Advancements in SRI Rice Farming with OARDEP in Oti Region, Ghana

Packaged rice from Ewoe Organic, the collective brand created by farmers working with OARDEP.

Rockflower is excited to report significant progress in the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) project, in collaboration with One Africa Research Development and Extension Programme (OARDEP), aimed at transforming rice farming in the Oti Region of Ghana. This initiative continues to underscore our shared dedication to enhancing sustainable livelihoods for women farmers through innovative agricultural practices.

Since the project's inception, OARDEP has successfully increased the number of participating farmers to 141, with an emphasis on including women and girls, who now make up 85% of the participants. This expansion is critical in a region where 87% of the vibrant population engages in agricultural practices, predominantly rice cultivation.

The project now encompasses five communities—Bala, Mate, Avegeme, Todome, and Abrani. Notably, these areas benefit from consistent rainfall, making them ideal for implementing dual-season rice cultivation, a practice OARDEP is eager to optimize and expand.

A cornerstone of the initiative is the robust training program that has been rolled out across the communities. OARDEP has conducted numerous workshops focused on the System of Rice Intensification, which includes modern agronomic practices such as effective water management, irrigation, and organic farming techniques. These sessions are designed not only to increase rice yields but also to promote sustainable farming practices that are environmentally friendly.

The training also extends to entrepreneurial development, helping farmers to manage their rice cultivation as a business. This includes instruction on financial management, networking with financial institutions, and marketing strategies, ensuring that farmers can maximize their profitability and sustainability.

One of the main challenges faced by the project has been the high cost of farming materials and equipment. In response, farmers have formed cooperatives to pool resources and gain better access to financial services. This cooperative approach has allowed them to meet budget constraints and continue expanding their farming operations. As a cooperative, the group now sells rice under the name, ‘Ewoe Organic.’

Another challenge faced by the group was the inconsistency of attendance at training sessions. The organization addressed this by recording their sessions for later playback and providing one-on-one interactions to reinforce learning and ensure no farmer is left behind.

A significant concern highlighted during the project is the lack of land access for women farmers. OARDEP is advocating for governmental policy changes to facilitate easier access to land for women, which is essential for sustaining production and enhancing food security in the region.

As the project moves forward, OARDEP plans to continue expanding its reach, aiming to include at least 240 farmers by the end of the project cycle. The ultimate goal is to make rice farming a sustainable and profitable endeavor in the Oti Region, contributing to food security and economic stability in Ghana.

Rockflower remains committed to supporting OARDEP as they work to refine and implement these strategies, ensuring that the benefits of the SRI project reach as many farmers as possible, thereby transforming not only individual lives but also entire communities.

Revitalizing Livelihoods: The Goat Project Update from RUGLI

Rockflower is pleased to share the latest developments from our partnership with the Rwenzori United Group for Life Improvement (RUGLI) in Kasese, Uganda. The Goat Project, initiated as a sustainable avenue for economic empowerment, continues to bring significant improvements to the lives of local women, particularly single mothers facing tough living conditions.

The project, which started with the aim of reducing household expenses and improving food accessibility, has seen remarkable success. Beneficiaries like Josephine have reported a transformative impact, now able to afford three meals a day thanks to the integration of kitchen gardens and the introduction of goat milk into their daily lives. This initiative not only offers nourishment but also stability, as Josephine diligently maintains her garden to maximize its benefits.

The goat farming venture has grown in popularity across Kasese, with an increasing demand for both goat milk and meat. This surge has led to a lucrative market, especially during festival seasons, allowing the women beneficiaries to generate an increase in income. The profits have been essential in covering basic needs such as clean water, healthcare, and education for their children.

One of the most encouraging stories comes from Masika Edinah, who now lives with her grandmother and supports three children. The project provided her with a female goat, which has since birthed offspring, providing a continuous source of milk and additional income through the sale of goats' milk.

The initiative has also focused on enhancing agricultural productivity. Beneficiaries like Kabugho Janett have utilized goat waste as manure, boosting crop yields in their personal gardens and further augmenting their income through the sale of produce.

RUGLI has successfully established itself as a recognized entity in commercial goat farming within the district. Their expertise is now sought after in local training programs, enhancing the project's reputation and expanding its influence. Additionally, the construction of a three-lane house for the goats has optimized their living conditions, contributing to the overall health and productivity of the livestock.

As the project continues to evolve, RUGLI is committed to ensuring sustainability by distributing offspring to new beneficiaries, thus expanding the project's impact. Currently, 45 additional women are anticipated to receive goats by the end of the month, a step towards fulfilling the promise of empowerment and self-reliance.

Rockflower intends to continue to support this transformative project by encouraging supporters to see the widespread benefits of uplifting individual women and their families but also strengthening the community by integrating sustainable farming practices with economic empowerment. As we look forward, RUGLI's commitment to improving rural livelihoods through innovative agricultural strategies remains a beacon of hope and a model for community-led development.

Join us in supporting the ongoing success of the Goat Project and the remarkable women of RUGLI.

FAIR Farms Gambia: an evolution in the understanding of local food sovereignty

FAIR Farms Gambia team gathers under the shade of a tree, showcasing the diverse and committed individuals driving sustainable agriculture in their community.

FAIR Farms Gambia is the new name for our partner in The Gambia. Previously known as Gambia Goat Dairy, Rockflower has been a supporter of their growth and emergence as a force for sustainable agriculture and local food sovereignty since 2019.

Started by two inspiring and innovative veterinary students from the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Brianna Parsons and Dr. Corey Spies, together with a team of mentors and advisors, Gambia Goat Dairy set out to build a quantitative and qualitative social enterprise through rigorous research and accountability. Over the last five years, through a great deal of hard work, a new path forward has evolved. Committed to becoming a hub of knowledge and shared practices, FAIR Farms Gambia is positioning themselves as a leader in innovative, community-led farming practices.

Partnering directly with Penn Vet in the early years created a novel operating structure at the university, developing a research initiative driven by community inclusion and co-creation, dedicated to addressing community-defined needs through equitable practices. Receiving a grant from Penn Global Holman Africa Research and Engagement Fund allowed the team to continue research into the blended issues of One Health, Social Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Agriculture. There are plans ahead for sharing more of the FAIR Farms Approach in Botswana and other countries.

Goats on the farm at FAIR Farms Gambia.

Every individual who contributed to the growth of Gambia Goat Dairy should take pride in the fact that lessons learned and acted upon have now enabled FAIR Farms to be led by Dr. Brianna Parsons and her husband and Co-Founder Sulay Camera, assuring consistent and local leadership model, with more cultural humility and ease in decisions.

The focus of the last couple of years has been to expand the scope to include a variety of sustainable farming methods such as silvopasture, irrigated vegetable and fruit tree production, and integrated livestock crop production through composted manure replacing fertilizer needs.

Understanding the complexities of access to food for communities during crises such as the 2020 pandemic, have meant that quick thinking and adaptation remain at the forefront of their work. Highlighting the need for risk reduction in food systems, FAIR Farms created “circularity” opportunities, by using “wastes” from one production system as “inputs” for another, for example composted goat manure was used as fertilizer for a vegetable garden, and edible scraps were fed to the rabbits to reduce feed costs. This also solidified traditional Gambian farming practices that have been handed down through the generations of families dependent on the land for their needs. The move for diversification was intentional to reduce risks, diversify revenue streams, promote environmental circularity and resource recovery, and grow the farm to continually serve the needs of Gambian small-holder farmers.

Recently, the rent demanded for the land FAIR Farms utilized skyrocketed, with two years' rent equating to the cost of outright land purchase in the Gambia. This situation jeopardized their operations, leading to the loss of their pilot farmland. Recognizing the importance of land ownership in ensuring the sustainability of agricultural initiatives, FAIR Farms has now embarked on a critical mission to secure permanent farmland to continue their impactful work.

Rockflower has a long term vision of a Seed to Canopy Funding Model™, which allows for those partners whose goal is to expand to do so within a trusted and safe model. FAIR Farms Gambia, is now in the Roots and Shoots phase of this Five Stage of Funding model, and we are delighted to be able to support them further in their quest to acquire permanent land for their practice.

Rockflower’s Seed to Canopy Funding Model™

FAIR Farms is now reaching out to the global community to support their cause. With Rockflower's continued support, every additional contribution will help FAIR Farms secure the land needed to sustain and expand their innovative agricultural practices. This land will not only serve as a base for their operations but will also act as a community hub for learning and sharing sustainable farming techniques that can withstand the challenges posed by climate change.

Becoming a trusted Knowledge Exchange is part of the overall goal to enhance food security in The Gambia and beyond. By providing a space for reciprocal learning and sharing of traditional ecological knowledge, the impact of this collective model will have a far reaching effect.

Key to the long term vision of FAIR Farms is the desire to build advocacy for Gambian and other African farmers to push for changes in structural inequities in the global food supply. This is hard for marginalized farmers to do alone, but when done collectively, a wave of possibility occurs.

