Women working in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors in Sierra Leone are receiving a significant boost through the distribution of solar-powered freezers.
This initiative aims to help them reduce post-harvest losses, increase income, and promote sustainable development.
Nationwide Distribution to Women’s Groups
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has recently launched a nationwide effort to distribute solar freezers to nearly 200 women’s groups across Sierra Leone.
This initiative addresses a critical challenge faced by women in these sectors: the lack of reliable energy sources for preserving their catch. With these solar freezers, they can now store fish for extended periods, minimizing spoilage and maximizing profits.
Expanding Access to Energy in Rural Areas
This project is particularly impactful given that less than a third of Sierra Leone’s population has access to electricity, with only 4.9% of rural areas being electrified.
The UNDP’s Common Country Analysis report highlighted the immense potential of renewable solar energy in driving economic growth in key sectors like post-harvest processing and information and communication technology (ICT).
Promoting a Thriving Blue Economy
Sierra Leone boasts a rich endowment of fish and fishery products, and the UNDP’s Blue Economy strategy aims to capitalize on this potential. By investing in ocean-related sectors and activities, the country can enhance its GDP and provide employment opportunities for over one million people.
Solar-powered freezers play a crucial role in achieving these goals.
Empowering Women and Supporting Sustainable Development
During three handover ceremonies, the UNDP’s Resident Representative, Fred Ampiah, reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to gender empowerment, economic development, and environmental sustainability. By providing access to renewable energy, the UNDP aims to combat poverty and inequality while fostering sustainable practices in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
Collaboration for Long-Term Impact
The UNDP partnered with the Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, to transfer the freezers.
To ensure the long-term sustainability and economic benefits of this initiative, the UNDP is collaborating with the Ministry and SEND Sierra Leone to provide financial management training, establish credit unions, enhance skills for value addition, and promote networking among women in the sector. Additionally, Easy Solar Sierra Leone will offer technical support to the women’s groups for maintaining the solar freezers.