In the University Abdoulaye Barry meeting room at Kipé in Conakry, surrounded by eager faces, a sense of anticipation filled the air. It was June 30, 2023, the commencement of a transformative week in Guinea. At the helm of this mission was Dr. Sandra Ross, an Expert in International Development and a long-term volunteer for the F2F program. Dr. Ross’ task was to empower 18 individuals with crucial knowledge about gender equality, demystifying the nuanced interplay between gender and development. Dr. Ross’s focus for the week was “Gender Mainstreaming” in F2F Activities Implementation. Though the terminology might sound complex, it boils down to a singular aim: promoting equality between women and men in all spheres of life and actively combating discrimination. 

The host organization, AFESE Conakry, primarily aids women in agriculture and product marketing. Throughout the week, attendees learned the distinctions between gender and sex, the concepts of equality vs. equity, and the various stereotypes hindering men and women at different life stages. One participant, Ms. Aida Coker Bangoura, the AFESE Social Affairs Secretary, reflected, “Having attended many training sessions on Gender, it’s only now I’ve truly grasped the concept, especially understanding the difference between Gender and Sex, as well as Equality and Equity.” 

Dr. Ross introduced group discussions, practical exercises, and video examples to supplement theoretical instruction. These methods were designed to engage participants actively and to foster critical thinking. This dynamic approach bore fruit when Ms. Mariam Moyan Condé, AFESE’s Foreign Affairs Secretary, shared her renewed confidence, stating, “We are now prepared to conduct conferences on Gender Mainstreaming in Schools and Loss Island, aiming to raise awareness about these vital issues.” 

This training would not have seen its success without collaboration. The Abdoulaye Barry University graciously opened its doors for the sessions, reflecting a commitment that, combined with Dr. Ross’s efforts, made the week educational and profoundly impactful. To recognize each participant’s dedication and hard work, they were awarded certificates of participation at the week’s conclusion. For many attendees, this week was a pivotal experience. However, for Dr. Ross, it signified something even more profound. It was an opportunity to witness the dedication of each participant, to see relationships form, hopes shared, and aspirations nurtured. 

Gratitude goes out to everyone who made this journey possible, from Bara Kassambara, the facilitating consultant, to Mamadou Bailo Diallo, the dedicated driver, and every passionate member of AFESE. Their collective efforts promise to create ripples of change, reaching corners far beyond that university room, signaling a brighter, more equal future for Guinea. Let this be a reminder to the readers that change begins with comprehension. Let us collectively stride forward in understanding and advocating for gender equality, not only in Guinea but worldwide. Because when united, there is no obstacle too significant to surmount. 

The story of the Federation of Horticulture Union in Upper Guinea Kankan (FUMA-HG) and its impact on empowering individuals, including those with disabilities, through horticulture is truly inspiring. It highlights the importance of sustainable agricultural practices and the transformative effect they can have on communities, particularly in regions facing economic challenges. 

The success of FUMA-HG can be attributed to its determination, dedication, and collaboration with organizations like Winrock, which provide valuable support and expertise through initiatives like Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer assignments. By focusing on areas such as agricultural extension and training, horticultural product processing, and cooperative improvements, FUMA-HG has not only enhanced its members’ skills and productivity but also promoted the overall development of Guinea’s horticulture industry. F2F volunteers have contributed to FUMA-HG’s efforts by providing training on seed production techniques, agroecology, and phytosanitary safety. Greater knowledge and advanced skills in these areas have enabled FUMA-HG members to become more efficient and self-sufficient while also reducing expenses on inputs, ultimately improving their income and livelihoods. 

In addition to this training, partnerships with various organizations like Winrock have opened the door to new opportunities and resources for FUMA-HG members, enabling them to specialize in seed production, organic fertilizers, and other areas. The resulting boost in the organization’s productivity and food security has fostered a more prosperous environment for all its members, including those with disabilities. According to FUMA-HG member Mamady Kaba, “The only choice for disabled people in Guinea is begging or staying at home doing nothing. I’m a father, I refuse to be dependent. That’s why I prefer to be a member of FUMA-HG and work in the fields to feed my family.” 

