Challenge

 

Sierra Leone’s agri-sector value chains, including cocoa, palm oil and cassava, need to step up their advocacy skills and efforts to advocate for an improved business environment and more sustainable management of farms.

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Solution

 

Within the context of rising sustainability standards in (EU) target markets, and further trade integration within Africa’s regions (ECOWAS, AfCFTA), the Sierra Leone Agriculture Chamber (SLeCAD) and farmer cooperatives called upon ITC team to support them towards more efficient advocacy and dialogue. As the Government of Sierra Leone is striving to further improve the business environment for trade competitiveness, the role of TSI’s in representing business interests cannot be underestimated. To advance agrisector development, the voice of farmers, cooperatives, SME’s and bigger business in the sector is crucial; to communicate and engage with Government institutions and other stakeholders on key issues and opportunities in the domestic and international business environment.

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This project is funded by the European Union (EU), and part of the West Africa Competitiveness Programme (WACOMP), which aims, inter alia, to support the selected value chains at national and regional levels to promote transformation, better access to regional and international markets, considering social and environmental issues.

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Deliverables​

 

Through targeted training and capacity building support, our team provided training for TSI staff and cooperatives, covering advocacy and dialogue skills and competencies, as well as general trends in global and sustainable agri-sector supply chains. Apart from training modules delivered, key outputs included; a comprehensive advocacy strategy, including a validated list of priority themes and issues, research and position papers on dedicated topics (including land rights, access to seeds, fertilizers and machinery).