Latest News
We are currently looking for an Accountant to serve on a regional project Shelter for Life International (SFL)
October 29, 2024Oficial de Monitoramento e Avaliação (M&A) Organização: Shelter for Life International (SFL)
October 21, 2024
Effects of different soil substrates on the germination emergence and growth of cashew varieties (Anacardium occidentale L.) at the ISRA station in Sangalkam/Senegal
October 10, 2024
USDA team visits Bissau
October 10, 2024Social Media Posts
; Through the USDA-funded LIFFT Cashew project, Shelter For Life is making strides in climate-smart agriculture by providing 42 tons of organic fertilizer and 50,000 grafted seedlings to local farmers. By partnering with cooperatives like AJAC LUKAAL and FAMVI.
🌍 #ShelterForLife
we’re enhancing productivity and fostering sustainability in the SeGaBi area. These efforts are crucial in our collective response to climate change, driving impactful progress for resilient communities.
💪#SustainableAgriculture #ClimateAction #CommunityImpact #LIFFTCashew
Through the USDA-funded LIFFT project, we’re driving sustainable development by rehabilitating 18km of track on the Pelundo-Jolmete axis. This crucial improvement enhances access for local communities and empowers farmers to transport their produce more efficiently.
Our efforts are a testament to the transformative impact of climate-smart agriculture initiatives. Together, we’re paving the way for resilient communities and a sustainable future.
#ShelterForLife #SustainableDevelopment #CommunityEmpowermentAgriculture
On the initiative of USAID, a large round table was organized with the various projects and programs in Casamance. All the NGOs supported by the US government presented their initiatives to the press.
🌟By working together and sharing knowledge, we are making significant progress in improving the lives of the people of Casamance. Shelter for Life and PRM also presented the remarkable work they are doing alongside these NGOs for the communities.
Together, we are creating a brighter future for Casamance. Stay tuned for more updates on our collective efforts!
#USAID #Casamance #USDA #LIFFTCajou #CommunitySupport #NGOs #SustainableDevelopment #MediaEngagement
On the initiative of USAID, a large round table was organized with the various projects and programs in Casamance. All the NGOs supported by the US government presented their initiatives to the press.
🌟By working together and sharing knowledge, we are making significant progress in improving the lives of the people of Casamance. Shelter for Life and PRM also presented the remarkable work they are doing alongside these NGOs for the communities.
Together, we are creating a brighter future for Casamance. Stay tuned for more updates on our collective efforts!
#USAID #Casamance #USDA #LIFFTCajou #CommunitySupport #NGOs #SustainableDevelopment #MediaEngagement
USDA Supports LIFFT Cajou Project in Certification Efforts 🌟
With the support of the USDA, the LIFFT Cajou project hired a consultant to assist processors and cooperatives in obtaining HACCP and NOP certification.
#USDA #LIFFTCajou #HACCP #NOP
This critical step ensures the highest standards of safety and quality in our operations. Smailing Coast in Gambia received training from the consultant on hygiene standards for kernel production.
#Certification #FoodSafety #QualityStandards
This training is essential for meeting certification requirements and enhancing the overall quality and safety of our products. 🥜We help local processors and cooperatives meet international standards and improve their competitiveness in the marketplace.
#CommunitySupport
USDA Supports LIFFT Cajou Project in Certification Efforts 🌟
With the support of the USDA, the LIFFT Cajou project hired a consultant to assist processors and cooperatives in obtaining HACCP and NOP certification.
#USDA #LIFFTCajou #HACCP #NOP
This critical step ensures the highest standards of safety and quality in our operations. Smailing Coast in Gambia received training from the consultant on hygiene standards for kernel production.
#Certification #FoodSafety #QualityStandards
This training is essential for meeting certification requirements and enhancing the overall quality and safety of our products. 🥜We help local processors and cooperatives meet international standards and improve their competitiveness in the marketplace.
