the role of universities and ngo’s in fostering innovations and entrepreneurship of rural women:...

THE ROLE OF UNIVERSITIES AND NGO’SIN FOSTERING INNOVATIONS AND

ENTREPRENEURSHIP OF RURAL WOMEN:

Felixtina Jonsyn-Ellis (Ph.D)

Professor of Environmental Microbiology

Njala University,

School of Environmental Sciences

P.M. BAG, FREETOWN

CLIMATE CHANGE

The grim picture painted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) shows that in Africa by 2020, 75 to 250 million people will suffer water stress exacerbated by Climate Change and the yield of rain-fed agriculture could decrease by 50% during this same period in some countries

Consequences of Climate Change

These anticipated challenges will only increase poverty and serious vulnerability of households which in some cases, are already experiencing these problems; as is evident in cases where soil fertility has been drastically reduced due to over cropping, deforestation, overgrazing, erosion and so forth, or where there is a lack of firewood and potable water, women are often forced to change the dietary practices and standards of their families.

TOOLS TO MITIGATE CLIMATE CHANGETechnology and Entrepreneurship are

now recognized as the crucial tools to address the issue of Climate change.

Technological Innovation will be essential for enabling agriculture adapt to climate change and therefore there must be greater investment in the generation and diffusion of new technologies

Strategies to over come the problem

Universities, Research Institutions and Non-Governmental Organizations have a pivotal role to play to promote and enhance technological advancements and Entrepreneurship.

For example, by providing meteorological data, farmers could be better informed as the optimal planting dates for their crops

EVIDENCE OF CLIMATE CHANGE

ON THE 23RD MAY 2014,large Hale stones caused a lot of damage to people and properties. May is the month farmers begin to sow certain crops. Students in the Schools of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences respectively, have been mandated to interview the people of Bo, particularly the farmers to get first hand information on the consequences of such an occurrence

Giant Hale stones

ROLE OF UNIVERSITIES

Conduct research on genetic resources- using adaptive technology(breeding crops that are known to be adapted

Promote and encourage intensified crop breeding

Conduct periodic auditing of the demands of the market and thus review curricula to reflect these new requirements

Reforming Science and Technological teaching and learning

ROLE OF UNIVERSITIES Recruitment of more research scientist

around themes such as BiotechnologyPromoting close collaboration between

other Universities and Research Institutions

Strengthening the links between all stakeholders (Scientists, Extentionists, farmers etc.)


Promoting or creating University Industry linkages

Intensify Extension and Outreach programmes to support small scale rural farmers, particularly women

Investment in research incorporating local /indigenous knowledge


Research on enhanced water supply especially during the dry seasons/or occurrence of drought (Harvesting of rain water )

Maintain an active data base on events and phenomena associated with climate change

The Role of Universities in promoting Agroslivopasture:

Introduction of agrosilvopastoral systems in undergraduate and graduate Education

The Role of Universities in promoting Agroslivopasture:

Conduct Research on:Soil quality to promote the growth of

grasses, trees and even animalsSuitable multipurpose treesSuitable animal speciesAvailability of water; types of irrigation

systemsSocio-cultural issues such as Land

tenureship- land ownership by women

The Role of Universities in promoting Entrepreneurship:

Introduction of Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship courses in undergraduate and graduate Education

NJALA UNIVERSITY

Njala University now offers BSc. Degree in Agribusiness jointly accessed by local as well as students of University of Illinois and also jointly taught by Professors from both Institution

NJALA UNIVERSITY

In addition, Njala University has a policy whereby every student in their 3rd year, irrespective, of their discipline takes a one year course in Entrepreneurship.

NJALA UNIVERSITY

Njala University partners with private sector groups and the latter offer internship spaces for students

The CEO of such companies are frequently invited as guest lecturers during the session- to serve as role model for students

The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations:

As the saying goes “Government alone cannot do it”- meaning developmental issue cannot be tackled by only one body but through collaborative efforts. Similarly, Universities need the support of Non-Governmental Organizations to assist in one of its mandate “Service to the Community/Outreach programmes”


Assist and support the establishment of women’s cooperatives

Identify women Entrepreneurs and Managers within an area and encourage them to form a “women’s chamber of Industry and Commerce


Recruit local/grass root women (farmers , traders, processors and consumers to join these groups of Entrepreneurs in forming an Umbrella Organization which will enable them to address certain pertinent issues such as:

Land for the production of raw material for the agro-industry

Market creationProvision of inputs and technologies


Most importantly, Training in technical and management skills to enhance:

Sustainable agricultureAnimal husbandryEnvironmental conservationBiodiversitySetting up of SME’s /Agric-based small and

Medium Enterprises


Financial management/Economic literacy in:

Accessing creditSaving plansWriting business plansFeasibility studiesBudgetingPricingSimple book keeping

Why Universities and Non-governmental Organizations should foster innovation and entrepreneurship of Rural Women

Women farmers are the pillars of African agriculture. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation, over two thirds of all women in Africa are employed in the agriculture sector and produce nearly 90 percent of food on the continent. They are responsible for growing, selling, buying and preparing food for their families


