This project aims to promote and improve access to finance and fishing equipment. This will enable those affected to generate more income in the long term and thus transform their livelihoods. This will be achieved through access to improved fishing equipment, appropriate fishing and processing machinery, access to finance and gender education; capacity building of women's groups and training for fishermen and fisherwomen in improved techniques, especially in the use of sustainable fishing and adaptation techniques and technologies, business and marketing practices and skills.
UNDP
Project Implementing Partner:SEND SIERRA LEONE
Project Location:KAMBIA AND PUJEHUN DISTRICTS
Duration:SEPTEMBER 2021-NOVEMBER 2021
Project Budget:110,000 Dollars
Project Thematic Areas:Livelihood Security, Access to Finance and Market Opportunities,Improved Gender Relations, Women Empowerment
Contact details and contact
Joseph Ayamga,
Country Director
SEND Sierra Leone
ayamga@sendseirraleone.com
+23 278 206 853
Sierra Leone is a West African coastal country with approximately 7.1 million people, divided into 16 districts. Despite the 10 years civil war, which lasted from 1991-2002, Sierra Leone has worked tirelessly to rebuild the nation, focusing on peace promotion and strengthening state institutions. These are particularly important as the nation struggles with issues concerning gender inequality in the form of Gender-Based Violence, higher unemployment coupled with lower wages and high instances of food insecurity. As a result, in 2018 the Gender Inequality Index score for the nation was 0.644, ranking very low at 153 out of 170 countries.
Out of all the 16 districts, the border districts of Pujehun and Kambia are hit hard by these issues, as they form part of the poorest sections of Sierra Leone.These two border districts stand at 87.2% & 77% poverty rates, respectively. In these areas, men earn three times more than women in wage employment and 2.5 times more in self-employment and two times more in agriculture. These issues have been further heightened by climate-induced shocksand the COVID 19 pandemic.
As climate change affects weather patterns causing heavier than normal rainfall, droughts and general environmental instability, the fishing communities of Pujehun and farming communities of Kambia are adversely hit economically. This was worsened with the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated the closure of borders and limiting of movement in the country. Women bore the brunt of this as 65% of women in these areas engaged in border trade and rely on this to feed their families. The Quick Action Economic Response Programme of 2020 indicated a rise in household expenditure ranging from 58.5% to 60%. Additionally, weekly income generated by their businesses dropped significantly as surveys of the informal sector indicated a 68% drop in weekly income of the informal sector. This has contributed to a 30% increment in the number of households that have reduced their meals.
Coupled with this, the Kambia district is faced with many logging activities that expose the communities to drought, flooding in the rains and a loss of livelihood opportunities. Pujehun faces issues pertaining to mining. Mining activities by companies in the district exposes the communities to many environmental hazards that leave them vulnerable to climate-induced shocks. The Sulima beach in Pujehun district will be used as a harbour for transporting bauxites and rutile in the district. This reduces the economic livelihood of the communities that are reliant on fishing. Reports have indicated that extractive mining companies’ economic activities have resulted in reducing fish in the community.
The concept is built around strengthening livelihoods, food security and climate resistance for borderland communities in Sierra Leone. It will focus on livelihood interventions for women and youth groups. It will do this by educating women and youth groups and farmers on business and entrepreneurial skills with support through financial resources to revamp their businesses. The action will contribute to the following:
Preparatory Measures-base-line assessment
01
500
02
100
SEND Sierra Leone is non-governmental organization registered with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development of the Republic of Sierra Leone with a vision to contribute to a Sierra Leone where people’s rights and well- being are guaranteed. SEND Sierra Leone is part of a West African structure with a headquarters in Ghana and offices in Liberia and Sierra Leone where approaches and experiences are shared. SEND Sierra Leone is an independent structure, a local NGO registered in Sierra Leone with a local Board, which has its own project portfolio and budget separate from Ghana.
SEND’s portfolio includes community development, WaSH, health, nutrition/agriculture and women’s empowerment. Intervention areas are in the districts of Kailahun, Kenema, Kono, Western Areas Urban, and Rural districts and more recently, the district of Bonthe.
SEND Sierra Leone is a non-governmental organization duly registered in the Republic of Sierra Leone with a vision to contribute to a Sierra Leone where people’s rights and well-being are guaranteed. SEND Sierra Leone is part of a West African structure with a headquarters in Ghana and offices in Liberia and Sierra Leone. SEND Sierra Leone’s portfolio includes community development, WaSH, health, nutrition, agriculture and women's empowerment. Intervention areas are in the districts of Kailahun, Kenema, Kono, Western Areas Urban, and Rural districts and more recently, the district of Bonthe.
8 Morigbeh Street, Reservation Road, Kenema Sierra Leone
+232 (0) 78 20 68 53
Monday - Friday: 08:00am - 5:00pm