LocationsUNDP facilitates stakeholder engagement on the EWASME Project in Tonkolili District
October 4, 2024
Group photo of participants at the EWASME project workhop in Tonkolili District
The United Nations Development Programme in Sierra Leone (UNDP), and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is stepping up its engagement with stakeholders in Tonkolili District on the EWASME Project establish a foundation for effective project implementation.
The EWASME Project aims to enhance the post production capacity of at least 200 Women owned or led Small and Medium Enterprises (500 SMEs) and Very Small Enterprises (500 VSEs) in selected areas of Sierra Leone in the Bonthe and Kambia Districts.
The meeting was attended by representatives from UNDP, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Local Chiefdom heads, and women farmers.
Speaking at the meeting the Project Manager, Elizabeth Musah, highlighting the project's mission and offering a detailed overview of its objectives. She encouraged women to seize this opportunity to enhance their agri-businesses. Additionally, she took time to explain the application process and the requirements for each applicant.
Director of Agri-business at the Ministry of Agriculture, Jeneba Alharazim, highlights the vital role women play in agriculture, saying, "Women are the backbone of our agricultural sector." However, she notes that women face distinct challenges that require collaborative solutions. To address this, the Ministry is committed to supporting initiatives that empower women farmers and boost food security nationwide.
Traditional leaders play a crucial role in supporting women in agriculture . At the meeting the Chairman Council of Paramount Chief, P.C Masakama Madibie II, stressed the importance of community support . He said, “For lasting change to occur, we must engage our communities. Traditional practices often hinder women’s progress, but we can change that narrative by working together and most importantly embrace the art of farming”.
Madam Fullah - Musu Taqi - Kamara, a representative from a local women’s farming group, shared her experience and summarized the collective commitment of other women. "We, women farmers, face obstacles in accessing resources and training, but with UNDP's support, we are ready to drive change in the rice value chain, empower our communities, and take our agri-businesses to the next level. The time for action is now."
The Tonkolili District meeting highlighted key challenges facing women in agriculture, including limited technology access, financial exclusion, and poor seed quality. This hampers local rice production, relying heavily on imports.
The EWASME Project seeks to address these issues, fostering collaboration and empowering women farmers to drive economic growth, food security, and a more equitable agricultural sector in Sierra Leone and beyond. About the EWASME
About the EWASME Project
The EWASME (Empowering West African Women Small & Medium Enterprises) Programme is a significant initiative aimed at supporting women-owned and led small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and very small enterprises (VSEs) within the rice value chain in West Africa. The Programme operates in Guinea, Niger, Senegal, and Sierra Leone, focusing on narrowing the gender gap and fostering an environment conducive to the growth and expansion of women's businesses at all levels of the rice value chain. The EWASME Project aims to enhance the post-production capacity of at least 200 Women owned or led Small and Medium Enterprises (500 SMEs) and Very Small Enterprises (500 VSEs) in selected areas of Sierra Leone.
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