Yet even as the guardians of food security, they are still marginalised in business relations and have minimal control over access to resources such as land, inputs such as improved seeds and fertilizer, credit and technology


A combination of logistical, cultural, and economic factors, coupled with a lack of gender statistics in the agricultural sector, means that agricultural programs are rarely designed with women’s needs in mind. As a result, African women farmers have no voice in the development of agricultural policies designed to improve their productivity

THE ROLE OF WOMEN SCIENTIST

It is therefore imperative of African Women Scientist to champion the course of their less fortunate “mothers and sisters” using their influence and experience in their places of employment: Universities, Research Institutes, NGO’s and Government to speak for the “voiceless”

How can Universities foster Innovation and Entrepreneurship of Rural Women

A Case study of the DALASI KAFO Women farmers in The Gambia have long

realized that “there is strength in numbers” so in most villages, they form associations locally called Kafo. Most development projects are usually channeled through these associations.

DALASI KAFO

While the concept of climate change and global warming might be unfamiliar to these women farmers who in most cases are illiterate, the effect of such serious environmental concepts are being felt by all, particularly these grass root women

DALASI KAFO

They were therefore amenable to learn and apply whatever measures to combat these menacing phenomena. As such, they showed an increasing interest in tree planting to generate income, practice crop diversification and more importantly to mitigate environmental degradation and conserve and preserve local Biodiversity

DALASI KAFO

The Principal investigator of the EU-Borassus project in The Gambia, a female African scientist, was able to identify active women’s groups to implement the Borassus project (www.borassus.-project.net )and with subsequent funding from the Global Environmental Fund (GEF) assisted female farmers to practice Biodiversity, Sustainable Agriculture, Agro forestry

DALASI KAFO-The Objectives of the Group

Development of soil conservation techniques

Restoration/Reforestation of the Borassus palm

Training in Geotextile constructionEstablishment of an SME in Geotextile

production

DALASI KAFO-The Objectives of the Group

Establishment of a Borassus plantationPracticing sustainable agriculturePracticing Agro-forestryPoverty Reduction Improvement of the Livelihood of women

farmers ,t heir family and the community

DALASI KAFO-Focus Group Discussions

DALASI KAFO-Soil Conservation:

The Dalasi Kafo women not only effectively constructed Geotextile mats from the Borassus (Rhun) palm but were also trained in using these mats against soil erosion

DALASI KAFO- DISPLAY OF CONSTRUCTED GEOTEXTILE MATS

DALASI KAFO- Improving Soil Fertility

They were given practical training on ways to improve soil texture, quality and maintenance of soil moisture appropriate for the types of vegetables to be sown.

DALASI KAFO-Improving Soil Fertility

Materials from the weeded area; cleared garden areas and rotten leaves were dumped into 3ft deep pits. In addition, cow dung, groundnut shells and ashes were added until the pit was full. It was then covered with earth and ready for use within a year or two.

DALASI KAFO- One of many compost pits

The Established Vegetable Gardens- Beginning of Agroforestry

DALASI KAFO-intercropped Gmelina and Borassus seedlings with garden vegetables

DALASI KAFO-Achievements of the Vegetable gardens

Organically grown vegetables

Organically grown sweet pepper Organically grown cabbages and onions

Achievement of KAFO women

Land Acquisition for Borassus Plantation.The women group in Kabekel successfully

negotiated and were awarded land by the authorities in the village for the establishment of a Borassus palm plantation. Initially, ninety (90) Borassus trees have already been sown with an additional 200 envisaged on new plot of land.


Promoted sustainable agriculture and agroforestry of the palms by establishment of large plantations of Borassus aethiopium in their community to ensure adequate supply of palm leaves for SMEs.


Developed strategies to alleviate poverty by intercropping fast-growing tree species, fruit trees and vegetable gardens on the Borassus plantations to ensure alternate sources of income.

Promoted Biodiversity and Conservation


They now operate healthy savings account for the purchase of seeds, the replacement of garden tools and as micro-credit for members. They are now better able to supplement their husband’s income and to take care of school costs of their children. With adequate supply of fresh vegetables and a strong purchasing power, they and their families now enjoy a healthier life style.


Encouraged the community and youths to participate in reforestation of the Rhun palm and to develop a sustainable farming system by giving Added Value to farm products through controlled:

Charcoal productionProduction of Timber and building rafters

from 8yr.+ fast growing trees


Provision of fodder in the dry season for ruminants by harvesting leaves of Gmelina

Ready suppliers of fresh vegetables to Hotels, the surrounding villages and for family consumption

CONCLUSION

The Dalasi Kafo plans to extend their farming activities to poultry and Bee keeping in the very near future.

They could easily be influenced to participate in Agrosilvopastoral systems

THANK YOU

the role of universities and ngo’s in fostering innovations and entrepreneurship of rural women:...

Documents

learning slide

freetown slide

occurrence slide

climate change ipcc

issue of climate change

evidence of climate

climate change technology

consequences of climate