FAIR Farms Gambia stands as a testament to what can be achieved when everyone’s voice is counted and knowledge from all corners of the globe can be respected and utilized to ensure a nourished and sustainable community is built for generations to come. Join us in supporting FAIR Farms Gambia.

Planting Seeds of Hope and Resilience in Rural Liberia

Foundation for Women and Children Empowerment (FOWACE) whose work spans several communities in rural Liberia, continues to provide consistent and detailed updates on why small targeted funding can have such an outsized impact. Since its establishment in 2017, FOWACE has been a beacon of hope and support for vulnerable and marginalized women and children, taking on additional responsibilities in the aftermath of the Ebola crisis and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year, one particular area of focus has been in enhancing food security and economic stability through the agricultural programs funded by Rockflower. From site identification to land clearing, preparation, provision of improved cassava stems, maintenance, and harvesting, FOWACE has been there every step of the way, supporting these dedicated women.

They have established ten new groups of women dedicated to various agricultural activities. Each group has been equipped with tools, seeds, and resources necessary to cultivate their lands and sustain their families. For just $150 for each new group this initiative not only improves food security but also fosters community solidarity among the women.

This collaboration is more than just about growing crops, it is about planting the seeds of hope, dignity and resilience in the hearts of these women. By equipping them with the resources and knowledge they need, we are sharing their vision for a brighter future for themselves and their children.

Over the years Rockflower supporters have taken a keen interest in partners and projects aligned with their own interests. In July in the spirit of collaboration, Hannah Delany West, niece and goddaughter of Founder and CEO, Tine Ward, was able to mark the occasion of her birthday by supporting the ladies of FOWACE in their growing activities. Hannah, owner of One Wicker Farm, in Franklin, North Carolina, shared the deep commitment she has for community food programs.

“There is nothing more valuable to me than growing food for my family and community and teaching my children how to grow their own food. May we learn and grow together, geographically separated but together in our gardens.”

This generous gift to Rockflower will help further the agricultural initiatives of FOWACE, ensuring that more women can farm and feed their children in rural Liberia.In the words of Haja Tallawallay, Executive Director of FOWACE “ It is truly inspiring to witness the transformation taking place. The excitement on their faces as the ladies work together, united by a common goal to produce food for their families is a powerful testament to the impact of your support.”

Another significant area of focus for FOWACE’s work has been to improve access to safe drinking water. They have successfully repaired over 25 hand pumps, with news of their work spreading to other communities in need. The provision of safe drinking water is crucial for preventing diseases and supporting the overall health and well-being of the communities.

FOWACE’s holistic approach has continued to highlight the comprehensive nature of their support across various sectors. From cassava farming to the management of village savings groups, the organization is deeply involved in every step of the process.

The introduction of the Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) program has been particularly transformative. The tools and resources provided: a saving box with three locks, ledgers for record-keeping, ink pads, and passbooks, are more than just supplies, they are instruments of change. These women are not only learning to save and manage their finances, but they are also working together, supporting one another and building a stronger, more resilient community.

Rockflower looks forward to a continued partnership with FOWACE, supporting their mission to heal, grow, and thrive. The empowerment of these women and children in Liberia is a testament to the strength of community-based efforts and the profound impact of targeted support and solidarity. We invite our community to join us in supporting FOWACE's vital work, helping to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for the women and children of rural Liberia.

Together, we are making a concrete contribution to ensuring hope and possibility are always in abundant supply.

Rockflower solidifies the power of the Currency of Mind, by providing short term relief for our partners affected by landslides in Uganda

Makeshift shelters housing families in an emergency relief camp in the Kasese district.

Rockflower’s reason for existing is to provide catalytic funding to those social entrepreneurs and grassroots community based organizations, who are often overlooked when it comes to receiving international funding. Because of the unique nature of our partnerships and the deep relationships we have built over the years, it is essential that when our partners turn to us in times of disaster, we have the capacity to provide whatever short term relief is possible. We have established a small emergency fund for this purpose as so many of our partners are on the leading edge of climate change disasters and need urgent help when it is needed most.

Most recently we were able to provide emergency relief funding to Hope for Rural Women (HORUWO), to enable them to provide essential relief to victims of flooding and landslides in Maliba Subcounty of the Kasese District, Uganda, an area increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

In May 2024, devastating floods and landslides struck Kasese District, displacing thousands and causing a significant loss of life. Maliba Subcounty, one of the hardest hit areas, saw the establishment of multiple camps housing over 6,152 displaced individuals. In response, Rockflower funded HORUWO to deliver vital supplies, including maize flour, soap, basins, and sanitary pads, to 60 women and teenage girls residing in Buhunga Camp. These basic necessities are critical to recovery in the early stages of displacement.

HORUWO’s team distributing items to families.

The tragic events in Kasese District highlight a broader issue faced globally: the disproportionate impact of climate change on impoverished communities. These communities contribute the least to climate change and pollution, but suffer its harshest consequences, including increased risks of floods, landslides, and subsequent socio-economic instability. Women and girls, in particular, face heightened vulnerabilities during such crises, with increased risks of sexual violence, health issues, and disruptions in education.

With this short term relief project, HORUWO provided 120 bags of maize flour, 120 bars of soap, 60 basins, and 180 boxes of sanitary pads to the victims, addressing immediate dietary and hygiene needs. However, the broader challenge remains for those returning to lands stripped of resources. The potential for hunger, malnutrition, and escalated gender-based violence requires comprehensive strategies to ensure safety and resilience.

In light of these ongoing challenges, HORUWO is planning the "Rise Up Girl Campaign" aimed at ending child marriages through awareness, advocacy, and empowerment in Maliba Subcounty. Given the recent disasters, many girls will not have the funds to return to school, which puts them at an increased risk of early pregnancy, marriage and sexual violence. The initiative will use intercultural engagement and communication to involve a diverse group of community stakeholders, including police, local leaders, and cultural figures, to create sustainable solutions to combat sexual violence and support vulnerable populations.

For fifteen years we have understood the magnitude of ensuring power is in the hands of local communities to combat global challenges and are dedicated to continuing our support for those affected by climate-induced disasters. By showing how targeted support can make a real and substantive difference in the lives of those who are most at risk from the changing climate, namely women and girls, we are proving that no effort is too small or insignificant and we will continue to do whatever it takes to support our partners in times of need.

Rockflower’s New Partnership with Smart H20 for Clean Water Solutions in Sierra Leone

The Smart H20 Team speaking at the Mining Community Innovation Challenge.

Rockflower is excited to announce a new partnership with Smart H20, a forward-thinking social enterprise committed to tackling the clean water crisis in Sierra Leone’s Kono District. As part of our mission to support innovative solutions through our Five Key framework, Rockflower will provide catalytic funding to assist Smart H20 in developing a prototype for their pioneering water filtration technology.

The Kono District, while abundant in diamonds, faces a stark contrast in the availability of one of life's most essential elements: clean water. Mining activities have taken a significant toll on the water quality in the region, leaving communities vulnerable to the dangers of waterborne diseases. Smart H20’s initiative seeks to confront this challenge by introducing a filtration system that promises to transform the water landscape in this area.

This collaboration will enable Smart H20 to move from concept to proof of concept, a critical phase in demonstrating the feasibility and effectiveness of their technology. The success of the prototype has the potential to attract broader investment and scale up the initiative, creating a ripple effect of benefits across the district and beyond.

Education and community engagement form the cornerstone of this project. Smart H20 will empower local residents with the knowledge and skills to maintain and advocate for the continued use of the filtration system, ensuring the sustainability of the project. This approach not only provides immediate relief but also lays the foundation for ongoing community health improvements.

We are proud to partner with Smart H20 as they work towards providing clean, safe drinking water to the communities in the Kono District. This project stands as a testament to Rockflower’s commitment to investing in solutions that bring about lasting, positive change. Through this partnership, we are a step closer to achieving a future where clean water is not a privilege, but a fundamental right for all.

Fostering Growth and Empowerment in Rice Farming: Rockflower’s Impactful Partnership with OARDEP

Rockflower’s partnership with One Africa Research Development and Extension Programme (OARDEP) stands as an exemplary model of how strategic partnerships can drive change and uplift communities. Through its funding support for OARDEP, Rockflower is playing a pivotal role in revolutionizing rice farming in the Oti Region of Ghana. This collaboration highlights the power of synergy in achieving sustainable development goals, particularly in the realm of agriculture.

The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) Project

At the heart of this partnership is the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) project, a groundbreaking initiative that combines traditional knowledge and modern ecological practices to boost rice productivity. SRI has not only improved soil and water management but also promises a sustainable future for rice cultivation in Ghana.

In the past, proponents of SRI have faced challenges with its adoption among local rice farmers in areas like Avegeme and Abrani. However, OARDEP saw an opportunity to engage local farmers in adopting these sustainable practices through the creation of a 2 acre model SRI rice farm. Today, the organization has not only created a hub for agricultural innovation, but they have actively engaged 141 farmers in the project, with hopes to increase this number to 240, predominantly women and girls, by the project's conclusion. This marks a crucial step towards empowering women in agriculture, a core mission of Rockflower.

