26/08/2022
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND OF SLeWOFF
Founded by the reputable Sierra Leonean farmers, the Sierra Leone Women Farmers Forum (SLeWoFF) comprised of network of indigenous Women Farmer Organizations, Groups, Association and Cooperatives that was established to empower women and Youth Farmers Groups, through promotion of improved Commercial / Agribusiness environment for diversification of agricultural growth and productivity to enhance rural poverty reduction, mainstreaming of gender in agriculture, and attainment of national Food Security and Sustainable Development.
The network of women farmers was established on 3rd November 2014, and is non religious and non-political with active members in all 14 political districts nationwide. Since its establishment, SLeWoFF has been working to promote the establishment of viable women agriculture organizations and agri-businesses/farms, and expands on existing ones in the plant, animal and aquaculture production sectors, through the provision of timely technological and managerial supports. Through productive dialogue and advocacy actions, SLeWoFF has also been working with diverse stakeholders in the agriculture sector to address the pressing needs of marginalized women farmers and youth groups that continue to live in poverty by their persistence engagement in subsistence agricultural practices.
The executive of the network comprised a team of experts with the requisite technical and managerial knowledge and experience in stimulating agricultural growth through value addition along the agriculture value chain, and the promotion of women empowerment for attainment of gender equality in the agriculture sector.
VISION:
The vision of SLeWoFF: Women farmers empowered by stimulating inclusive agricultural opportunities for reduction of poverty and attainment of food security and nutrition security in Sierra Leone, through sustainable agricultural growth and improved livelihoods for women farmers.
MISSOIN:
The mission of SLeWoFF is the creation of expansive improvements in agricultural production and productivity, competitiveness and markets by supporting innovations and value addition for women farmers.
AIMS and OBJECTIVES:
Promote the establishment of viable women agriculture organizations and agri-businesses/farms and expand existing ones in the plant, animal and aquaculture production and marketing sectors, through the provision of technological and managerial support to enhances agricultural growth, value addition, attainment of the national food security and pro-poor development.
Build the capacity of women farmer organisations through provision of technical trainings, mentoring and coaching, and access to knowledge and technological inputs for expansive and sustainable commercial agricultural undertakings.
Facilitate access to agri-business financing, marketing and business development services for women farmer organizations.
Promote improved agribusiness environment for diversification of viable agri-businesses for smallholders and medium women farmers and farmer organizations.
Collaborate with Universities and other institutions in Research and Development for apt agricultural and agro-industrial technologies and climate–smart agriculture.
Enhance information communication technology applications in agriculture.
Create linkages among women farmer organizations for sharing of agricultural innovations and sustainable technological pratices and explore possibilities of cooperation and joint investments with potential local and international counterparts.
Our Core Principles
Promote self-sustainable development:
We believe in facilitation; allowing network members to take ownership of the projects themselves, empowering them to face the challenges affecting them, and also ensuring that they are sustainable.
Be service oriented:
In all our endeavors, we strive to provide regular and quality services to network members by taking leading roles in addressing their felt needs.
We all share the responsibility for quality
During the implementation of our programs, we encourage integration and complimentarity for better synergy as development does not occur in a vacuum. We work with others to maximize the impact of our programs, building alliances and partnerships with those who offer complementary approaches.
PROMOTE EMPOWERMENT:
We stand in solidarity with poor and marginalized women and youth, and support their efforts to take control of their own lives and fulfill their rights, responsibilities and aspirations.
Seek Sustainable Results and Impacts
Across all our programmes, we use functional multi-sectoral approach to ensure that our programs result creates lasting impact and fundamental improvements in the lives of the poor and marginalized women and youth.
PROGRAMME FOCUS AREAS:
Women and youth empowerment through promotion of productive commercial agriculture and other empowerment initiatives.
2. Gender equality and equity in the agriculture sector
3. Promotion of agro-industrial technologies and climate–smart agriculture
4. Inclusive and participatory governance & leadership in the agriculture sector
TARGET BENEFICIARIES:
Members of the network shall include established small, medium and large size women and youth farmer organizations, groups, associations and coporatives.
PAST ACTIVITIES:
Conducted network formation workshop for desired members in May 2014.
Conducted two days training for 15 registered women farmers organizations on the role of women in enhancing climate-smart agriculture in June, 2014.
Created awareness on the effect and impact of Ebola Virus Disesase on farmers. Built farmers capacities on ebola prevention and care services in July 2014.
Conducted radio discussions on ebola and gender issues in agriculture September 2014.
Provided support with food stuff and prevention materials in quarantine homes and communities.
Training of women farmers on food and nutrition security in Bo district June 2014.
Celebrated in collaboration with MAFFS, NAFFSAL to commenmorate the World Rural Women’s Day and WFD and Poverty day on the 15&16th October 2014.
Established district level demonstration farms for Forum members by supporting farmers with cassava cuttings and seed rice countrywide.
Partnership and coordination
In all our endeavours, we encourage holistic integration and partnership for improved and sustainable outcomes. Activities implemented by SLeWoFF are effectively coordinated by staff in collaboration with MAFFS, key agriculture stakeholders and established membership structures.
