV concept although it would be necessary to continue these tests before concluding definitively.

Rwanda

NV Building site in Rwanda

In Rwanda, an agro-food sector industrialist (wishing to densify the market for edible mushrooms in the country) has been interested in the NV concept for the construction of mushroom farms. The thermal and hygrometric qualities of the concept are indeed assets in this area.
AVN hoped that these early constructions would serve as a local example. In 2011, 2 Burkinabé NV masons went to the country to start a first pilot building, but the site was disrupted by an early rainy season and the building (2NV 10 meters long) could not to be finished on time!
It is not possible to draw definitive conclusions from this incident. Indeed, as long as NV buildings are not properly finished, they remain fragile to heavy rains and, on the contrary, they have a good capacity for erosion resistance once completed.

Mexico

A Mexican mason, Stevan de la Rosa, was trained in Burkina Faso and produced 2 first NVs in Mexico.

AVN references all contacts, requests and potential partnerships submitted, in order to allow the creation of listings by country of concerned actors, able eventually to federate and pool together deployment initiatives.

For more information, you can contact us.

Benin

Chloé Adloff — 2018-05-23T10:44:14Z

The deployment of the programme in Benin started in 2014. To date, 309 NV projects have been carried out for the benefit of more than 1,850 people, 119 NV apprentices, masons and artisans are active on the market and 7 local employees are involved in the dissemination of the programme with the help of local partners.

Country information

Population in 2023: 13,3 million (50% rural)
GDP per capita: $1,303 (World Bank 2022)
Climate: Sudano-Sahelian in the north (AVN intervention zone) and sub-equatorial in the south

Key data

2011: 1st NV constructions requested by first clients and partners
2012 et 2013: Exploratoy missions and recruitment of a national coordinator
2014: 1st AVN local team and opening of Djougou region
2015 et 2016: 1st projects, masons and apprentices trained and local partnerships
2017-2018: Regional duplication in Tanguiéta
2018: implementation of the IU-IT strategy

Territorial Rollout

Buildings constructed

To date, there is more than 309 NV projects carried out in Ghana for an area of approximately
(7,000 m2, for the benefit of more than 1,800 people. The average annual growth is 53% since the beginning of the programme in 2014.

The results observed after 10 seasons of deployment signify the emergence of a growing NV market destined to establish itself over the long term.

Results

In 2022-23:

72 worksites completed representing a built area of 1,480 m2
53% of buildings used for housing
34 community building including 33 production buildings
12 new localities with at least 1 NV building
44% of sites found independently by NV masons
285 new user-beneficiaries living or working in a NV building

Update August 2023

Supply Training

In 2022-23, 119 apprentices, masons and artisans are active in the NV market in Benin.

Results

In 2022-23:

119 active apprentices, masons, artisans and entrepreneurs
22 apprentices who began their training this season
50 new qualifications

Training activities: 85 modules

68 on-site training
17 academic modules

Update August 2023

Local partners

AVN's IU-IT strategy involves strong mobilisation of partners.

Operational partners (OP)

Implementation Territory - Operational Partners (IT-OP) involved:

AVIGREF Pendjari
UCCPA-Ouaké

Relay partners (RP)

no partner listed

Technical partners (TP)

no partner listed

Notable projects and activities

Here is a selection of remarkable projects and activities implemented in Benin in recent seasons:

Current projects

Projects completed

Project "A bioclimatic construction industry for youth employment in North Benin"
Funded by the European Union (EU)
Sept. 2020> Sept. 2022

Partnership with Amici dell'Africa

The collaboration between the Italian association Amici dell'Africa and AVN began in 2015 with a project to build a refectory / kitchen / store in VN for an orphanage in Djougou, then consolidated in 17-18 with the construction a second building of the same use, for another reception center.