Training and Capacity Building

A key aspect of the project's success is the comprehensive training provided to farmers. Hands-on training in SRI and good agronomic practices has been instrumental in enhancing the farmers' expertise in rice cultivation. In addition to providing education on efficient farming practices, workshops on networking with financial institutions, farm management techniques, and entrepreneurial development have equipped beneficiaries with the skills needed to thrive in the agricultural sector.

The journey hasn't been without challenges. High costs of farming tools and equipment were significant barriers. However, farmers have creatively formed cooperatives, pooling resources to gain financial assistance from banks. Moreover, overcoming issues like irregular meeting attendance through recorded sessions and one-on-one interactions has showcased OARDEP’s adaptability and commitment to its goals.

Inspiring Stories of Change

The real impact of the SRI project is best illustrated through the stories of its beneficiaries:

• Madam Osei Rose: Once reliant on chemical fertilizers, she now embraces organic methods, thanks to the SRI project. Her shift to natural fertilizer has significantly improved her farm's yield and soil quality.

• Ms. Vera Francisca: Benefiting from the entrepreneurial training, she has effectively planned her farming activities, improving both her family's livelihood and her ability to manage resources sustainably.

• Mrs. Bovake Gifty: A livestock farmer turned rice cultivator, she successfully integrated organic farming practices, using livestock waste as a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers. This shift has not only cut costs but also expanded her rice fields.

• Madam Nana Ama: Her journey with SRI led to a remarkable increase in rice yield, breaking stereotypes and empowering her to share her experiences with other farmers.

Rockflower’s partnership with OARDEP in the SRI project is more than an agricultural initiative; it’s a movement towards sustainable farming, women empowerment, and community development. The stories of Madam Rose, Ms. Francisca, Mrs. Gifty, and Madam Ama are just a few examples of how strategic collaborations can create ripples of positive change, transforming lives and landscapes.

AYA's Transformative Impact: Highlights of This Year's Progress

The long standing partnership between African Youth Alliance and Rockflower stands as a testament to the transformative power of focused efforts. Through establishing the multi-year Five Keys in Five Villages project, targeted progress-driven initiatives are creating a brighter future for women and girls in rural Cameroon.

Over the past year, African Youth Alliance has achieved significant milestones in their mission to improve the lives of women and girls in Cameroon through community collaboration. Their recent progress report showcases the remarkable work they have done this year across the five key pillars despite the challenges they faced.

Promoting Peace and Security

AYA facilitated interactive sessions around peace and security, which involved members of local government and focused on finding ways to disseminate valuable and often taboo information at the family level. Challenges arose as some women hesitated to participate due to concerns about family safety. However, health talks addressing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), particularly concerning HIV/AIDS, were conducted in collaboration with a community nurse to create a safe space to discuss these topics. The organization also held meaningful discussions around girls' rights by tackling issues like early child marriage and teenage pregnancy. 

Maternal and Reproductive Health Advocacy

AYA engaged community nurses, field staff, and trainers to address critical matters regarding MRH. Educational sessions on SRHR, HIV/STIs, family planning, and the consequences of early marriage were conducted. The organization succeeded in creating a safe space for women to speak freely and ask important questions. Additionally, the provision of reusable sanitary pads during Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) gatherings was a milestone in supporting women's health and hygiene. Trainings were also held around rash ointment and Vaseline production which added a practical dimension to maintaining family well-being.

Access to Food and Water

A great deal of progress was made in this area through farm work, seed donations, and organic farming training. Despite hurdles such as increased commodity prices and network failures, the AYA’s dedication led to improved crop productivity, ensuring food security and enhanced living standards for both families and the community. Strikingly, amidst a road blockade caused by armed groups, the donation of cabbage, beans, and potatoes seeds proved life-saving, ensuring sustenance for families.

Empowering Through Education

Through trainings, peer mentoring, and coaching, AYA enabled young girls to become active in their communities and gain skills to further their careers. Sessions on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and the negative consequences of early marriage encouraged girls to maintain independence and make smart choices. Development workshops held on topics like paper bead production, making lotion, and powdered soap provided opportunities to create their own businesses.

Fostering Economic Empowerment

This year, AYA focused on helping small business owners to grow their businesses. They provided financial literacy training, and enabled group members to expand their business offerings. Their revolving loan scheme provided critical funding to these small businesses and continues to grow and improve the local economy. Through these efforts, the organization contributed to increased economic independence and self-sufficiency.

As this partnership looks to the future, African Youth Alliance envisions a continued journey of progress and growth. Their plans include establishing an adult literacy school to address educational gaps, harnessing solar energy for improved communication, and expanding skill development opportunities in areas like sewing, hairdressing, and bead designing. The organization's unwavering commitment to engaging men in crucial programs and amplifying the voices of women and girls reflects their holistic approach to sustainable change.

The collaboration between African Youth Alliance and Rockflower stands as a testament to the transformative power of focused efforts. Through progress-driven initiatives, they are creating a brighter future for women and girls in Cameroon, exemplifying the impact of the five keys.

Rockflower Funds CSP to Provide Critical Disaster Relief in Flood-Ravaged Neelum Valley, AJ&K

Women carrying emergency aid food boxes provided by CSP.

In response to the devastating flooding that has struck the Neelum Valley district of Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJ&K) in the wake of torrential monsoon rains, Rockflower has extended emergency funding to partner organization, Community Services Program (CSP), to provide vital aid to those affected.

The flooding, which commenced in the third week of July 2023, has wreaked havoc on both Northern and Southern parts of AJ&K, particularly in the Neelum Valley district. Homes, markets, bridges, and essential road infrastructure have been swept away, leaving countless residents, including men, women, children, and the elderly, in dire need of assistance. The situation has escalated to the point where there are alarming concerns about severe food shortages and malnutrition among the affected population.

CSP swiftly took action, with their dedicated staff and volunteers conducting rapid assessments of the flood-affected villages of Tehjian and Dudniyal. This on-the-ground evaluation enabled them to gain insight into the immediate needs of the displaced families and damaged households. Despite the district government's appeals for assistance, governmental aid has yet to reach these two villages.

Flooded power lines in Neelum Valley, AJ&K

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Rockflower allocated funding to CSP to address the critical needs of the flood victims. Through this support, CSP has managed to provide aid to 405 direct beneficiaries. Families have received essential food packets containing wheat, sugar, rice, and dry milk, ensuring that basic nutritional requirements are met during this trying time.

The impact of the flooding extends beyond the Neelum Valley district, as torrential rains have led to a landslide that blocked a key link road in the Bagh district of AJ&K. The cascading effects of these natural disasters have also resulted in rainwater entering houses and shops across various cities.

Adding to the gravity of the situation, Pakistan's Meteorological Department (PMD) reported that the national rainfall for the month of July 2023 was significantly above average, reaching a staggering 70% increase. This substantial increase in rainfall has only intensified the challenges faced by affected communities and has further underscored the need for urgent humanitarian interventions.

Rockflower's decision to support CSP in their disaster relief efforts showcases our commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of women and girls, even in emergencies that fall outside our regular mandate. By providing immediate assistance to CSP, Rockflower aims to alleviate the suffering of flood-affected communities in AJ&K and contribute to the ongoing efforts to rebuild and recover from this calamity.

Supporting Women in Burkina Faso Through Cassava Processing

Rockflower is pleased to announce a new collaborative project with the Association Burkinabé des Femmes Battantes (ABFB). This joint endeavor aims to empower women in Burkina Faso by establishing a cassava processing plant to produce attiéké, a popular cassava-based side dish.

Recognizing the challenges faced by internally displaced women, domestic violence survivors, and women living in extreme poverty, ABFB has been working to provide agency and resources to improve the lives of these women. Through regular meetings with the affected women ABFB has identified that the most critical need is income generation.

The women at the organization have determined that processing cassava into attiéké presents a promising solution to address this need. Cassava, a staple crop in Burkina Faso, offers high yields, resilience to drought, and substantial nutritional value. Attiéké, a sought-after side dish akin to couscous, has witnessed growing popularity in recent years, yet the current production levels are insufficient to meet the demands of wholesale purchasers such as restaurants, schools, and hospitals.

The primary objective of this project is twofold. Firstly, the establishment of a processing plant dedicated to converting cassava into attiéké will provide a sustainable and reliable source of income for the participating women. The potential for large-scale growth in attiéké production holds promising prospects for economic empowerment and financial stability. Secondly, the processing plant will serve as an educational center, offering training and knowledge-sharing opportunities for women interested in learning about cassava processing and venturing into the market with their own cassava-based products.

By investing in this project, Rockflower aims to effect lasting change by creating opportunities for sustainable income, fostering entrepreneurship, and advancing gender equality in Burkina Faso. The partnership between Rockflower and ABFB exemplifies the power of collective action in driving positive social impact. Through its amazing network of donors and supporters, Rockflower is pleased to provide funding and resources to ensure the successful implementation and long-term sustainability of the cassava processing project.

Mategemeo Women Association Expanding the Local Fruit & Vegetable Industry

Rockflower has agreed to fund Mategemeo Women Association to purchase 3 fruit blenders to make juice and two solar dehydrators to preserve vegetables for the dry season. The organization has continued to actively engage local and global stakeholders and work together to support vulnerable women and girls who need support to uplift their lives.

