In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we shine a light on the relentless commitment and passion of Marie Roberte Laurent. As part of Winrock International’s Farmer-to-Farmer program, Marie embarked on an inspiring journey to Senegal, leveraging her extensive expertise in soap-making to train and empower women. Assignment Overview Marie’s assignment, our 247th in Senegal, occurred from July 2, 2019 to July 19, 2019. Partnered with the National Agency Of The House Of Tools (ANAMO) and the Tools House Of Mekhe, the primary objective was to train women from various villages on soap-making usi ..read more

Nigeria’s vast landscapes are a testament to its agricultural potential, a potential hindered at times by the high costs of synthetic fertilizers and the consequences of pesticide misuse. However, change is on the horizon. One name stands out in this transformative narrative–Extension Africa (EXAF). This vibrant private agribusiness is rewriting the rules on how farming advisory services are delivered to farmers. Today, they have taken on a new mission, and with the help of Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) volunteer Mark Otto, they are pioneering the path to sustainable and organic farming. EXAF’s mantr ..read more

In an interconnected world, ensuring the safety of our food becomes paramount. One of the most concerning issues is the presence of pesticide residues in our daily consumption. This journey began with a keen observation by a Winrock International Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) volunteer in 2017 and is evolving into a robust program designed to safeguard our health and enhance agricultural standards. While volunteering in Nigeria in 2017, Jolene Warnke, noted the absence of an organized system for testing pesticide residues on food products. The lack of equipment, regulations, and training led to unfor ..read more

In the University Abdoulaye Barry meeting room at Kipé in Conakry, surrounded by eager faces, a sense of anticipation filled the air. It was June 30, 2023, the commencement of a transformative week in Guinea. At the helm of this mission was Dr. Sandra Ross, an Expert in International Development and a long-term volunteer for the F2F program. Dr. Ross’ task was to empower 18 individuals with crucial knowledge about gender equality, demystifying the nuanced interplay between gender and development. Dr. Ross’s focus for the week was “Gender Mainstreaming” in F2F Activities Implementation. Though ..read more

In the heart of Lagos State, a new chapter in agricultural development is being written, and its protagonist? Data. In our digital age, it’s clear: mastering data is not just an added skill but a necessity. Moreover, who better understands this than the Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority (LSADA)? With an aim to modernize farming techniques and processes, they initiated an advanced training session to merge data analysis with agriculture. Meet Damon Walker: The Data Wizard in the Farming World Images of tractors, fields, and crops come to mind when one thinks of farming. But for Da ..read more

The story of the Federation of Horticulture Union in Upper Guinea Kankan (FUMA-HG) and its impact on empowering individuals, including those with disabilities, through horticulture is truly inspiring. It highlights the importance of sustainable agricultural practices and the transformative effect they can have on communities, particularly in regions facing economic challenges.     The success of FUMA-HG can be attributed to its determination, dedication, and collaboration with organizations like Winrock, which provide valuable support and expertise through initiatives like Farme ..read more

In the sprawling green campus of the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology (FCFMT) in Nigeria, a unique educational alliance blossomed, marking a pivotal moment in the academic journey of many. At the heart of this collaboration were two distinguished figures: Dr. Jessica Briskin and Dr. Tutaleni I. Asino. Their quest? To boost the proficiency and range of blended learning among Nigerian educators. The endeavor was an evolution of a Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) assignment titled “Building Faculty Pedagogical Skills to Effectively Deliver AET Curricula.” An earlier volunteer recommendati ..read more

Winrock International has completed yet another robust and empowering project in conjunction with the women’s collective of Haldi Potti! This initiative was actualized through the synergistic collaboration of Winrock International’s Farmer-to-Farmer Program and the assiduous volunteer efforts of Mr. Stephen Wood. Haldi Potti represents an industrious women’s assembly encompassing 155 members who constitute the nucleus of the Economic Interest Group (GIE). This formation was facilitated under the auspices of a Peace Corps volunteer. Engaged in the rigorous pursuit of agricultural activities, th ..read more

Through the effective facilitation of Winrock International’s Farmer-to-Farmer Program, a critical initiative in the field of community development, Volunteer Assignment #288, centered on disseminating soap and lotion production techniques, was successfully concluded in Guinea. The program, which took place from July 16, 2023, to July 31, 2023, was characterized by a synergistic effort of in-country Volunteer Bara Kasambara and U.S. Volunteer Robert Spencer, who dedicated their expertise and energy to empowering local communities. Within the first week, Kasambara and Spencer teamed up with the ..read more

The world of agriculture is vast and diverse, embracing not just the cultivation of crops but also the numerous creative ways in which these resources can be utilized. Recently, a unique Farmer-to-Farmer project carried out under the aegis of Winrock International has illustrated this eloquently. In this remarkable initiative, our committed volunteers, Mrs. Ndeye Fatou Ba, and Mr. Robert Spencer, collaborated to impart artisanal soap-making skills to the community of GPM Mankou in Senegal. The primary objective was to enable the beneficiaries to diversify their income sources and elevate the q ..read more