#CommunitySupport
We’ve just completed a comprehensive Cooperative Management and Leadership training for 15 cooperative leaders at the Kiang West Cashew Farmers’ Cooperative Society in Keneba. 🌟
#CooperativeTraining #LeadershipDevelopment
This training is part of our ongoing commitment to empower local leaders with the skills and knowledge to effectively manage their cooperatives and drive sustainable growth within their communities. 🛠️🤝
By strengthening leadership and management capabilities, we are laying the foundation for more resilient and successful cooperatives, ensuring they can continue to thrive and support their members.
#CashewFarmers #CommunityEmpowerment #Keneba #ShelterForLife
We’ve just completed a comprehensive Cooperative Management and Leadership training for 15 cooperative leaders at the Kiang West Cashew Farmers’ Cooperative Society in Keneba. 🌟
#CooperativeTraining #LeadershipDevelopment
This training is part of our ongoing commitment to empower local leaders with the skills and knowledge to effectively manage their cooperatives and drive sustainable growth within their communities. 🛠️🤝
By strengthening leadership and management capabilities, we are laying the foundation for more resilient and successful cooperatives, ensuring they can continue to thrive and support their members.
#CashewFarmers #CommunityEmpowerment #Keneba #ShelterForLife
General Assembly of the Agro-Bigene Cooperative on Mechanization and Horticulture 🌿
The meeting was attended by over 50 members, almost 90% of whom were men. The gathering provided an essential platform for discussing and addressing the challenges of increased production .
The women's representative shed valuable light on the difficulties and advantages they face in horticulture. The main topics covered were: The need for efficient and sustainable irrigation to support crop growth. Improving the safety and protection of horticultural fields.
The need for mechanized equipment to boost productivity and facilitate manual labor. 🌱🌾These discussions are crucial as we strive to overcome obstacles and implement solutions that support agricultural development and the inclusion of women within the cooperative.
LIFFT-Cashew
This is a 6-year program (2017-2023) funded by USDA and implemented by Shelter for Life International to enhance the production and trade of cashews in local and international markets.
The LIFFT-Cashew project works around four objectives which are:
Increase RCN quality
Production: High yields and high quality of RCN in trees
Production of organic RCN
Organic certification: Production of organic RCN
Post-harvest Farming
Maintain high quality of RCN after harvesting
Post-production handling
Improve post-production handling, and strengthen farm management.
Our Components
On-Farm Practices
Training on good agricultural practices was provided to 20,946 cashew producers through pre-selected cooperative members as trainers/facilitators, who attended thematic train-the-trainer modules on pruning, thinning, nut separation, drying, storage, organic standards, and new plantation establishment techniques. A total of 721 trainers were trained. 32 nurseries were established by the support of the project in three countries and in total 98.000 seedlings were produced and sold to cashew producers. In total 46.815 hectares of cashew plantations were improved by application of good agricultural practices. 3.027 producers were certified for organic production.
Market Access
24 cooperative societies were established or strengthened by providing series of training and daily coaching on business management, access to finance, sales, and market relations. Massive sensitization of cooperatives was supported, reaching at least 25,278 cashew producers. This resulted 145 commercial contracts signed between cooperatives and buyers, on supply of RCN. In total 122.397 MT of cashew nuts were sold collectively amounting $105.912.210 in value of sales.
Access to Finance
The Project is working with financial institutions to increase access to microcredits and loans to cashew producers and processors. Two (2) financial institutions (microfinance) provided loans in amount of $917,897 and fifty-three (53) individual buyers and trading companies provided to producers and cooperatives pre-financing in amount of $64.487.593. The project Cashew fund disbursed to nine (9) processing facilities loans in amount of $740.000 for purchase of raw cashew nuts (RCN) during the season, that leveraged $4.641.041 private investment into the cashew sector. 1.777 individuals (incl. 463 women) were trained about entrepreneurship, financial management, loans.
Infrastructure
Construction and rehabilitation of rural roads to facilitate the flow of cashew nuts. combines both heavy machinery and manual labor to create employment opportunities. To date 136,24 KM of feeder roads constructed and 4,640 jobs created. In total 15.564 m3 of storage were rehabilitated and constructed which allowed farmers to maintain quality and organize collective sales.