Over the past few years, Mategemeo has worked to create a Revolving Loan Scheme to fund women owned small businesses in the region. The fund has been highly successful and they have been able to provide business training to 120 successful, women owned businesses and micro-loans to more than 200. The fund continues to grow alongside the businesses that it funds and the local economy.

In a recent meeting, local fruit and vegetable vendors requested supplies to improve their offerings. Fruits and vegetables are abundant in the market and their value is relatively low in their raw form. However, processed fruit and vegetable products like juices and dried products are much less common and therefore more valuable. The vendors see an opportunity to increase their profit, provide products that aren’t currently available locally and decrease food waste with a few additional tools.

The members of Mategemeo have been able to pool their own resources to partially fund the project and Rockflower has agreed to fund the remainder. Collaborating to bring new products to the market, eliminate food waste and create sustainable business opportunities for women is a true example of the Currency of Mind in action.

The Impact of The Earthquakes on Syria

PC: CCSD

It’s hard to know where to begin when writing about the earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on Monday February 6th. The media has been abuzz with updates, statistics and response efforts. However, over the past few days, the news cycle seems to be moving forward. Currently, the death toll is estimated at over 36,000 people – a number that most of us cannot even fathom. To help conceptualize this, it would be the equivalent of losing the student population of over 70 US high schools in just one week. 

Undoubtedly it will take years to rebuild all of the infrastructure that has been lost. For the embattled territories of Northwest Syria, the earthquake is added to a decade of conflict, obstruction of aid and displacement. There are more than 4 million Syrians depending on aid from the UN and other NGOs and whilst aid to Turkey has greatly increased in the wake of the earthquake, the border situation in Syria has left the Northwest territories with even less humanitarian support. Due to objections from the Russian and Syrian governments, the only route into Syria is by crossing through Turkey. At this time, a UN resolution in place only allows UN agencies to cross the border and provide aid. Outside of these agencies, the folks on the ground, living in Syria are the only people able to provide aid to those in need. For this reason, it is absolutely crucial that we funnel funding toward Syrian based NGOs. Any other solutions to this issue will require widespread political pressure in order to open borders and bring relief. 

Rockflower Partner, Center for Civil Society and Democracy, is one such organization based in Syria working to help with recovery and displacement. On February 6th they issued a statement explaining the devastation and documenting their urgent needs. These include people to help with rescue operations, medical personnel and supplies, food, water and blankets, temporary shelters fit for cold weather, communication support, funding for organizations supporting women and mental health support for those affected. 

We have been in touch with CCSD, and their team told us, “The needs are huge, people have lost family and friends, many people have lost all their possessions including paperwork and many homes are unsafe to enter. CCSD’s support is structured and prioritized around a few key areas: humanitarian assistance (tents, food, water, hygiene kits, support for burials), logistical and coordination support, communication assistance (internet support), and psychosocial support.  The weather continues to be extremely cold. Much more help is needed for shelter (tents and blankets) and heat (wood burning stoves or electric heaters), many people are still on the streets. The most vulnerable – children, people with disabilities, and women need more focused support. Children need jackets and warm clothes.  Families with homes intact have taken in IDPs (internally displaced persons) and they need support.”

Despite the global narrative moving forward, Syrians are suffering and they are not receiving anything close to adequate resources to help them recover from this disaster. A recent tweet from Omar D. Foda (@EgyptsBeer) resonates strongly, “People living in the Middle East are not some special species that becomes more immune to tragedy the more they experience it. They are humans who are suffering at levels that are almost inconceivable. To believe otherwise is to justify your cold indifference.” Please make it a priority to support Syrian based organizations like CCSD as they work on the ground, leading recovery efforts.

HORUWO’s Emergency Relief Work for Landslide Victims

Women affected by the Kasese Landslides with their emergency relief items received from HORUWO.

As climate change related catastrophes have increased in frequency and severity, we have received outreach from many of our partners asking us to provide essential aid to their communities. Rockflower is not set up to provide emergency humanitarian relief, our mandate is to provide early stage investment for social enterprises and community based organizations improving the lives of women and girls on the global margins. However, as was the case during COVID, partnership is an ongoing responsibility and one that requires a listening and attentive ear during times of crisis. For that reason, we have been working to put together an emergency fund, supported by our Monthly Gardener donations to address these crises.

In September, we sent $800 to HORUWO in the Kasese District of Western Uganda to provide emergency assistance to those displaced by catastrophic landslides. Climate change in sub-Saharan Africa has led to intensified temperature extremes, precipitation anomalies, and natural disasters that have left millions of people injured, homeless, or food insecure, and has caused serious economic damage. HORUWO’s Director, Biira Juliet, recently sent us an update on the use of the relief funds they received. 

She told us, “People have lost their lives, homes and farms/gardens destroyed and have less to eat, especially poor women with children or pregnant women who are vulnerable to these changes…All people who were affected and are currently living in the camp needed help. We were overwhelmed by the situation of women, especially those who are pregnant and those with kids.”

HORUWO used the money that was largely funded by our Gardeners, to help 40 teenage and elderly women and girls in the Kasika Village who are living in disaster camps. They purchased corn flour, soap, wash basins and sanitary pads to distribute. 10 elderly women received 10kg of corn flour each, and 30 teenage girls each received 2 packs of sanitary pads, one basin and one bar of soap each. These acts of intervention may seem small, but to those women at that moment, receiving hygiene items and corn flour meant that they were one step closer to having their basic needs met and could focus more of their energy on recovering and moving forward from this disaster.

Rockflower is committed to continuing our mission of providing early stage investment to social enterprises and community based organizations improving the lives of women and girls, and we are also committed to providing much needed support during times of dire need. In September we launched our campaign, 100 Gardeners in 100 Days, in which we hope to sign up 100 new Monthly Gardeners so that we can be sure that there is a stream of income available when disasters strike. If 100 people sign up for just $25 a month, that will be an extra $2,500 a month and $30,000 a year, which will add significantly to our emergency fund. These climate related disasters are only going to increase and the needs will be even greater. Whilst we continue to support and fund those whose innovations are providing much needed climate adaptation, we must also find a way to offer support in intervening moments of critical need. 

Flicker of Hope Empowers Women Farmers to Implement Agroforestry

Flicker of Hope, based in Nyamira County, Kenya has been working hard to bring smokeless bio-briquettes and cookstoves to the county through their project, Promoting Smokeless Fuel & Sustainable Incomes for Women. As a recent addition to the Rockflower family, Flicker of Hope has made great strides in just a few short months.

This project, although it has one clear goal, to bring bio-briquettes to the area, is complex in its systemic approach to accomplishing this goal. Ultimately the project will work to combat climate change, improve public health, provide sustainable livelihoods to women, fight resource scarcity, and air pollution. In a recent update from Flicker of Hope, it is clear that they are well on their way.

In this first phase of the project, they are working to rehabilitate degraded areas through agroforestry. Previously, deforestation has been a large issue, as wood is being burned for fires, and land is cleared for crops. It has caused damage to the soil, degraded animal habitats, and made the area even more vulnerable to climate change, which is causing a lack of viable crops. Flicker of Hope has identified 200 women farmers who could plant trees on their farms to improve their land and gain additional income. The brush and leaf litter from the trees will be used in bio-briquettes eventually. 

The farmers in the program will learn how to grow indigeneous tree species that have largely been removed from the region. One of these trees is Moringa, a fast-growing, drought-resistant tree with antioxidant properties. They are encouraging them to grow these trees around the perimeter of their farms so that they can maintain most of their farmland and it will provide a windbreak. Some of what will be taught includes tree selection, tree care and planting site selection. What they are hoping to see as the trees grow is a decrease in erosion, groundwater being drawn upward, more fertile soil, regulation of temperature in the local micro-climate, and increased habitats for wildlife like birds.

Michael Nyamweya, Project Coordinator at Flicker of Hope writes, “Ensuring there are suitable habitats for animals means the entire ecosystem can work in harmony and continue to function in a healthy way. When ecosystems are degraded they are more vulnerable to extreme temperature fluctuations and less likely to bounce back and continue to provide services such as carbon sequestration and the storage of groundwater.”

The organization recognizes the inherent lag time in this project, as trees need years to grow. In the meantime, they will be teaching the farmers an improved method of raising chickens that will increase their yield. With this method, the chickens are ready to be sold within 35-40 days which will allow the farmers to earn more income, and feel less dependent on the trees before they are fully grown. 

“Through increasing the farm’s resilience, agroforestry will help women farmers to secure their yields against climate change and degradation. It will, therefore, enhance food security. Further, women farmers will be able to source biomass from their own farms, reducing the time needed to fetch firewood which specifically benefits women…The goal is to inspire and facilitate women farmers in adapting agroforestry to increase their farm’s climate resilience, productivity, and fertility while regenerating degraded land.”

