Makeni, Sierra Leone, 14–15 October 2025 - The Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), in partnership with UN Women, convened a National Stakeholder Consultation Workshop in Makeni, Republic of Sierra Leone, dedicated to enhancing women’s participation in the cassava value chain. The event gathered government representatives, development partners, research institutions, and civil society organizations to discuss inclusive and gender-responsive approaches to agricultural development.
Representing IOFS, Dr. William Agyei-Manu delivered remarks on behalf of the Organization, extending appreciation to the Government of Sierra Leone and UN Women Sierra Leone Country Office for their continued collaboration and leadership. He emphasized that empowering women in agriculture is essential for achieving sustainable food security, climate resilience, and economic growth across the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Member States.
This consultation forms part of the ongoing collaboration between IOFS and UN Women under the Women in Agriculture Development Initiative (WADI). Through this joint effort, the two organizations aim to design and implement a comprehensive programme on “Women’s Empowerment through Climate-Resilient Agriculture Value Chains.” The initiative seeks to promote women’s inclusion and leadership in agriculture by improving access to resources, technologies, markets, and finance.
Discussions during the two-day workshop focused on identifying key challenges and opportunities within Sierra Leone’s cassava sector, including production, processing, value addition, and market access. Participants exchanged practical recommendations to strengthen policy frameworks, build institutional capacities, and support women farmers and entrepreneurs in moving from subsistence farming toward commercial engagement.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Agyei-Manu reaffirmed IOFS’s commitment to working hand-in-hand with national and international partners, stating that:
“By joining efforts through platforms like this consultation, we can build more resilient agricultural systems that empower women, strengthen communities, and contribute to shared food security goals.”
The outcomes of this workshop will guide the next phase of the IOFS–UN Women partnership, ensuring that interventions are locally driven, gender-responsive, and sustainable in the long term.