"Our choice of the VN concept is justified by the use of locally available materials, comfort and aesthetics: we find the harmony of nature in this architecture. In addition, the VN promotes job creation and the strengthening of the local economy: this is why we contributed to the funding of training last season. The children who live in this center and the volunteers of the association very much appreciate these buildings. We receive a lot of visits to the reception center, including local personalities: these visitors are always impressed by the comfort and aesthetics of the buildings.

The local AVN team was very available to provide support at every stage: awareness raising, visit to demonstration sites, validation of plans, contact with a NV mason, development of the estimate, construction and follow-up of training. The qualities of the artisan mason in charge of the site (Nédaradoua Bayoulou) were a considerable asset. We are very satisfied: our adventure with AVN is not going to end there!"

(Interview with Davide Colombo, co-founder of Amici dell'Africa)

Ghana

Chloé Adloff — 2018-05-23T10:35:50Z

The deployment of the programme in Ghana started in 2014.
To date, 112 NV projects have been carried out for the benefit of more than 950 people, 21 NV apprentices, masons and artisans are active on the market and 1 local employee is involved in the dissemination of the programme.

Country information

Population in 2023: 32,5 million (41% rural)
GDP per capita: $2,175 (World Bank 2022)
Climate: Sudano-Sahelian

Key data

2012 et 2013: Exploratoy missions and recruitment of a national coordinator (VSI)
2014: 1st AVN local team and opening of Bolgatanga region
2015 et 2016: 1st private and institutional projects and local partnerships, 1st local masons and apprentices trained
2017: Regional duplication in Garu
2017-2018: implementation of the IU-IT strategy

Territorial Rollout

Buildings constructed

To date, there is more than 112 NV projects carried out in Ghana for an area of approximately
3,400 m2, for the benefit of more than 950 people. The average annual growth is 2% since the beginning of the programme in 2014.

The refocusing of activities towards the Garu region in 2017 illustrates AVN's desire to develop the Ghanaian NV market towards rural populations, the core target of the programme.

Results

In 2022-23:

7 worksites completed representing a built area of 161 m2
100% of buildings used for housing in rural areas
3 new localities with at least 1 NV building
86% of sites found independently by NV masons
88 new user-beneficiaries

Update August 2023

Supply Training

In 2022-23, 21 apprentices, masons and artisans including 4 Masons Trainers are active in the NV market in Ghana.

Results

In 2022-23:

21 active apprentices, masons, artisans and entrepreneurs
6 apprentices who began their training this season
15 new qualifications

Training activities: 13 modules

8 on-site training
5 academic modules

Update August 2023

Local partners

AVN's IU-IT strategy involves strong mobilization of partners.

Operational partners (OP)

Potential Implementation Territory - Operational Partner (IT-OP):

El Hassan Charitable Relief Foundation
Mihoso international

Relay partners (RP)

no partner listed

Technical partners (TP)

no partner listed

Notable projects and activities

Here is a selection of remarkable projects and activities implemented in Ghana in recent seasons:

Current projects

no project listed

Projects completed

Partnership with the Youth Harvest Foundation

The Youth Harvest Foundation (YHF) has been working for 3 seasons with AVN Ghana to provide affordable housing for farmers and teachers, improving both the storage and storage of agricultural produce and the education of children.

“The use of local materials for construction is an opportunity for disadvantaged rural populations to be able to build and live in sustainable but affordable housing. As an organization, we were interested in the VN concept because it has a strong potential for job creation for young people.

At the start of each construction, residents often express doubts about the viability of such a building. When it is finished, on the other hand, everyone is impressed with the results.
Through collaboration with AVN, we want to provide a significant solution to the housing deficit in these sectors, by setting up an ambitious project that would include construction / training / awareness. "

(Interview with John Krugu, Managing Director YHF)

Senegal

Chloé Adloff — 2018-05-23T10:22:29Z

AVN's activities in Senegal are currently focused on public and community initiation, such as the NV Fouta project (2016>2021) then the DEFI-VN project currently implemented in 3 northern departments with the collaboration with the NGO Le Partenariat.

