Outcome SEN_D_2.1

By 2028, production systems, including food systems, are organized in such a way as to stimulate entrepreneurship, technological innovation and ensure decent employment for the most vulnerable populations, including young people, women, disabled people and migrants, in rural and peri-urban areas. (UNSDCF Outcome 1)

Given the enormous difficulties involved in providing medical care for women farmers, the 3R project launched an insurance initiative to offer women farmers in the North and South the same health privileges as workers in the formal sector, but above all the opportunity to receive health care at a lower cost. This financing mechanism has enabled 7,000 women farmers and their families to benefit from health coverage for the first time. UN Women through PAF/AgriFeD has enabled the training of 50 women members of groups and cooperatives in the processing of fruit and vegetable products. To facilitate women's access to markets through digital technology, the Buy from Women platform was launched and deployed in the regions of Saint Louis Ziguinchor and Sédhiou. A series of training sessions were conducted and this enabled the training of 72 BfW relay women in the handling of the platform, in digital marketing and in financial education. With the ARD of Saint Louis and the Steering Committee of REFAN (Network of Women Farmers of the North), 15 groups with a high production of rice were chosen in order to start the sales phase at the platform level. In addition, avenues of collaboration for the institutional anchor are in the study phase and during the year 2025 will be transferred to the partner who will be in charge of the management of the platform.

By 2028, production systems, including food systems, are organized in such a way as to stimulate entrepreneurship, technological innovation and ensure decent employment for the most vulnerable populations, including young people, women, disabled people and migrants, in rural and peri-urban areas. (UNSDCF Outcome 1)

1The WEE Program has contributed to sustained improvements in women’s productivity, income-generation capacity, resilience to shocks (including climate-related), and participation in formal economic systems. Institutional capacities have been strengthened to embed gender-responsive practices, while market linkages and financing mechanisms have expanded opportunities for women-led enterprises. The outcomes observed reflect both direct benefits for women and systemic shifts that enhance sustainability and scalability. Across regions of intervention, women entrepreneurs and producers have transitioned from subsistence-oriented and informal activities toward more structured, market-oriented operations. Training and post-training accompaniment translated into improved business planning, cost control, pricing strategies, and compliance with quality standards. Women farmers adopted climate-resilient practices and improved inputs, leading to higher yields, reduced post-harvest losses, and greater value addition. More than 450 women entrepreneurs strengthened their competencies in enterprise management, financial planning, marketing, and regulatory compliance. The post-training individualized support provided to 120 women-led SMEs enabled the application of acquired skills, reinforcing business continuity and growth trajectories. The Technical Assistance Desk addressed over 200 operational challenges, contributing to timely problem-solving and improved enterprise resilience. In agriculture and agri-processing, women’s access to rehabilitated and equipped market gardening schemes, quality inputs, and processing units powered by renewable energy resulted in increased productivity and diversification of income sources. Training on hygiene, quality, packaging, and labeling enabled women to meet higher-value market requirements. Improved business practices and formalization pathways among women-led SMEs receiving coaching and BAT support. Increased productivity and diversification in women-led agricultural and processing activities. Adoption of climate-resilient and ecological practices by women farmers. Structural barriers to finance and markets were reduced through targeted partnerships, digital platforms, and market linkage initiatives. The partnership with ECOBANK facilitated access to finance for 20 women-led SMEs, addressing liquidity constraints and enabling productive investments. Engagements with IFC and the Delegation of Quebec advanced prospects for blended finance and scalable financing solutions. Market access improved through the operationalization of the Affirmative Procurement digital platform, which facilitated linkages between women-led SMEs and public institutions. With over 3,500 unique visits, the platform increased visibility and participation of women-owned businesses in procurement opportunities. Participation in trade fairs, contractual arrangements, and digital marketing initiatives further diversified market channels. In agri-food value chains, negotiated contracts, logistical support for product transport, and training on certification and branding enabled women producers to penetrate higher-value and urban markets. Increased number of women-led SMEs accessing formal finance. Inclusion of women-owned businesses in procurement processes. Signed and implemented commercialization contracts and increased volumes marketed. Institutional capacities were strengthened across 15 public institutions, including ministries, agencies, and local governments. Training of 120 public officials on gender-responsive procurement contributed to increased awareness and application of inclusive procurement practices. Engagement with the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (ARCOP) resulted in concrete recommendations integrated into three legislative and regulatory texts, embedding provisions supportive of women-led SMEs. At the local level, 888 elected officials enhanced their understanding of gender equality, care-sensitive planning, and budgeting. Twenty-three local governments adopted methodological tools to integrate unpaid care considerations into planning processes, while eight local governments in Sédhiou operationalized gender- and care-responsive plans and budgets. Adoption of gender-responsive procurement clauses and practices. Integration of gender and care considerations into local development plans and budgets. Improved coordination between institutions supporting women’s entrepreneurship.