By creating opportunities for individuals to engage in meaningful work and contribute to their families and communities, FUMA-HG is breaking the barriers that have limited the options available to people with disabilities in Guinea. 

Through the effective facilitation of Winrock International’s Farmer-to-Farmer Program, a critical initiative in the field of community development, Volunteer Assignment #288, centered on disseminating soap and lotion production techniques, was successfully concluded in Guinea. The program, which took place from July 16, 2023, to July 31, 2023, was characterized by a synergistic effort of in-country Volunteer Bara Kasambara and U.S. Volunteer Robert Spencer, who dedicated their expertise and energy to empowering local communities.

Within the first week, Kasambara and Spencer teamed up with the organization La Coopérative des Producteurs d’Arachide, de Beurre de Karité et de Miel (COPRAKAM), stationed in Dabola. They were tasked with guiding participants through the process of cold-process soap fabrication. This procedure required the integration of sodium hydroxide with oils of various types, specifically shea butter and peanut oil, commonly accessible in the local environment. The ensuing training in the second week, conducted in collaboration with Aucune Femme Sans Emploi (AFESE) in Conakry, saw the volunteers imparting knowledge on the fabrication of lotions utilizing emulsifying wax, a key ingredient in lotion production.

For most participants, this training represented their initial encounter with soap and lotion creation. They expressed deep appreciation for the new knowledge acquired and were motivated by the potential revenue generation inherent in the skills developed. Participants who had previously been introduced to the rudiments of soap and lotion production extolled the training, describing it as the most comprehensive they had ever undergone.

The volunteering team derived significant fulfillment from the assignment, evidenced by the transformative impact of their contributions on the trainees, who demonstrated improved confidence and skills. The program’s overarching objective is to equip locals with the technical capabilities to launch microenterprises dedicated to producing quality soaps and lotions using locally sourced agricultural products. This, in turn, is expected to augment local income streams and foster community development.

This endeavor underlines the Farmer-to-Farmer Program’s profound influence in transferring technical expertise to communities on the cusp of economic development. By harnessing the skills and commitment of volunteers, socially marginalized groups are provided with the opportunity to acquire invaluable skills, expanding their economic potential and enhancing their quality of life. Winrock International is unwavering in its commitment to propagate this transformative engagement through the continuous orchestration of high-impact volunteer assignments, such as the recently concluded mission in Guinea.

Over the years, Winrock International’s Farmer-to-Farmer Program has worked with numerous women’s organizations that have shown incredible resilience and determination to succeed. Women like Fatou Titine Cissoko founded Enterprise Fatou et Kadija, a Guinean agribusiness specializing in the solar drying of fruits and producing exotic Guinean drinks. With the help of Farmer-to-Farmer Volunteers, Fatou received training in financial literacy, food processing, and food preservation, which enabled her to expand her product offerings and increase her profits by 40% to 50%. Fatou’s success is just one example of how women in agriculture drive innovation and growth in their communities. Through the Farmer-to-Farmer Program, women gain confidence and become leaders in their fields. We have also witnessed the positive impact women’s participation in agriculture can have on their families and the broader community. 

The Prefecture of Kindia, commonly called the capital of citrus fruits due to its abundance of a variety of tropical fruits, is full of young entrepreneurs who process fruits and produce local drinks. Under-equipped and lacking knowledge of good manufacturing techniques and hygiene standards, these entrepreneurs flood the market with lower-quality products. Thanks to the support of F2F volunteers, one youth-led enterprise is rising above its peers. Enterprise Fatou et Kadija (EFK), a startup company led by a young woman named Fatou Titine Cissoko, is gaining success by providing juice and jam products that meet market demand and quality standards.  

