Understand
The ’Earth roofs in the Sahel’ Program

The Association la Voute Nubienne (AVN) trains people in the Sahel to construct vaulted, mud-brick roofs, which are more affordable, healthy, and sustainable than typical alternative construction practices. In addition to training, we support VN masons in establishing small businesses to promote local economic development, and in bringing the benefits of VN construction techniques to families and individuals in need.


Earth Roofs in the Sahel (Video courtesy of the Tech Museum, San José, CA)

Our key objective is thus to promote the use of the VN technique as a valid alternative to other building methods in Burkina Faso and neighbouring countries of the Sahel. The Association’s role is a “pump-priming” one: to get the technique adopted in a particular zone, then to gradually withdraw and move on to other suitable areas.

Through its ProgramEarth roofs in the Sahel, the AVN:

- organises the selection and training of future VN builders
- coordinates, and provides quality control of, VN building sites
- helps trained builders to become independent entrepreneurs
- publicises the VN technique, to create a clientele for VN entrepreneurs
- establishes partnerships with other organisations (NGO’s, public and private bodies...) to help replicate and scale up the programme in new zones and countries of the Sahel.

The AVN’s global fund-raising and networking activities are already having a significant impact on the development of the Earth roofs in the Sahel programme and in the creation and exponential growth of a real VN market.

The AVN does not itself finance the construction of VN buildings: our role is to create and nurture a socio-economic environment in which a self-sustaining VN market can develop.

More detailed information about the AVN, in English, including a four-page brochure, annual reports, and some case-studies, can be found under Resources, Documents, Media.