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Supporting Coffee Farmers in Uganda 🌍 As the implementor of the initiative for coffee&climate and International Coffee Partners we are happy to share the partnership with the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida) in Uganda, which helps smallholder families strengthen climate resilience, food security, and income diversification, while promoting youth and women inclusion. In the context of the initiative for coffee&climate and International Coffee Partners projects a team from Sida’s Stockholm headquarters and the Swedish Embassy in Uganda recently visited the Luwero region to see the impact of the two projects. 💚 The benefits and positive impacts of this collaboration are worth sharing: 🌱 Stronger Farmer Organizations Cooperatives are improving leadership, governance, and financial management. This enables collective coffee marketing, resource mobilization, and better support for members. 🌤️ Climate-Smart Coffee Drying Unpredictable rains can ruin coffee quality, but a new solar dryer, developed with the National Coffee Research Institute (NaCORI), is solving this. Farmers are saving labor and improving coffee quality, and adoption is growing! 🌍 Sustainable Farming Practices With biofertilizers introduced by Biofertilizer Africa Ltd, farmers are seeing better yields, healthier soil, and pest resistance. Cooperatives are ensuring these inputs remain accessible through sustainable schemes. 💡 Youth Leading Change Youth are hosting demo plots, training communities, and promoting gender equality. They’re showing that agriculture is a business for the future, inspiring families to trust the next generation with farming. 🤝 Supporting Sustainability Through Collaboration The Community of Practice (CoP) brings together farmers, cooperatives, and stakeholders to share knowledge and align strategies, ensuring lasting results. Karin Oskarsson, Åsa Heijel, Tomas Wörlund Rylenius, Paul Asiimwe, Victor Komakech, Irene Nahamya Omiel, Felix Opio #CoffeeFarmers #ClimateChange #YouthEmpowerment #GenderEquality #Sustainability

HOW CLEAN COOKING SAVES MOTHER EARTH The importance of clean cooking in Uganda cannot be overstated, especially in the context of environmental sustainability and public health. As the country grapples with high rates of deforestation and health issues linked to traditional cooking methods, the push for clean cooking solutions has become a critical agenda. The Environmental Impact of Traditional Cooking In Uganda, over 89% of the population uses solid biomass, such as firewood and charcoal, for cooking. This dependence not only contributes to significant deforestation but also poses severe health risks, with the World Health Organization estimating over 22,000 annual deaths, predominantly affecting women and children. The smoke from traditional cooking methods releases harmful pollutants that exacerbate respiratory diseases and other health complications. Transitioning to cleaner cooking alternatives is essential for mitigating these environmental and health challenges. Support from Key Stakeholders The recent clean cooking event highlighted the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders committed to promoting clean cooking solutions in Uganda. The FAO (FAO), the Ultimate Gas Professionals Limited (UGAS), and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (Uganda) played pivotal roles in supporting this initiative. Their contributions underscore the importance of a multi-faceted approach to addressing the clean cooking crisis, combining policy, technology, and community engagement. Empowering Women Through the Uganda Women Entrepreneurs Association Limited (UWEAL) A significant force in this movement is the Uganda Women’s Entrepreneurship Association Limited (UWEAL), which has been instrumental in rallying women nationwide to advocate for clean cooking practices. By empowering women entrepreneurs, #UWEAL fosters innovation and encourages the adoption of clean cooking technologies, which are crucial for sustainable development. Their efforts not only enhance economic opportunities for women but also promote healthier cooking practices within households. Celebrating Leadership and Community Engagement The event also recognized the remarkable contributions of individuals such as Elizabeth Rumanyika, the Chief Clean Cooking Ambassador. Her dedication to advocating for clean cooking solutions has been a driving force in raising awareness and mobilizing support for this cause. Additionally, Viola Mboneko Rusoke (MCIM), who hosted the event, did an exceptional job moderating the panel discussions, ensuring that diverse voices were heard and the dialogue remained focused on actionable solutions. By embracing clean cooking solutions, we can significantly reduce environmental degradation and enhance the quality of life for all Ugandans. #CLEANCOOKING #WOMEN #LEADERSHIP

