Fatima Bio Supports Women Farmers with Food-Processing Equipment

First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio has handed over agricultural food-processing equipment to women engaged in agriculture across Sierra Leone, as part of efforts to boost food production and promote women’s economic empowerment.

The presentation ceremony took place at the First Lady’s office following months of engagement with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), which provided the machines.

According to the First Lady, the support follows an appeal she made to TIKA to assist women farmers and agro-processors across the country.

“Months ago, I appealed to TIKA to support hardworking women farmers and agro-processors in the country,” she said.

She explained that consultations and assessments were conducted nationwide to identify women actively engaged in agriculture and most in need of support before the equipment was distributed.

The First Lady noted that empowering women in agriculture remains a key priority, particularly due to its link with the government’s flagship Feed Salone initiative championed by President Dr. Julius Maada Bio.

“Empowering women with the right tools and opportunities is critical to strengthening food security, increasing productivity, and improving livelihoods across our nation,” she added.

The agro-processing equipment is expected to support women involved in food production and processing, while also enhancing agricultural productivity and small-scale agribusiness activities.

Fatima Bio also expressed appreciation to TIKA for what she described as a meaningful partnership aimed at improving the lives of women and their communities.

“To TIKA, I extend my sincere appreciation for this generous partnership and for providing these food-processing machines,” she said.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen local food production, women’s empowerment, and the promotion of the “Made in Sierra Leone” agenda.