Flicker of Hope is creating sustainable changes to their environment and the livelihoods of their community, with the role and benefit of women in mind. Upon completion of this phase, they hope to build a model farm to showcase the efficacy of regenerative agroforestry and educate others about how different systems suit the local context.

Emergency Relief Funding Needed for Community Services Program, Pakistan

The Situation: 

Community Services Program, Pakistan, has been a Rockflower partner for over a decade.  Since 2012 we have partnered with them on projects across a spectrum of our Five Key framework -  maternal and reproductive health, economic empowerment, peace and security and education. The most recent being the exciting Bridging the Digital Divide: From Colombia to Pakistan, bringing digital literacy to rural and remote communities. 

However at this moment CSP and 45,000 people in the communities they serve are struggling against the magnitude of the recent catastrophic flooding. Right now, over one third of Pakistan is covered in water, that is the equivalent to the whole of Colorado. 

Mr. Siddique Hussain, Chairman of Community Services Pakistan has been traveling to the affected areas in the last two weeks and shared the following: 

“I am traveling in the flood affected areas and have assessed that the natural calamity of the floods in Pakistan occurring in various parts of the country needs our immediate attention. With the immense destruction we are facing it is essential to provide rations, medical aid and assistance provision for the flood affectees who have lost their healthcare mechanisms due to this aggressive flooding. Especially females are being neglected and their essential needs, including basic hygiene and sanitary items. This is the time to stand together for humanity.”

The background to the flooding: 

What is causing this unprecedented flooding? Pakistan is home to 7,200 glaciers and they are melting fast. This is a direct effect of an increasingly warming planet, caused by global emissions. Pakistan is responsible for just 1% of those global emissions but will be one of the top 8 countries in the world subject to its devastating effects. 

The knock on effect of these melting glaciers are a series of dominos waiting to fall. 

“In the mountains of Pakistan, water from glaciers forms high-elevation lakes, which are often dammed by glacial ice. When there’s too much runoff, those lakes quickly expand and the ice dams can break, producing what’s called a “glacial lake outburst.” - VOX 

Pakistan’s climate minister, Sherry Rehman in an interview with The Guardian, makes the case for why rich nations must make reparations for the catastrophic consequences of their actions. 

“Historic injustices have to be heard and there must be some level of climate equation so that the brunt of the irresponsible carbon consumption is not being laid on nations near the equator which are obviously unable to create resilient infrastructure on their own,” - Sherry Lehman, Climate minister 

Getting Assistance to where it is needed: 

Add to this crisis the discrimination some Islamic charities are feeling in the rush to provide help as some are facing concern over bank derisking practices. 

“Pakistan is far from the only country where humanitarian responses by Islamic NGOs have seen their financial services disrupted by banks. Payments have also gone missing without explanation for programs in Syria, Somalia, and Afghanistan, according to Itani and others in the sector — all places deemed high risk by banks, but also with Muslim majority populations. 

Financial services to NGOs serving Ukraine, meanwhile, have largely gone smoothly, which has heightened a sense of discrimination that’s being felt by some in Muslim organizations, who also see their work as part of religious duty. “  DEVEX 

By having a ten year relationship with CSP we are able to get immediate relief to people. 

We have already provided direct support in the form of food aid, but so much more is needed. As a fund that specializes in early stage investment into previously underfunded community based organizations and social enterprises, emergency relief is not our usual remit. However, we cannot sit back and watch as one of our foundational partners struggles to meet the enormous needs of its constituents.

Please consider any donation amount to assist those who are currently struggling to get through the day.

• $43 buys a food pack for one family for 30 days 

• $23 buys a food pack for a family for 15 days 

• $13 buys a food pack for a family for 7 days 

Reflections on HORUWO's Community Beekeeping Project

Hope for Rural Women (HORUWO), a community-based organization in the Kasese District of Uganda working to implement community health education and livelihood improvement projects, has just wrapped up their beekeeping project. This project was created in response to climate change, which has caused  both extreme flooding and droughts and nearly wiped out the region’s farming industry. HORUWO sought to create a sustainable source of income for men and women facing poverty, HIV/AIDS and illiteracy. The Kasese district has an HIV/AIDS prevalence rate of 11.2%, creating major health problems for men and women who are already facing poverty. 

The organization found that beekeeping could be a sustainable replacement for traditional farming. The raw materials to create beehives are readily available and honey has a number of medicinal properties, in addition to being highly valued in local and international markets. Beehives are much less sensitive to extreme changes in weather which makes it a smart long term source of income. Beginning in February of 2022, the organization selected 35 members of the community who lacked a source of income, many due to HIV/AIDS and illiteracy, to train in beekeeping. They purchased 15 beehives and trained the cohort on how to manage an apiary, collect honey and sell it at market. 

They have just completed their first cohort of the program and it was a success. The beehives are thriving, and the community members are now able to provide for themselves and are beginning to earn income through this new skillset. HORUWO has received additional funding from Rockflower and is now looking to the future and hopes to expand the project and create livelihoods for even more people in poverty.

Reflections on our Partner Workshop Series

In the fifteen years it has taken to build Rockflower Partners, one thing has been central to our mission, and that is to ensure that every single partner feels seen, heard and to know that their lived experiences and voices matter. Finding a way for them to translate that agency into a shared platform with access to best practices, challenges and solutions has long been a goal, but as a small team it has been tough to facilitate.  However, after the January 2022 partner survey responses made clear, now more than ever there was a need to find a way to make this happen. 

So this summer we embarked on our first Partner Workshop Series. By inviting all of our current partners from across twenty two countries to come together for a five week series of zoom meetings, they were able to learn directly from each other, as well as from Rockflower Board Directors and Advisory Board members. Each week throughout July, we hosted a conversation on the Rockflower Five Key Framework: Economic Empowerment, Maternal & Reproductive Health, Education, Access to Food & Water and Peace & Security. 

Choosing four speakers from within the partner community and the wider Rockflower network, with specific experience on the designated key, allowed for a broad but deep exchange of experiences, challenges, ideas and thoughtful connection. Each session finished with thirty minutes of open discussion in which attending partners could ask questions, contribute their own experiences, and get to know each other better. 

Many important findings have emerged from this workshop series. Perhaps most gratifying has been the overwhelmingly positive feedback from partners at their delight in being able to see themselves mirrored in so many of their fellow community based organizations and social enterprises around the world. The sense of not being alone in some of these often impossible scenarios held incalculable value for all of the participants. 

Another very important insight from the workshops was the degree to which each one provided a thread of conversation that could be woven into the following week’s key topic. Economic Empowerment led to conversations about women's power over their own bodies in Maternal and Reproductive Health, which led on to the importance of continued secondary and tertiary Education for women and girls.  In the conversation on Access to Food and Water, addressing the existential threat of climate change and the rising cost of food as drivers of conflict and instability, touched on many of the issues discussed in the final workshop on Peace and Security. 

Rockflower believes in the philosophy of “Radical Idealism, Practically Realized”. We deliberately positioned these workshops to provide an overview of the larger global perspective, but then demonstrated how armed with that knowledge, partners could use it in the precise application of practical solutions to their everyday problems. Partners sensed hope in the sharing of ideas and the meaningful engagement and connection with each other, which has led to some new substantive solutions and ideas. We are witnessing just how strongly this connective root system will impact the growth of the Rockflower garden as we build our “seed to canopy” funding model. Please read more for some of the key takeaways from each workshop. 

Economic Empowerment

Roseline, Haja, Charlot and Constance started us off with a vibrant and lively conversation on Economic Empowerment. Not surprisingly with four powerhouse African women leaders, the discussion was frank, heart centered and of course filled with a great deal of humor.   

The discussion began with an opportunity to talk about what it really meant to be “empowered”, and more specifically “economically empowered”.  An overused word in many instances, we focused on the growing need for access to capital, training and business opportunities that actually lead to funding, and the best way to access markets. This laid bare the fundamental reality of just how much women contribute to the foundational strength of the economy of any nation. 

Charlot shared her deep frustration at the misconception that African women entrepreneurs need to receive ongoing training before they can access funding. She reflected on a quote that summed it up for her:

 “The most over-mentored and underfunded woman is the African Female Entrepreneur.”

As a young mother of 16, growing up in the slums of Mukuru in Nairobi, she had trained herself on the skills of entrepreneurship out of the sheer necessity of having to feed her child. 

This was echoed by Lucy Odiwa, of WomenChoice Industries later in the Q&A section, who shared the countless number of times she had been asked to attend training so that she could “train” to be a viable candidate to receive funding, only to be told to go on another training.  Whereas men are trusted to be given the funding right from the start without the requisite “training”. 

 “The problem with the world is imagining that if we are going to give women the chance we first have to set them up for success, but they have already set themselves up for success and all you have to do is trust them and get out of their way” - Charlot Magayi 

Roseline and Haja shared similar experiences in accessing funding for their community based organizations -  African Youth Alliance in Cameroon and FOWACE in Liberia. The barriers included being unable to receive funding without an audit or extensive list of previous project impact, but as they aptly pointed out, how can you show that before you have been given funding to bring your vision to life? The suggestions of  “go create some impact and then come back and tell us how you did so we can decide if we want to fund you”, are so frustrating when you cannot do that without funding in the first place. 