This strategic choice has been considerably bolstered by the growing interest of Senegalese institutional actors to opt for the NV technique for their community construction needs, thus providing the NV market with added visibility (model buildings) and recognition (political integration).
Through the NV Fouta project, the training of local workers is increasing, and the interest of technical actors in being trained to work on NV projects bodes well for a proliferation of projects in the coming seasons.

Country information

Population in 2023: 17,3 million (51% rural)
GDP per capita: $1,598 (World Bank 2022)
Climate: Sahelian

Key data

2007-2010: 1st buildings in the Matam region
2011: Opening of northern regions with the NGO Le Partenariat
2013: 1st local AVN team and opening of the Thiès region
2014: Preparation of a multi-year project led by the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development and focus on kickstarting
the public and community markets
2015: Collaborative partnerships with CSOs and refugee rehousing
project in Mauritania, at the Senegalese border
2017: Start of the NV Fouta Project
2022: Start of the DEFI-VN Project

Buildings constructed

In Senegal, no private market seeding activity is carried out. AVN's intervention strategy in Senegal focuses on initiating and supporting public and community markets, through the implementation of the DEFI-VN project in northern Senegal with the NGO Le Partenariat.

To date, the Senegalese VN built stock represents approximately 122 projects carried out for an area of approximately 10,700 m2, for the benefit of more than 5,200 people.

Results

In 2022-23:

7 worksites completed representing a built area of 2,500 m2
5 community buildings
4 localities with at least 1 NV building (83 since the start of the programme)
1,146 new user-beneficiaries

Update August 2023

Supply Training

In 2022-23, 68 apprentices, masons, artisans and entrepreneurs including 4 Trainer Masons are active in the Senegalese NV market.

Results

In 2022-23:

68 active apprentices, masons, artisans and entrepreneurs

Update August 2023

Notable projects and activities

Here is a selection of remarkable projects and activities implemented in Senegal in recent seasons:

DEFI-VN Project (2022/2025)

The project "Development of a sustainable construction and training sector via the Nubian vault in the Departments of Kanel, Matam and Podor" says DEFI-NV follows the VN-Fouta project. The DEFI-NV project is carried out by the Departments of Kanel, Matam and Podor within the framework of decentralized cooperation with the Department of Yvelines. It is supported by the AFD on the FICOL mechanism and supported by AVN, the Maison des Yvelines and the NGO Le Partenariat.

See the article "Launch of the DEFI-VN project in Senegal"

NV Fouta Project (2016/2021)

From 2016 to 2021, with funding from the Yvelines Departmental Council, AVN and the NGO Le Partenaire (LP) implemented this program to popularize and disseminate the NV technique to local authorities and associations, in the departments of Podor, Matam and Kanel mainly (North zone, Fouta region). Its objective was to support local authorities and CSOs in their NV construction projects, to train players in the NV sector (masons, companies, design offices, etc.) and to support the authorities in integrating NV in their development plans for the sustainability and duplication of the project.

Download the leaflet "NV Fouta Project" (french)
Download the guide "Typology of Nubian Vault buildings in Senegal" (french)

Projects completed

Construction of NV storage buildings and poultry houses in the Thiès region

Enda Pronat, a Senegalese NGO concerned with promotion of ecologically sound agriculture, has been a partner of AVN since 2016 for the construction of NV storage barns and henhouses.

The aim of the project is to train local masons in the NV concept and to create a market for the construction of NV barns and henhouses, thus directly benefitting the producers.

Learn more

The "Green Village" project

Implemented by the Senegalese-Belgian association Malem Auder, this pilot project aims to convince the farmers of the same village to build their own NV houses through community self-help. The population agrees to supply the construction materials and unskilled labour and AVN would cover the cost of transport and the masons (from Burkina Faso) during the construction period.

