Freetown: In a significant move to enhance women’s roles in agriculture and climate action, the Government of Sierra Leone, in partnership with UN Women, organized a pivotal forum aimed at integrating women more effectively into agricultural value chains and climate resilience strategies. The event took place at the Ma Nyande Integrated Business Hub and focused on addressing the structural barriers that hinder women’s economic potential despite their prominent presence in the sector.
According to Sierra Leone News Agency, the forum saw the ceremonial handover of agricultural equipment to women’s cooperatives, a step aimed at increasing productivity and expanding women-led agri-businesses across the region. The event was attended by key figures such as UN Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana, UN Women Regional Director Dr. Maxime Houinato, UN Women Head of Office Setcheme Jeronine Mongbo, and Agriculture Minister Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, among other ministers and development partners.
Chairman Saffa Kanneh highlighted the significant role women play in agriculture, noting that they constitute nearly 70 percent of the agricultural labor force. He called for targeted interventions to address issues such as financial access, land ownership, and technological support, which continue to limit women’s profitability in the sector.
The Bo District Council Chairman echoed these sentiments and praised the ongoing collaboration between the government and UN. He acknowledged the systemic challenges faced by women in agriculture and pledged support for women-led farming enterprises at the district level.
Yatta Sama from the National Federation of Female Farmers acknowledged the Ministry’s efforts in developing the agricultural sector and encouraged women to view agriculture as a means to achieve economic independence.
UN Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana commended the organizers for their focus on gender-inclusive agricultural policies and reiterated the UN’s commitment to Sierra Leone’s development goals. She urged women to articulate their needs to ensure continued institutional support.
Dr. Maxime Houinato emphasized the importance of production capacity and market access for women in agribusiness. Drawing from his pan-African experience, he highlighted the significant contributions of women to national economies and advocated for their integration into value chains.
Women farmers shared their success stories, with Mariama Kalokoh explaining how poultry and livestock initiatives have improved her financial situation. Madam Agness Gbani viewed the initiative as a guide for innovation in agri-business.
Setcheme Jeronime Mongbo, representing UN Women, reiterated the organization’s commitment to dismantling gender inequality by strengthening cooperatives and promoting sustainable income mechanisms for long-term agricultural investment.
Agriculture Minister Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, in his keynote address, praised UN partners for their timely support to Bo District farmers and spotlighted the “Feed Salone” initiative. He outlined government commitments, noting that 45 percent of female farmers receive training on modern agricultural machinery and that women make up 40 percent of beneficiaries under World Bank-supported skills programs.
The event concluded with the equipment handover, marking progress in positioning women as key drivers of agricultural transformation and climate resilience in Sierra Leone. This collaboration between the government and UN Women is a significant step toward advancing women’s economic empowerment through agriculture.