Additional practical advice for the partners on the call from Roseline was to suggest that they maintain an internet presence even with the simplest of websites and/or social media. Continue to keep growing networks and always ask for referrals, this is what builds trust and confidence. 

Haja described the importance of women’s savings groups in being not only a place to learn and be mentored on business management and savings but as a way to come together and share problems and experiences. This sense of community and distributed leadership is what has inspired so many of the women to continue with the program. 

Constance was keen to express a plea to financing institutions at all levels to acknowledge the unequal processes in place for women entrepreneurs. Stop asking for collateral and instead see women’s bold visions for what they are worth. Empowerment for Constance means the ability to make decisions for yourself and this is what led to her vision for the Women Advocacy Project. To prevent child marriage in four districts around Harare, Zimabawe, finding a way to provide economic empowerment was essential. This led to the creation of Clean Girls Soap, a social enterprise, run and managed by girls who had previously been on track for child marriage. 

The conclusion: It's not very complicated - give women the money and they will return it ten fold to their communities.  

Maternal & Reproductive Health

The conversation on Maternal & Reproductive Health was extremely informative, whilst also deeply personal.  Lucy, Dr. Chris, Somto and Audrey, shared wide ranging perspectives on the cultural taboos, personal challenges and direct assault on menstrual health hygiene, family planning, and choice and consent over women’s bodies. 

Despite these organizations being very different in size and mission, they share a common goal - to ensure that more girls and young women have access to reproductive education and menstrual hygiene products, which results in greater retention in secondary school, greater accessibility to higher education and increased employment opportunities. Lucy and Audrey who both run menstrual hygiene social enterprises - WomenChoice based in Tanzania and Be Girl currently working in several countries in Latin America and Africa, shared their personal experiences as to what led to their involvement in menstrual health.  

Lucy gave a brutally honest assessment of her own experience of starting her menstrual cycle, and the accompanying shame and embarrassment that led her to want to ensure that other girls did not suffer a similar fate by developing affordable menstrual hygiene products and education materials. 

“It is really important for a woman and a young girl to understand themselves initially, first of all as an individual, to know their worth, to know how they should be handled actually…Girl empowerment is nothing dangerous, it simply tells a girl that you are free to have a dream of your own, you are free to have a vision.” - Lucy Odiwa 

Audrey, although based in Washington DC, had spent time working on cross-sectoral issues in Ethiopia and saw how menstrual health for young girls was a key leverage point in ensuring access to education and mental well being.  She shared how Be Girl is extremely focused on ensuring young girls receive the education they need to know and understand their bodies and showed us an example of the manual period tracker that Be Girl has developed. 

Dr. Chris and Somto from the Society for the Improvement of Rural People in Enugu State, Nigeria, were delighted to be able to contribute to the conversation, given that there is so much taboo around men discussing these topics. 

Dr. Chris explained, “It’s a taboo almost, to talk about issues around menstrual poverty or menstrual issues” and went on to describe how they work to address many of the myths around menstrual hygiene and the misinterpretation of religious and cultural beliefs which can sow disinformation and doubt on an already complicated topic. 

As Gender Lead for SIRP, Somto reiterated:  “The importance of men and boys can not be overemphasized …It is so important to have men and boys as allies.” - Somto Ugwu 

It was indeed extremely gratifying to see so many men on this call.  Tonny from Hope for the Future, Uganda made the extremely salient point that individuals and communities should continue to question why governments spend trillions of dollars on defense when the equivalent spent on the health and wellbeing of women and children would generate exponential benefits in security for nations. This was an issue we would revisit in our next three workshops. 

Education

Despite a great deal of progress in ensuring more girls have access to education, today there are still 130 million girls who lack the ability to go to school. One of the most devastating side effects of the COVID pandemic has been the impact it has had on girls education worldwide, particularly in countries such as Uganda where schools were closed for over 2 years. 

However, this period of time has also seen a fast tracking of many innovative solutions in the delivery of education. By upending traditional formats and looking at cost effective ways to ensure those in rural communities with little access to the internet gain access to learning, there has been a real momentum to use this crisis as an opportunity. 

With Tania, Siddique, Miriam and Dancan, we were able to hear from leaders from a cross section of understanding and experience regarding the value of education across different cultural and social contexts from Colombia, Pakistan, Kenya and the USA.

We talked about existing barriers to accessing education including the impact of poverty, access to technology and digital education and how to broaden the types of education girls receive by looking toward global future needs. 

One of the most important themes to emerge from the workshop was the concept of role models and representation. When discussing the hugely significant impact of the election of Francia Marquez, the first female Afro Colombian to hold the office of Vice President, Tania stressed how monumental this was for poor indigenous women to understand that there was actually a path out of poverty through education and mentorship, together with sheer bravery and determination. 

“It is always important that we keep representation in mind, because we cannot be what we can not see” - Tania Rosas

Another big topic was that of access to information. Dancan wanted to point out that similar to representation you do not know what you are capable of until you have a better understanding of what resources are available to you. Key to his work with Jiwo Paro is to ensure a wider distribution of information so that women can access their own inborn talent. 

Siddique stressed the importance of engaging the decision makers at the government level who have control over the gender budgets. A key component of the success of the Bridging the Digital Divide: from Colombia to Pakistan, the Rockflower pilot project being implemented by Tania and Siddique, has been the ability to act as a catalyst for the Ministry of Education to scale up the project. 

Miriam’s perspective as a lawyer brought a wider lens to the subject of Education by linking to an understanding of fundamental laws and rights, “There are laws in place for a reason, you are entitled to live a better life… and this can often lead to more political and civic engagement… If you understand your fundamental rights… then you can engage in the political process” - Miriam Foley 

But time is running out and as Tania reminded us at the end of the workshop, there are so many young people whose potential is being stymied through sheer lack of access and opportunity. 

Access to Food & Water

The number of people classed as “acutely food insecure” by the UN before the Covid crisis was 130 million, but this has since increased to 345 million due to the crisis in Ukraine. 50 million people are just one step away from famine. The rising cost of fertilizers and fuel, and the ongoing threat of catastrophic weather, is adding to an already heightened sense of fear and chaos, creating the perfect storm for social unrest, political instability, forced migration and the continued deep suffering of already marginalized communities. 

Against this rather gloomy backdrop, we had an opportunity with Brianna, Lucas, and Anandan (Twisi was unable to join us on the day) to provide some insight into the different types of food and water security issues at a local level, in the very different geographies of The Gambia, Nicaragua and India. 

Lucas and Brianna discussed their respective experiences and approaches to working as outsiders in community based programs and social enterprises. As a vet and social entrepreneur, Brianna has been able to bring her expertise without enforcing or prescribing solutions not generated by the community. Lucas shares this ethic and has worked closely with the women of L’Astillero to ensure that all decisions were participatory, in particular the budgeting and agroecology center planning.  Humility was the key word, and prompted discussion on the value of the traditional and indigeneous learned experience. 

Anandan held particular expertise in this regard,  detailing his work in ensuring indigenous knowledge on how to purify water is preserved through oral and written tradition. Local knowledge is key to transforming systems and communities. 

Lucas and Anandan also both referenced the ability of communities to build seed banks as a practical tool to ensure food security. Lucas detailed his own revelations when building the Center of Agroecology, that the reason that he could not access seeds was because they were all controlled by a few large multinational corporations. These were the same choices available to the local community of Astillero. The other partners on the call really liked the idea of seed banks and made plans to cross pollinate ideas in this regard. 

We also discussed localization vs globalization of food supply chains and the importance of diversifying farms and livestock as one form of mitigation against the effects of climate change. Brianna highlighted the difference between food security and food sovereignty, and how because of international food and trade policy so many people in emerging economies do not have ownership over their food production. Nutritious foods are cost prohibitive, for example milk is 16 times more expensive than rice in The Gambia, which is why the focus at Gambian Goat Dairy is to deliver cost effective animal source protein. 

We touched on the issue of land rights for women and referenced a recent Landesa paper "Women and Dirt"  in which they make the case for gender parity in land rights as a solution to issues of food security. 

One thing was clear  - waiting for the international community to fix climate change was too much of a long shot for so many of our partners. They need solutions today. 

“If the community of Astillero waits for the global community of politicians and diplomats to solve climate change, they are all going to be dead by the time that’s done so we need to prepare for building resilience on the ground” - Lucas Worsdell

Peace & Security

By providing a broad overview as to what peace and security means in different contexts and settings, but then to show how this directly affects communities and individuals, we were able to ensure that the partners on the call could draw a line between the information shared and their daily experiences. 

Peace and Security is not just the absence of war, it is a multi-layered understanding of the needs and wants of different groups and communities, at a personal, local, national and international level. 

With Dr. Alice, Rajaa, Sahana and John, we had a wide ranging conversation on what it takes to develop systems and strategies to counter violence, greed and injustice.  All of them have deep experience and a personal commitment to building a world in which peace is paramount.