The construction of these buildings will accelerate the training of local apprentices in a new zone and the development of a NV market. Construction of a series of demonstration buildings (houses) in the same village is also a way of raising awareness amongst the population of the zone and and local actors (institutional, traditional, associations etc.)

Learn more

Mali

Chloé Adloff — 2018-05-23T10:00:43Z

Since 2007, the deployment of the programme in Mali has enabled the completion of more than 3,000 NV projects for the benefit of more than 25,000 people. 405 apprentices, masons, craftsmen and VN entrepreneurs are active in the market and 5 local employees and many partners involved in the dissemination of the programme.

Country information

Population in 2023: 22,6 million (54% rural)
GDP per capita: $833 (World Bank 2022)
Climate: Sudano-Sahelian

Key data

2006-2008: Construction of the first community buildings in partnership with local and international NGOs
2009: 1st AVN local team and opening of Ségou region
2013 et 2014: Regional duplication in Koutiala and Dioïla
2015: Regional duplication in San-Tominian
2016: Regional duplication in Banamba
2017: partnership with a national entity (AEDD / PGRNCC Project)
2017-2018: implementation of the IU-IT strategy

Territorial Rollout

Buildings constructed

To date, there is more than 3,000 VN projects carried out in Mali for an area of approximately
84,800 m2, for the benefit of more than 25,000 people. The average annual growth is 19% over the past 10 seasons.

The vast majority of the buildings are for housing for rural populations. The NV corresponds to the needs of the beneficiaries in terms of vocational training offer, an adapted constructive solution and cost (significantly reduced by the involvement of beneficiaries and mutual aid within the communities).

Results

In 2022-23:

405 worksites completed representing a built area of 10,453 m2
99% of buildings used for housing
3 community buildings (100% 3 for production/livestock)
43 localities with at least 1 NV building
94% of sites found independently by NV masons
More than 2,300 new user-beneficiaries

Update August 2023

Supply Training

In 2022-23, 325 apprentices, masons, artisans and entrepreneurs including 2 Trainer Masons are active in the NV market in Mali.

Results

In 2022-23:

325 active apprentices, masons, artisans and entrepreneurs
25 apprentices who began their training this season
97 new qualifications

Training activities: 17 modules

14 on site Training
3 Academic modules

Update August 2023

Local partners

AVN's IU-IT strategy involves strong mobilisation of partners.

Operational partner (OP)

Implementation Territory - Operational Partner (IT-OP) - projects in progress or awaiting funding:

COnvergence des FEmmes Rurales pour la Souveraineté Alimentaire (COFERSA)
Coordination des Associations Féminines (CAFO)
Union des Sociétés Coopératives des Producteurs de Céréales de Diédougou (USCPCD)
Union des Sociétés Coopératives des Producteurs Céréaliers du Cercle de Barouéli (Yèrènyèton)
Union Nièta
Union Coopérative des Producteurs de Cotons et de Céréales (UCPCC)
Société Coopérative Simplifiée des Producteurs et Transformateurs des Produits Agricoles (SCSPTPA)

Relay partner (RP)

SOS-Faim
Groupe Energies Renouvelables, Environnement et Solidarités (GERES)
Welt Hunger Hilfe (WHH)

Technical partner (TP)

CFP Tominian

Notable projects and activities

Here is a selection of remarkable projects and activities implemented in Mali in recent seasons:

Current projects

Projects completed

Project "Support for the construction of pilots (hen house and conservation store) in the Nubian Vaults"
Funded by Helvetas
Season 2022/2023

Project "Nubian vaults for the adaptation of Malian families to the effects of climate change"
Funded by NGO Life
Season 2021/2022

Project "Construction of 10 shallot storage warehouses"
Funded by Agronomists and Veterinarians Without Borders (AVSF)
Sept. 2021 > June 2022

Project "Support for the eco-construction sector in the emerging Nubian Vault in the municipality of Yélékébougou"
Funded by Africabougou (ABG)
2022