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SOH-Masaka positions itself at helping improve the overall quality of life for the entire women, community and support a sustainable economic system. Women face multiple challenges in the coffee value chain, including underrepresentation in leadership roles, leading to limited opportunities for growth. To solve these challenges, Women-In-Coffee project will empower women by supporting actions that strengthen women to realize their full potential and these will include four strategic objectives. 1. Provide low cost high quality coffee planting seedlings and train women farmers in quality coffee production and management. 2. Train women in coffee post-harvest handling and coffee value chain/processing. 3. Support them with capacity building through learning and sharing events to improve their skills in coffee value chain. 4. Improve access to financial support through supporting cluster saving /associations to enable them accumulate capital for investing in coffee production and processing. Estimated Impact According Uganda's coffee industry, the country is experiencing a surge in demand for its specialty coffee, driven by its unique and diverse flavor profiles. Uganda’s economy is powered by coffee. Coffee is one of the nation’s most profitable and important crops, accounting for 20–30% of Uganda’s foreign exchange earnings each year. i. The project will help women save and invest in their coffee businesses by providing access to financial resources through Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) groups where women can save together and share financial resources and by linking female coffee producers to formal financial institutions and coffee growing cooperatives.  ii. Mitigate climate change by promoting biodiversity conservation coffee agro practices that include planting of trees within coffee plantations. iii. Promote renewable energy systems for irrigation and coffee preservation to mitigate carbon emission and environment degradation. iv. Promote low cost but high quality coffee planting materials through setting up a coffee nursery bed and mother garden. SOH-Masaka is developing this project(Women In Coffee), so that through the holistic 6-month enables women households to: Secure, Improve, Sustain livelihood, 75 households in Masaka will secure basic needs and improve quality of life, increase their income and earnings from $0.40/day to more than $1.90/day.

As the year comes to a close, I reflect on the opportunities I’ve had to contribute in small ways. I was fortunate to support individuals across 9 countries, with a focus on gender equality, women’s empowerment, and environmental sustainability. Below is a summary of the impact made across various sectors: 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 & 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 • In Peru, funding was used to buy compost and manage coffee seedling production, supporting local farmers and sustainable agriculture. • In Paraguay, support was provided to purchase ingredients for local food production, enhancing the availability of fresh produce, meat, and other essential food items. • In Vietnam, a project focused on acquiring land for farming, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and creating new livelihoods. 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹 & 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 • In the Philippines and Congo (DRC), support enabled business owners to expand retail operations by purchasing inventory and stock for resale, improving access to essential goods. • In Thailand, a local artisan business was supported by purchasing supplies to grow a hammock weaving business, contributing to the local economy and the artisan craft sector. • In Colombia and Ghana, construction tools and support for building sales outlets helped entrepreneurs enhance their businesses and customer accessibility. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 • In Colombia and Ghana, businesses were able to improve infrastructure, with funding for construction tools and the development of sales outlets, boosting local economic activity. • In Paraguay, the Grupo Solidario project supported the purchase of tools to help enhance local business operations. 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 • In Tajikistan, a project supported the purchase of a dental chair, improving healthcare access and services for the local community. 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 • In Kenya and Tanzania, I had the privilege of supporting the planting of 100 mangrove trees, contributing to environmental conservation and coastal ecosystem restoration, while helping to mitigate the effects of climate change. #Sustainability #SocialImpact #Equality #Empowerment #EnvironmentalResponsibility #WomenInBusiness #ClimateAction #YearInReview #GivingBack

Narrowing The Strategic and Growth Direction for The Shea Value Chain In Ghana. Value chain #enhancements and #transformation requires a prescribed number of activities. Without these outlined paths, most activities outside that cited don't produce intended #impact. #Agunity and #Cropslist provide an integrated #digital #enabler for #Ghana Shea #groups to move in a direction that fits into the outlined broader value chain growth vision cited in article below. Excepts: ...".shea industry was a potential economic empowerment for the country, where women were at the heart of production". In essence our efforts( #Agunity) in the Shea value chain mostly improves #gender #welfare and #livelihoods. ....."We must invest in research and development to enhance the quality of our shea products and explore new markets.” Our #Agunity Coop Management System can be used by Shea apex bodies and individual co-ops to build a data based organization which has the ability to hold current and historical data for operations and #research. #Cropslist our digital #marketplace for Shea nuts, raw Shea butter, processed and ready to use Shea butter cosmetic products is positioned on the internet for the Ghana value chain to showcase their products on a trusted market access platform with bonafide Shea trade actors with global reach. ......."advocated inclusive practices that fostered gender equality, emphasising the importance of creating initiatives for women’s cooperatives and providing them with the essential tools and training to succeed." These are essential tools that create dynamic #Cooperatives that have the ability to feature themselves on a digital global Marketplace while functioning as professional and credible organizations ready for both investment and #growth. ..".promoting collaboration among agencies, private sector stakeholders and international partners to create a cohesive ecosystem that supported the growth of the industry." #agunity has offered our digital tools for the rest of the year( August 2024 to December ) to interested locally registered coops who wish to function differently and continue to build #linkages on the #cropslist trade platform for global #trade and #supply chain enhancements that reduce cost of business from production to final client. .......without the resilience of the shea tree, it might have been extinct by now, given the numerous threats to its sustainability. The business resilience which groups derive using our tools and improve operational performance as well as trade and supply chain functions creates the resilience needed for growth and sustainability. Our systems can hold data on the Shea parks and trees. #sheabutter and #shea value chains actors can reach out to Agunity.com or info@cropslist.com for a discovery engagement. #globalsheaalliance #shea #Commodity #agunity #womenempowerment #equity https://lnkd.in/d63RfvBs

