Snippets from Interviews with Urban Farmers (1)

Setting: M'Bour, Senegal.  M. Cisse's house, sitting outside on a hot day in March '11


Me-So, obviously this whole business of you losing your job has been difficult.

M. Cisse-Oh, yes.  We used to live in an apartment and I found a maid for Fatou.  We didn’t want for anything.  And she had work…And then all that happened, and now I just must try until God brings some other fortune.

Me-Since you and I have come to know each other, what has been difficult about your life here?

M. Cisse-My biggest problem is that my children used to study and now they can’t study anymore.

Me-Because of money?

M. Cisse-Voila.  Also, just eating.  It’s very difficult.  And discouraging........Apart from that, we don’t have difficulties.