Project "Development of the NV market in the municipality of Guégneka"
Funded by ENABEL
Season 2021/2022

Project "Monitoring, control and construction of bioclimatic buildings of 4 Electrified Activity Zones (ZAE) in the regions of Ségou and Sikasso"
Funded by GERES
Season 2021/2022

"Training and support for the development of the NV market on the outskirts of 2 ZAE" project
Funded by GERES
2019/2022

Cross-border project "Emancipation of cross-border communities in the throes of destabilization"
Funded by the PATRIP Foundation through Welt Hunger Hilfe
Sept. 2019 > August 2021

Pilot project for the production of NV houses in urban and rural areas
Financed by the Office Malien de l'Habitat (OMH)

Project of Construction of VN buildings and training of masons in the circles of Kolokani, Banamba and Nara
Funded by Advice and Support for Basic Education (CAEB) and SOS Faim
Sept. 2019> August 2020

A NV course within Vocational Training Centers

Two VTCs, sensitized to the interest of the VN, took a first step in the 2016-17 season by building witness buildings (photo) within the walls of their establishments: 3 apprentices from the VTC of Nioro and 10 apprentices from the Tominian VTC were trained in the NV concept and a partnership intention was proposed to Tominian.
These first expressions of interest should lead to the co-creation of a complete course and the implementation of the first pilot actions from 2018.

The Electrified Activity Zone (ZAE) of Konséguéla

Burkina Faso

Chloé Adloff — 2018-05-23T09:46:40Z

AVN's historical country, the deployment of the programme in Burkina Faso started in 1998 around Boromo. To date, 3,484 NV projects have been carried out for the benefit of more than 30,500 people, 493 NV apprentices, masons, artisans and entrepreneurs are active on the market and 8 local employees and many partners are involved in the dissemination of the programme.

Country information

Population in 2023: 22,7 million (68% rural)
GDP per capita: $832 (World Bank 2022)
Climate: Sudano-Sahelian

Key data

1998-2000: 1st technical tests to standardize the NV concept
2000-2006: Start of the programme, awareness, training of masons, constructions
2007: 1st AVN local team in Boromo
2011-2013: Regional duplication in Koubri, Dédougou, Yako et Bama
2013-2016: Pilot projects of NV housing microcredit with 2 MFIs
2014-2016: 1st collaborative partnerships with farmers' organization
2015-2016: development and testing of training strengthening methodologies
2017-2018: implementation of the IU-IT strategy

Territorial Rollout

Buildings constructed

To date, there is more than 3,400 NV projects carried out in Burkina Faso for an area of approximately
112,400 m2, for the benefit of more than 30,500 people. The average annual growth is 12% over the past 10 seasons.

If the majority of the buildings constructed remain for housing in rural areas, the exemplary community and agricultural buildings built each season bear witness to the gradual adoption of the NV concept.

Results

In 2022-23:

373 worksites completed representing a built area of 10,366 m2
96% of buildings used for housing
84% completed with financial incentives for eco-construction
16 community buildings including 6 for production/livestock
39 localities with at least 1 NV building (828 since the beginning of the programme)
45% of sites found independently by NV masons (without AVN's intervention)
60% of buildings involved a partner organisation
2,682 new user-beneficiaries

Update August 2023

Supply Training

In 2022-23, 493 apprentices, masons, artisans and entrepreneurs including 25 Trainer Masons are active in the NV market in Burkina Faso.

Results

In 2022-23:

493 active apprentices, masons, artisans and entrepreneurs
136 apprentices who began their training this season
282 new qualifications

Training activities: 211 modules

155 on site training
56 Academic modules

Update August 2023

Local partners

AVN's IU-IT strategy involves strong mobilisation of partners.