How is empowering women connected to a climate-resilient agrifood system? Explore the CGIAR #GenderEquality Initiative's new report on strategies to tackle social and cultural barriers in agrifood systems in Tanzania and Nigeria. Read it here: on.cgiar.org/4fR79xD #GenderinAg

🌟Thokozani Chimasula: Sustainable Agriculture & Women Empowerment 🌟 Thokozani Amanda Chimasula, the founder of Tac-Maz Sustainable Ventures in Malawi, is on a mission to combat food insecurity while empowering marginalized women farmers. As a 2022 WE Empower Finalist for Sub-Saharan Africa, her impact resonates far beyond borders. 🌾Zero Hunger: Tac-Maz Sustainable Ventures is reshaping communities by ensuring access to agricultural products in a region like #Malawi where food insecurity is rampant. Serving around 1700 customers daily, Thokozani’s enterprise is making strides towards eradicating starvation and malnutrition. 👩🌾Gender Equality: By supporting women farmers, the enterprise is empowering them to thrive amidst adversity. Through initiatives like purchasing 2 tons of produce weekly from local female farmers, Tac-Maz is creating opportunities for women to reclaim their agency.  “Our business model has involved women at each and every stage from the supply to the production stage. This is the reason why the enterprise promotes and empowers women farmers with skills in sustainable agriculture, access to better markets and funding.” 🌍Climate Action: Climate change exacerbates food insecurity in Malawi. Tac-Maz's commitment to sustainable agriculture not only addresses food security but also mitigates the impact of climate change. By incorporating women at every stage of the business model Thokozani ensures that resilience and sustainability are woven into the fabric of Tac-Maz’s operations.  Read more about Chimasula’s story here: https://lnkd.in/gCwGxCA3 📢 **Reminder: Don’t forget the upcoming deadline to apply to the WE Empower program. If you’re a woman entrepreneur making a difference in your community, seize this opportunity to amplify your impact on a global scale and apply by APRIL 12th! https://lnkd.in/epyJpYK7 #WomenEmpowerment #SustainableDevelopment #WEEmpower #ClimateAction #GenderEquality #ZeroHunger #Malawi #Entrepreneurship #SDG2 #SDG5 #SDG13 🌟Learn more about Tac-Maz Sustainable Ventures Malawi here: https://lnkd.in/gqQTnfZv

Did you know? Ghana is the world’s second-largest cocoa producer, supporting over 800,000 smallholder farmers. With a new 5-year plan, Kuapa Kokoo Farmers Union is transforming Ghana's cocoa industry. The focus is on sustainability, empowering farmers—especially women and youth—and creating opportunities through value-added cocoa products. This plan is supported by our Netherlands-funded project. ℹ️ https://bit.ly/41JYDfk

Closing Remarks at the 12th Edition Nigeria Clean Cooking Forum 2024. As we conclude this landmark event, we were honored to hear the Closing Remarks from @Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, Director of the Department of Climate Change, Federal Ministry of Environment. In her address, Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe highlighted the critical importance of accelerating access to clean cooking solutions in Nigeria, emphasizing: - The government’s commitment to supporting the clean cooking policy. - The need for strong partnerships between the public and private sectors. - The role of women as key drivers in advancing clean energy solutions, especially in rural and underserved areas. - The importance of inclusive policies that prioritize both environmental sustainability and gender equality. Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, Director of the Department of Climate Change, Federal Ministry of Environment, called for greater investment and collaborative efforts to scale up clean cooking technologies, which are essential to meeting Nigeria’s climate goals and improving public health. This event has set the stage for future action, bringing stakeholders together to drive meaningful change in Nigeria's clean cooking ecosystem. Let’s continue the journey! Together, we can transform the clean cooking landscape, improve lives, and protect our environment. For more information, #Partnership, #Collaboration, and #Sponsorship: info@ruwes.org.ng | +234 8033141145, +234 8053450588 Visit: www.ruwes.org.ng #CleanCooking #RUWES #ClimateAction #Sustainability #NigeriaCleanCookingForum #Partnerships #WomenEmpowerment #EnergyAccess