EFK is a Guinean agribusiness processing company specializing in the solar drying of fruits (pineapple and mango) and the production of exotic Guinean drinks. The founder and owner, Ms. Cissoko, was trained in entrepreneurship topics by prior USAID-funded Associate Awards implemented by Winrock International and CNFA. As part of her participation in entrepreneurship training, Ms. Cissoko created a business plan and received a grant of US$ 900 (8,134,500 GNF) to start her fruit-drying business, EFK.  Since starting the business in 2019, she has added the production of drinks and jams made from fruits such as ginger, pineapple, mango, etc. 

Recognizing that she needed further technical and organizational capacity-building skills to grow her business, Ms. Cissoko reached out to the Guinea Farmer-to-Farmer program to receive training in financial literacy and food processing and preservation to better produce tropical fruit drinks.  

“During the financial literacy training, I learned how to approach financial institutions with my business plan. I admit that I was afraid because these institutions are very demanding, and as a young entrepreneur, I have no guarantees to offer. Nevertheless, following my meeting with them, two of the most important banks in the area came back to me and offered me credit opportunities…” explains Ms. Cissoko.

She plans to utilize a finance option soon to invest in expanding her production and feels that the banks’ willingness to offer her credit options offers an opportunity to prove that young entrepreneurs are solid investments. The F2F technical training focused on processing techniques followed the financial literacy capacity building and has led to additional product offerings for EFK. Prior to receiving training, EFK was unable to produce quality ginger juice and jams. Since receiving training, EFK now produces and sells quality ginger juice, jams, and monkey bread juice, resulting in a 40 to 50% increase in profits. EFK has sold more than 300 bottles of monkey juice alone within a few months after learning of this new product from the Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer. Ms. Cissoko and EFK’s goals are to continue to expand product offerings that meet quality standards and hope as the business grows that, they will be able to employ more young staff in the future.

Having had the once in a lifetime opportunity to travel to Guinea earlier this year, I was ecstatic to receive word of the possibility of continuing pesticide safety work in the beautiful mountain village of Dabola remotely. For those unfamiliar with the West African Country, agriculture in Guinea is diverse and impressive, with many cooperatives producing a wide array of tropical and traditional food crops promoting food security and enriching economies throughout the region. Shea butter and peanuts are important niche crops for the area, and unfortunately, they are susceptible to a wide variety of pest insects, fungi, and diseases. Training focused on identifying and diagnosing these issues as well as how to treat using sustainable practices. Less pesticide use not only ensures safety personally and environmentally, but also reduces overall costs to growers. Increased safety measures, including personal protective equipment (which we are all too familiar with, living in the times of COVID) were also discussed and encouraged.

Training from 4,790 Miles Away

One of the assets of having been to Guinea prior is that the wonderful in country team had taken the time to take me to markets to see exactly what pesticide, fertilizer, and fungicides were available to the growers. This knowledge made it so much easier to come up with a management plan that was realistic for the cooperative to follow. I was also teamed up with another amazing volunteer to serve as my translator, Elizabeth Bloom in Arkansas. We were able to meet over zoom before, during, and after the training to brainstorm ideas, do Q & A videos, and strengthen the material. In our case, remote was not limiting in the least! In fact, I would argue it created unique opportunities to work with others to strengthen and tailor programs to uniquely serve the needs of the cooperative groups of farmers. Many of the farmers have since continued the connection, sending photos, asking questions which has continued to add value and help proved to be a great way for me to stay involved. Having completed many F2F assignments, the remote opportunities have allowed for fluidity and a chance to stay connected to groups long after assignment is over, which has not been such a present feature in the in-person assignments. That being said, I will be on the first plane over if the opportunity to follow up in-person presents itself!

Call to Action

Anyone who may be on the fence regarding remote assignments should take the opportunity if they have it! It’s a wonderful way to extend your connection past the usual two weeks and it will help you improve the scope of your work in the long term. I cannot say enough about the Guinea Winrock team. Their kindness, dedication, humor, and drive will encourage any volunteer that their work is important and worthwhile.