Operational partners (OP)

Implementation Territory - Operational Partner (IT-OP) - projects in progress or awaiting funding:

Fédération Nationale des Groupements Naam (FNGN)
Association Teed Yalgre (ATY)
Associations Provincial des Artisans et Groupements d'Artisans Non-Taaba du Boulgou (APAGAN-B)
Unions Régionales des productrices de Dolo de la Boucle du Mouhoum (URPD-BM-Binkadi)
AFEDN
APAK
Association Entraide Familiale (AEF)
Association pour la Promotion du Genre et de l'épanouissement de la Femme (APGEF)

Relay partners (RP)

SOS-Faim
WeltHungerHilfe
Mairie de Ouagadougou

Technical partners (TP)

Association pour la Promotion des Finances Inclusives au Burkina Faso (APFI-B)
Union des Baorés Tradition, Épargne et de Crédit (UBTEC)
Centre de formation de métiers des mines et carrière, bâtiments et travaux publics de Boromo (CEMCA/BTP)

Notable projects and activities

Here is a selection of remarkable projects and activities implemented in Burkina Faso in recent seasons:

Current projects

Projects completed

Project "Deployment of a green eco-construction sector for the development and resilience of populations in the Center East Region of Burkina Faso"
Funded by the Belgian Development Agency (ENABEL)
Sept. 2020 > June 2023

Vocational Training and Apprenticeship Support Program (PAFPA)
Funded by the Ministry of Youth and Promotion of Youth Entrepreneurship (MJPEJ) and the National Council of Burkinabè Employers (CNPB)
Jan. 2021 > Oct. 2023

SHIFT: Supporting Host communities and IDPs to Facilitate sustainable Transition towards inclusive solutions
Funded by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) via DANIDA grant
Jan. 2021 > June 2023

Project "Establishment of an environment-friendly housing construction industry in the North region" (Phase 2)
co-financed by SOS Faim and the Walloon Air and Climate Agency(AWAC) and implemented by SOS Faim in partnership with the National Federation of Naam Groups (FNGN)
March. 2022 > Feb. 2024

Project “An ecological and sustainable shelter for displaced populations and host communities»
Funded by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UN-HCR)
Jan. > Nov. 2021 then Jan. > May 2022

Pilot shelter support program for internally displaced and host populations in Burkina Faso
Funded by Danish Refugee Council (DRC)
Feb > Oct. 2021

Project "Support for the construction of 50 chicken coops in NV in the province of Bam, Center-East Region"
Funded by Welt Hunger Hilfe (WHH-BF)
Jan. > April 2018 then Feb > Dec. 2020

Project "Establishment of an environmentally friendly housing construction industry in the North region" (Phase 1)
co-financed by SOS Faim and the Walloon Air and Climate Agency(AWAC) and implemented by SOS Faim in partnership with the National Federation of Naam Groups (FNGN)
Janvier 2019 > Août 2021

Cross-border project "Emancipation of cross-border communities in the grip of destabilization"
Funded by the PATRIP Foundation via Welt Hunger Hilfe
Sept. 2019 > Aug. 2021

"Strengthening the resilience of young people and women in the border areas of the Boucle du Mouhoun by their integration into the growing market of the Nubian Vault, creating jobs and contributing to endogenous economic development"
Funded by Expertise France
June 2020 > August 2021

Cross-border project "Emancipation of cross-border communities in the throes of destabilization"
Funded by the PATRIP Foundation through Welt Hunger Hilfe
Sept. 2019 > August 2021

"Establishment of an environment-friendly habitat construction sector in the North region of Burkina Faso"
Funded by the Walloon Air and Climate Agency (AWAC) through SOS Faim
January 2019 > August 2021

Unisféra / Ministry of Quebec cooperation project
Funded by the Quebec Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and the Fight against Climate Change (MDDELC) through Unisféra,
Sept. 2017 > August 2020

Youth Jobs and Skills Development Project (PEJDC)
Funded by the International Association for Development (IDA/Groupe Banque Mondiale)
Sept. > Dec. 2019