Dr. Alice delivering her remarks in French, (our grateful thanks for translation by Will Burgat)  brought us into the heart of the issue, by describing the daily task of helping victims of atrocities become survivors and then contributors in the redesign of their communities through their lived experience.  There was a deep weariness in her voice as she described the continued witnessing of rape and murder and the daily repercussions of a reality in which Security Resolution 1325 does not actually live up to its intention. There are still not enough women involved in the concrete actions to bring about peace. In 2020 she was involved in talks with armed groups in order to bring more women to the discussion but was met with push back and the suggestion that they should only come if they bring women with weapons to the talks. Her plea was to ask how the UN can find a way to insist that more women from civil society are present at the “real peace talks” not just the secondary track two discussions. 

Rajaa shared the deeply personal experience of her father, a policial and human rights activist, having been detained and tortured in a Syrian prison for almost ten years of her life. When the uprising began in Syria in 2011 she was studying for her PhD in Mathematics in the US, but returned home to Syria knowing that she had to be involved in documenting the human rights abuses. She started CCSD with a group of activists determined to see a better future for the women of Syria, and continues to engage with civil society activists, youth leaders and all those wishing to see a greater emphasis on the women, peace and security agenda. She is extremely keen to ensure that all the lessons learned from the last ten years of work in Syria be shared with those in conflict situations so that all of the rich resources and learnings can be put to good use. 

 Sahana gave us a detailed analysis of the work of bringing multi stakeholders together in order to ensure the agenda of Women, Peace and Security is put front and center in the minds of policy decision makers. She applauded the partners on the call for their bravery and willingness to imagine a better and more peaceful world and for their consistent daily work to make this a reality.  Indeed, Security Council Resolution 1325 came from women in the Global South saying to those in the North - “What you are doing is not working, we need a better way” . She also reiterated the need for a collective vision of what peace would look like, and to take a step back to assess what is working and what is not.  By being willing to co-create something better there exists a real potential for a more secure world. .  

“Women want to change the dominant security narrative  … for the benefit of everyone. We can change the narrative of what is possible by seeing through a feminist lens” - Sahana Dharmapuri

John took us deep into the reality of the “captured state” - which is what happens when war economies take hold and become a perpetual money making machine for a few corrupt individuals. In order to tip the balance for those living in these countries who want an even playing field, the importance of using the tools of network sanctions and challenging the incentive structures that reward violence and authoritarianism cannot be overstated.  John’s decades of work in the DRC meant that he was particularly in tune with Dr. Alice’s deep feelings of frustration and shared how his own journey had evolved as an activist, to focus on dismantling the means by which war machines and kleptocracies thrive. This was a timely discussion, as his piece in Project Syndicate last week demonstrated on the occasion of Secretary Blinken’s visit to the Congo and Rwanda. 

We finished with a conversation on why Peace and Security is so difficult to fund, and not just in the world of philanthropy. As the world keeps spending trillions of dollars fighting wars only to rebuild after the destruction, a tiny portion of that invested in prevention would bring untold dividends.

“It's so hard to quantify the results of investments in peace” - John Prendergast

Conclusion: 

This was just the beginning of a series of workshops that Rockflower will be producing throughout the year as we digest the conversations and dig deeper into other ways to ensure that our partners have access to a shared platform of tools, techniques and approaches that can continue to contribute to the improvement of life and well being for so many women and girls and their communities. 

We are grateful to everyone who participated and thank all of our speakers for their insights, vision and clarity. 

Rockflower Partners with Flicker of Hope, Kenya

Rockflower is pleased to announce our newest partnership with Flicker of Hope, a community based organization located in Nyamira County, Kenya. The organization aims to organize and empower vulnerable rural populations in drought prone areas, with an emphasis on women and children, by helping them to build sustainable livelihoods and to empower the communities to become self-reliant. Rockflower has provided funding for their project, Promoting Smokeless Fuel & Sustainable Incomes for Women, which will be addressing a number of issues including resource and water scarcity, deforestation, pollution, public health, and the lack of sustainable employment in the area. 

Nyamira County is an area with very few options for earning a living. The area is prone to crop failure and drought. One of the only consistent resources in the area has been wood from the forests, which are used for fires and building materials. However, the prevalence of deforestation has caused the few watersheds in the area to dry up. Due to a lack of resources, the forest is being destroyed, water is being depleted and the air is becoming polluted from all of the smoke. 

Flicker of Hope is partnering with Rockflower to bring smokeless bio-briquettes and cookstoves to the county. This project will reduce deforestation, utilize untapped resources, increase public health, and provide income to rural women who will produce the bio-briquettes. The briquettes are made primarily from brush and bushes, which until now have not been utilized as a resource and also inhibit forest growth.

Additionally, this is a self employment opportunity for rural men and women. They will train people on how to collect the brush and provide a consistent source of income to those people. Jobs will also be created through the production of the bio-briquettes as well as through distribution and transportation of the product. The organization will focus on providing jobs to disadvantaged women and girls. 

Rockflower looks forward to working with Flicker of Hope as they promote the effective utilization of resources, conservation and preservation of the environment, improved opportunities for child education, adoption of healthy & hygienic lifestyles, financial inclusion, skills development, entrepreneurship & women empowerment.

A Year in Review from Gambia Goat Dairy

Gambia Goat Dairy is a team of Gambian agriculturalists and Penn Vet faculty and students dedicated to creating a brighter, more livable future through creating productive and environmentally conscious agricultural systems that alleviate poverty, improve maternal and child nutrition, and prioritize community wellbeing. Since 2016, we’ve been exploring the role of agriculture in solving the interconnected, wicked global problems as outlined by U.N. Sustainable development goals:

• 1. No Poverty

• 2. Zero Hunger

• 3. Good Health and Wellbeing

• 6. Gender Equality

• 8. Decent Work and Economic Growth

• 10. Reduced Inequalities

• 12. Responsible Consumption and Production

• 13. Climate Action

• 17. Partnership for the Goals

At Gambia Goat Dairy, and through our Executive Director Brianna Parsons’ employment as a lecturer in Sustainable Agriculture at Penn Vet, we always think big about our world. Our global population is projected to increase from 7.7 to 10 billion people by the year 2050. With this, we’ll face major global challenges. Our world will need to produce more food in the next 50 years than has ever been consumed in human history. To do this in the face of climate change creating ever-growing uncertainty threatening traditional agriculture, innovations in agricultural productivity and producer resilience needed to build a world free of hunger.

West Africa is already facing these challenges, and their impact will only worsen as the region experiences some of the highest global population growth and some of the worst impacts of climate change. Currently, 23% of children under 5 years suffer from stunting malnutrition. Stunting malnutrition has intergenerational, adverse health consequences such as impaired cognitive development, decreased immune function, increased likelihood of disease, and reduced growth rates. Animal-sourced foods, like milk, meat, and eggs, have been proven to reduce stunting malnutrition, but these foods are 16-times more expensive in West Africa than they are in the U.S. These foods are more expensive for two reasons:

1. Underproductive livestock agriculture in the region - An average cow in in The Gambia produces just 3% of the milk per day that a cow in the U.S. can produce!

2. An influx of imported milk and meat products – imported products aim to fill this gap but undercut the domestic agricultural sector, by shipping excess foods produced across the globe into the region and ‘exporting’ the profits from their sales at the expense of Gambian agricultural sectors

As a result, malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies consequently plague West Africa’s most vulnerable populations who rely on cheaper carbohydrate staples to fill their stomachs. Strategic, targeted investment into productive local livestock systems is an important means of reducing malnutrition while growing a critically important domestic industry . Productive smallholder agricultural systems have widely beneficial effects on societies by creating wealth, improving environmental stewardship, promoting food sovereignty, and boosting community nutrition. We aim to create a model that works for leveraging sustainable livestock agriculture to improve holistic community wellbeing in Gambia.

Gambia Goat Dairy (GGD) is a social enterprise that employs sustainable agricultural practices to spur economic development, empower communities, and end malnutrition. We are creating a teaching and research farm from the ground-up that investigates and employs agricultural best practices to improve wellbeing of humans, animals and the environment alike. Our small-scale commercial farm will sell pasteurized, affordable dairy products, increasing access to nutritious foods for the people in our community. We will investigate innovative educational strategies to share agricultural knowledge with farmers throughout the country and ultimately expand pasteurization capacity to create a national dairy cooperative and dairy industry. We strive to achieve impact in the following key areas:

1. Improving maternal and child nutrition through access to safe and affordable, domestically produced animal source foods

2. Improving smallholder farmer wellbeing through economically viable, domestic agricultural production – thereby improving food sovereignty of the country and spurring economic development through agricultural systems

3. Empowering women agriculturalists across the food value chain through targeted agricultural and business outreach

4. Integrating youth employment opportunities and deploying youth outreach strategies to inspire the Gambia’s future generation to create attractive employment opportunities across the agricultural value chain

5. Promoting environmentally sustainable agricultural practices across the region and creating a model for environmentally responsible agriculture 

With The Gambia as the site of our pilot project, we are creating a model dairy system that can be widely prescribed to generate wealth for smallholders. GGD combines systems thinking with entrepreneurship and veterinary expertise, defining problems with data to formulate evidence-based solutions with tangible measures of impact. Understanding the complexity of the problem helps us design solutions that will work when solving such interconnected and challenging global problems. 

