In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we shine a light on the relentless commitment and passion of Marie Roberte Laurent. As part of Winrock International’s Farmer-to-Farmer program, Marie embarked on an inspiring journey to Senegal, leveraging her extensive expertise in soap-making to train and empower women.

Assignment Overview

Marie’s assignment, our 247th in Senegal, occurred from July 2, 2019 to July 19, 2019. Partnered with the National Agency Of The House Of Tools (ANAMO) and the Tools House Of Mekhe, the primary objective was to train women from various villages on soap-making using agricultural products. The initiative was about crafting soap and instilling confidence, entrepreneurship, and self-sustainability among the participants.

Soap Making in Action

The journey began with meetings and assessments to ensure the right tools and raw materials were available for training. Marie met with stakeholders, understanding their needs and aligning her teaching methods accordingly.

The heart of the assignment was a six-day intensive training program where Marie shared her experiences, technical knowledge, and soap-making secrets with 32 eager women. Participants learned to make various types of soap, including Neem, Moringa, Charcoal, Turmeric, and hotel soap. By the end, each group managed to create their unique soap, a testament to the success of the training.

Nevertheless, Marie’s commitment did not end there. She recognized the lack of access to coconut oil, a crucial ingredient for soap-making, and demonstrated how to produce it. She even tapped into the local environment, showcasing how to craft mosquito repellents from available Neem trees.

Heartfelt Acknowledgment

Feedback from the event was overwhelmingly positive. Mr. Cheikh SY, Coordinator of House of Tools Mekhé, shared: “We had the honor of participating in your soap training held in the Mekhé house of tools… This experience was very enriching and will necessarily help the participants to excel in the soap factory.” 

Similarly, Mr. Cisse, Director of Operation ANAMO, remarked on the success, emphasizing that the training exceeded their expectations and reinforced the agency’s commitment to support women groups in their soap-making endeavors.

As we celebrate the diverse tapestry of cultures and contributions this Hispanic Heritage Month, Marie Roberte Laurent stands as a beacon of what one person’s passion and knowledge can achieve. Her initiative in Senegal has imparted skills and sown seeds of self-reliance and empowerment. We salute Marie for her outstanding contribution and for epitomizing the spirit of giving and sharing.

Nigeria’s vast landscapes are a testament to its agricultural potential, a potential hindered at times by the high costs of synthetic fertilizers and the consequences of pesticide misuse. However, change is on the horizon. One name stands out in this transformative narrative–Extension Africa (EXAF). This vibrant private agribusiness is rewriting the rules on how farming advisory services are delivered to farmers. Today, they have taken on a new mission, and with the help of Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) volunteer Mark Otto, they are pioneering the path to sustainable and organic farming.

EXAF’s mantra, ‘Strengthening Agribusiness Extension Service Delivery in Africa,’ is not just a tagline. They have onboarded 1,046 Farmer Business Advisors (FBAs), serving as the hands and feet on the ground. These FBAs touch the lives of over 177,800 smallholder farmers, providing them with farm inputs, expert advisory services, and a bridge to the markets.

It is not just about the numbers; it is about impact. To further drive this impact, EXAF requested training for their trainers, specifically in organic fertilizer blending and integrated pests and disease management, for two reasons: First, to adopt climate-smart agriculture from synthetic fertilizers to organic alternatives. Second, to boost farmers’ productivity using compost manure.

Mark’s workshop in Kano State attracted 66 FBAs from Kano and Jigawa. Mark ensured each day was packed with value – from the basics of ecology, climate, and plant health to a hands-on practical session on Biocomplete compost making using local materials. For many participants, this was their first deep dive into organic compost making, which promises healthier soil, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced food security.

“The training was enlightening. Most of our FBAs knew about compost materials but not about the precise measurements and compositions. Mark detailed it brilliantly.“ – Hadiza Bala Aliyu, Agronomist, EXAF

“We appreciate Mark’s ability to leverage local materials for composting. It will truly help us and our farmers increase productivity and reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers.“ – Darma Nasiru, Operations Manager, EXAF

“The knowledge on bacteria, fungi, and plant biodiversity was invaluable. Grateful for this opportunity!” – Zainab Hassan, Participant

EXAF’s leadership team was beyond pleased with Mark’s training. Plans are to take his manuals and training materials online, expanding access to more staff, agricultural students, and the broader farming community. As for Mark, this assignment has furthered his professional insights and rekindled his passion for teaching and contributing positively to global agriculture. In essence, the partnership between EXAF and F2F, embodied by Mark Otto’s commitment, brings us hope. The collaboration reminds us that when individuals, communities, and organizations come together with a shared vision, the dream of a more sustainable and productive farming future in Africa is not just possible–it is inevitable.

In the heart of Lagos State, a new chapter in agricultural development is being written, and its protagonist? Data. In our digital age, it’s clear: mastering data is not just an added skill but a necessity. Moreover, who better understands this than the Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority (LSADA)? With an aim to modernize farming techniques and processes, they initiated an advanced training session to merge data analysis with agriculture.

Meet Damon Walker: The Data Wizard in the Farming World

Images of tractors, fields, and crops come to mind when one thinks of farming. But for Damon Walker, it’s all about numbers, patterns, and insights. Damon was handpicked for this transformative mission because of his unique blend of expertise in both data analysis and agriculture. His journey with LSADA shows how two seemingly distinct fields can beautifully intertwine.

Learning by Doing: A Dive into Data Tools

Instead of sticking to traditional methods, Damon believed in the power of practical learning. This was especially vital for the trainees, a passionate group of students and researchers. They dived deep into the world of Google Forms for data collection, swiftly moving to Google Sheets to understand complex charts and pivot tables. And even though their 7-day training was cut short by two days, the intensity and richness of learning remained uncompromised.

A Shift in Perspective: The Power of Digital

After the training, a clear shift was evident. A majority of the participants, about 78%, experienced an ‘aha!’ moment, realizing the potential of moving from paper-based methods to digital ones. Some of their thoughts include:

• “The collaborative features of Google Drive will change how we work together.” ~ Farouk Uthman
• “I never realized how effective Google Forms and KoboCollect could be until now.” ~ Owode Rasheedat
• “My skills, especially in Google Sheets, have grown tremendously.” ~ Owagbemi Tunji

Charting the Path Ahead

With knowledge comes responsibility, and LSADA knew sustaining this momentum was crucial. They’ve outlined clear strategies:

1. Peer Training: This aims to solidify the team’s digital skills over the next few months.
2. Boosting Internet Access: Investing in reliable internet ensures a smooth digital transition.
3. Advanced Training on Google Spreadsheets: To dive deeper into data analytics.
4. Introducing KoboCollect: A step to further digitize data collection and minimize manual entries.

In wrapping up, under the guidance of Damon, LSADA’s training wasn’t just another event. It marked the beginning of a transformative journey. A journey where data-driven insights empower agriculture, painting a hopeful and progressive future for Lagos State. Winrock International is proud to be part of such transformative stories, where innovation and tradition unite to build a brighter tomorrow.

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.