Pilot humanitarian program for migrants in Africa
Funded by the Government of the Republic of Poland, through the Polish Center for International Aid (PCPM)
Sept. > Dec. 2018

Construction of VN henhouses in the province of Bam
Funded by Welt Hunger Hilfe (WHH-BF)
Jan. > April 2018

PISCCA: future NV artisans for the Passoré
Funded by the French Embassy
Jan. 2017> June 2018

FAO project: 4 agricultural buildings in the North and Sahel regions
Funded by the European Union
Sept. 2016 > August 2017

Our actions

Chloé Adloff — 2018-05-23T09:10:22Z

Intervention themes

AVN's programme is based on three complementary poles of action:

A Roof: Help boost demand for adapted buildings at local level

Kickstarting activities are at the heart of AVN's programme and are carried out by local AVN teams and their partners they work with.

Together they carry out awareness-raising activities aimed at three target groups: rural populations (the programme's core target), urban populations and institutional actors and those involved in development.

From this awareness-raising work and advocacy a demand for construction projects has emerged that AVN supports, by connecting clients with artisan masons and by monitoring and inspecting worksites. Qualified and independent masons pass on the NV construction technique on-site to their apprentices as part of a mentoring-based approach. The first Nubian Vaults that were built had a significant demonstration effect in terms of promoting AVN's approach as well as the masons themselves.

A Skill: Train independent artisan-masons for the Nubian Vault sector

For years, AVN activities focused on the emergence of NV clients in order to initiate a market which would de facto help structure supply. The growth of the market and the diversification of NV clients largely demonstrated the relevance of the technical concept and how well-adapted it is to current conditions and future challenges.

Today, in order to accelerate the speed at which the housing challenge is dealt with, AVN must promote and coordinate the strengthening and diversification of the adapted construction sector.

For the past three seasons, this strategic focus has been AVN's priority. It has invested in human resources, created new hubs of activity (technical and entrepreneurial), developed methodologies to strengthen training aimed at all sectoral actors, and worked to create a corps of advisor masons, custodians of NV knowledge. AVN also supports these professionals by working on expertise and technical development and by carrying out research.

A Market: Generate political and economic support to help the NV market grow

Today, the programme's maturity and its goal of galvanizing the market and developing a durable NV sector has led AVN to raise awareness and involve direct and indirect actors from the housing and construction sectors, whether public, private, regional, national or international: ministries, public agencies, local authorities, international donors, etc.

These actors are responsible for housing issues in all their related forms: economic, legislative, vocational training and job-related, environmental impacts and adaptation to climate change. Governments therefore have an immediate interest in ensuring that, on the one hand, people have access to adapted housing and to a job and that, on the other hand, actors from the construction sector are involved in helping the sector evolve in a positive way.

AVN therefore encourages political actors to support the NV market and to integrate it into national and regional development plans and into national construction programmes. AVN is also carrying out international advocacy activities on issues of housing for as many as possible and leads a collective of actors from both the North and the South committed to the transformation of building practices in Africa

Three levels of intervention therefore overlap in all of AVN's activities, at every geographical and institutional level:

Direct awareness-raising and training activities on-the-ground;
A transfer of project management to legitimate operators;
Advocacy that encourages structured change.

Impacts

AVN's programme generates many visible and measurable impacts, responding to the challenges of the Sahelian populations:

Decent housing for the many
Better access to basic services
Vocational training and youth employment
Strengthening local economies
Mitigation and adaptation of climate change / Environment
Valorization of a local archi-culture

See all results and impacts

Geographic deployment

AVN's mission is to widely and rapidly disseminate the NV technical concept in the Sudano-Sahelian climate countries of Africa. To do this, the programme conducted in the field allows country after country the implementation of teams whose main mission is to generate and energize the NV concept market to ensure widespread dissemination.

AVN is currently deployed in 5 countries in West Africa: Burkina Faso, Mali, Senegal, Benin and Ghana. (Click on the map to access information by country)