How can we learn in ways that can bring about transformational change? For those of us that have had the opportunity of education, what is often missing is learning about learning itself. The same often applies to teams and organisations as a whole. Our “Essentials of a Learning Organisation”, which you can read here, seeks to address this gap.
In The Gambia, since 2018, we have been working with our partner United Purpose on a programme with a women-led marketing federation. The Sosolaso (meaning “all united) project has been working to improve the livelihoods, nutrition and networks of around 30,000 women farmers. We have learnt from the way participants engage with each other and us. The women involved, for example, learn in creative and distinctive ways, including song and dance.
This year, with our partners from TARUD and WIG, through interviews led by Baai Jaabang (TARUD), Isatou Ceesay (WIG) and Fatou Jaiteh (University of the Gambia), we undertook an impact study about this work stream. This included a focus on identifying the unintended consequences of the activities we and others have been contributing to. This is our first initiative of such a significant scale and provides us with an opportunity for reflection to learn and improve. We would like to thank all involved in The Gambia and Sam Bishop (University of Bath) for their valuable contributions. You can read a summary of the report here.
This week, we have resumed our in-person work in The Gambia. In our two forums, we will facilitate the next phase of the process of capacity development. The women involved are striving to efficiently market their products, strengthen their relationship with stakeholders and promote ownership and sustainable change.
Strengthening the role of women in agriculture produces long-term, positive results for farm families and their neighbours. The UN's FAO asserts, for instance, that abolishing gender-specific barriers in farming would not only unleash women’s highest economic potential, but it would also eliminate hunger for 150 million people. You can read more about this research and other insights in this National Geographic article.
Change maker of the week:
Quote of the week: “No country can ever truly flourish if it stifles the potential of its women and deprives itself of the contributions of half its citizens.” - Michelle Obama