Our team is made up of two full-time Gambian employees – Sulay Camara and Sainey Badjie who’ve been working with us since 2018. Dr. Brianna Parsons (VMD MSEd) serves as Executive Director and helps link The Gambia to Penn Vet. Other Penn Vet faculty/alumni involved in Gambia Goat Dairy include Drs. Tom Parsons, Katrin Hinrichs, Carla Chieffo and Dave Galligan. We also support Penn undergraduate, veterinary, and professional students through in-country and research internships, and to date have sponsored eight students with five additional students planned to work with us in the summer of 2022. Lastly, we engage in strategic partnerships to amplify the impact of our work, most recently exploring collaborations with the Medical Research Council of The Gambia, the University of The Gambia, and the Banjul American International School.

Sainey Badjie and Sulay Camara

Brianna Parsons and Sainey Badjie

In December 2021, Gambia Goat Dairy was awarded a Penn Global Holman Africa Research and Engagement Fund award for nearly $200,000 over the next three years. Rockflower Fund generously supported this application with $30,000 in matching funds allocated over three years. With this award, we can finally build the teaching and research farm we’ve envisioned for the past 6 years. We’ll investigate agricultural best-practices, including animal health, husbandry, and nutrition. We’ll research the economics of smallholder livestock agriculture, to produce recommendations of methods to improve smallholder revenues, and we’ll continue researching best pasture management strategies – a critically important research area that’s been neglected in The Gambia over the past decades. All of our research projects will be designed to answer critical questions to Gambian farmers, and all our findings will be shared with the community through evidence-based educational outreach to get this information into the hands of the folks who need it the most.

And given our intimate ties with Penn Vet, a world class veterinary teaching and research institution, we ultimately plan to use our findings from our work in Gambia to create entrepreneurial methodologies as tools for stakeholders across the region that reduce risk and increase impact of home-grown initiatives. Here at Gambia Goat Dairy, we understand that the local community is often best positioned to create solutions that work. We strive to support those working in this space through knowledge sharing around a vision for a prosperous future. By recognizing the interconnectivity of global challenges like poverty, nutrition, and women’s empowerment, we can intentionally design solutions poised to promote global equity and wellbeing, and create a community of like-minded visionaries working together to create a better future.

Update on AYA’s Five Keys in Five Villages Project

Rockflower partner, African Youth Alliance, based in Cameroon, has been working to support seven groups of women in five different villages, utilizing Rockflower’s Five Key Framework. The project includes thoughtful elements that serve to improve the women’s quality of life through training focused on peace and security, maternal and reproductive health, access to food and water, education, and economic empowerment. This two year project has faced a great deal of challenges as a result of the pandemic, however, since resuming activities in March of 2021, the project has had a great impact on the lives of women, and has pivoted to include COVID-19 prevention education into their curriculum. AYA has provided an update on the program and its impact on the community.

Peace and Security:

AYA held a number of group discussions on peace and security to help women to better manage crises and conflict in their own homes and communities. The rate of physical and/or sexual violence toward women from intimate partners in Cameroon is 51%. More than half of the women attending these sessions had themselves been victims of domestic and/or sexual violence. The trainings not only taught them how to react and de-escalate conflict and violence, but how to protect themselves and understand their rights and power in these situations. 

At the end of each training session, the women were encouraged to stay in contact with one another and continue to have conversations on these topics. The group labeled themselves as ‘Community Peace Ambassadors’ and as such committed to sharing knowledge regularly, providing training to others, informing their community that they can be contacted in times of crisis, as well as working together to identify problems and seek solutions for women’s safety.

Group participant, Petra Mbom, a 25 year old, single and a mother told AYA, “I have benefitted as well as my group because we have been taught that women also have rights and that they can stand firm to defend themselves. Also from the lectures given we are able to settle disputes in our families and in our community and we hope to change certain aspects in our community. That is, allowing women to have rights to landed property is our target.”

Maternal and Reproductive Health:

AYA knew that focusing on women’s reproductive and sexual health was one of the most important aspects of this project. Since the women in these groups have received little, if any education on their sexual health, the potential for impact was immense. 

The primary focus areas for these sessions were education on HIV/AIDS, family planning, and menstruation. AYA enlisted the help of community nurses to stress the importance of learning their HIV/AIDS status, help them to understand the damage caused by stigamitizing and discriminating against other women based on their status, and to educate women who are HIV positive on how to stop the spread. 

In terms of family planning, the group focused on practices that would promote the health of both the mother and child, such as spacing out births. This topic was particularly impactful, as some of the women came to the session with the belief that they were going to be discouraged from having children, which was not the case. 

One participant explained, “Family planning has been taught in our group and we now understand that family planning does not mean women should stop giving birth or should not give birth, but it helps women to space their births and maintain a healthy family. Also, we now know the importance of reusable sanitary pads, how to use and take proper care of the pads.” Overall, the participants learned a great deal about caring for themselves as they navigate childbirth, sexually transmitted illnesses, and menstruation.

Access to Food and Water:

This portion of the project focused primarily on agriculture and land stewardship. Many of the women who participated in this training were already farmers by trade, while others were interested in gardening to supplement their family’s food supply. Some of the skills taught included preparing land for farming or gardening, propagating and nursing fruit trees, and understanding root systems.

The women also gained knowledge on land stewardship and conservation. They began a project in which they mapped out sites that would be considered unsafe or risky for farming, which led to a much higher success rate of crops in the area. This was the first time that the community conducted a study of land types, and it will have great long-term benefits. Through this mapping the women learned about the impacts of deforestation, land erosion and overfarming. They also learned about and implemented compost piles, harvested cabbage from community gardens and began an initiative titled “Operation One Man One Tree” in which each participant will plant a tree and encourage friends and family to do the same.

One participant, Ngwainmbi Mercy, who is 26 years old, married and a mother of two children said she has benefitted from the agricultural techniques that she learned through AYA’s training. Her and her group have been able to cultivate carrots, cabbages, and beans and this has helped them to provide food for their families and communities.

Education:

Due to the immense success and positive feedback from the maternal and reproductive health education, AYA decided to focus their education training on female empowerment. Several group meetings were held in which the groups discussed the negative impacts of early marriage and teenage pregnancy. They also gained valuable insight about the role of sexuality for women, which is generally considered taboo to discuss. Much of the conversation focused on the importance of fighting for their rights, maintaining good self esteem, and discrediting many cultural norms and traditions that serve to keep women out of positions of power. 

After this training, the women felt that they had a better understanding of how to live their lives with dignity, without shame and how to encourage the next generation of women to lead fulfilling lives. 

Juscentha Fukuin, a 40 year old mother of four children told AYA that she will no longer encourage her children to marry at a young age. 

Another participant, fourteen year old Belva Ndum said “I have benefitted from the lectures on general hygiene, and I can now take good care of myself. I have hope in the future despite the crisis and the closure of schools. I also know I have to work hard if I want to be a good leader in future.”

The sessions typically ended with goal setting, where the women were able to discuss what they hoped to achieve, and how they could support one another to achieve those goals. 

Economic Empowerment:

The final pillar of AYA’s training focused on ensuring that the participants had an understanding of how to manage a small business. In these training sessions, they learned basic accounting principles, book keeping, how to evaluate business growth, identifying financial setbacks, and strategies to overcome setbacks.

AYA also created a revolving loan scheme, in which each of the women would contribute a certain amount of their income to provide loans to others. As their businesses grow, so would the fund, and more businesses could emerge. This year, the women were able to fund half of their goal for the revolving loan scheme. As their businesses gradually grew throughout the year, the group was able to achieve a 44.6% profit from the sales of items like manure, salt, soap, and body lotions. This also served as a hands on lesson in deducting expenses in order to calculate profit.

One business owner, Carine Bih, benefited greatly from this education. She learned that a business and the business owner are separate entities, and that it’s possible for the business owner to owe money to the business. She had been operating a doughnut stand for years, and had seen almost no profit. She told AYA that she would often give donuts away to her friends and family, but she wasn’t clear on the fact that when she did that, she would have to owe the cost of those ingredients to the business. Through the group training, she came to understand that she was the reason that her business was not profitable, and she learned how to keep record of any product that she gives away so that she can pay it back to the business. 

Many of the women involved in the program had been running businesses for years with no education on how to maintain and account for their business. This education has been invaluable to them as they now are able to recognize their profits and plan for their futures.

Overall, the training and resources provided by AYA has had an immense impact on improving the participants’ knowledge of their rights, especially sexual and reproductive rights, food security, income and agricultural skills. For these rural women in Cameroon, many of whom are young and/or single mothers, this education will serve to allow them to improve their quality of life and that of their families as they plan for the future. AYA noted that due to the challenges faced by these women, including extreme poverty, domestic violence, and child marriages, the program has been met with more than enthusiasm. The women are delighted and eager to better their lives and work together to improve their communities.