The Sierra Leonean government has received approval for a $19.5 million grant from the African Development Bank (AfDB) aimed at enhancing livelihoods for women and youth.
The grant is part of an initiative titled “Job Creation for Youth and Women in Climate Smart Agriculture Value Chains and Waste Management,” which focuses on improving agricultural production chains and sustainable practices.
The project is designed to boost productivity and sustainability in the cassava and fisheries sub-sectors by implementing climate-smart agriculture techniques.
These methods are intended to increase resilience to climate change while ensuring higher yields and better quality produce.
A key goal of the initiative is to create substantial employment opportunities for young people and women.
By targeting labor-intensive value chains with significant growth potential, the project aims to address high unemployment rates and promote economic independence among these groups.
To enhancing agricultural production, the project incorporates waste management practices to prevent environmental degradation.
This component highlights the importance of sustainable practices that benefit both the economy and the environment.
The initiative also focuses on empowering women and youth by providing them with necessary skills, resources, and opportunities to participate effectively in the agricultural sector.
This includes offering training programs, access to finance, and support for entrepreneurial activities.
The approval of this grant demonstrates the AfDB’s commitment to supporting sustainable development and poverty reduction in Sierra Leone.
The grant is expected to have a significant impact on the livelihoods of many Sierra Leoneans, fostering a more sustainable and prosperous future for the country.