Saffiatu Bockarie is Breaking Barriers, Transforming Agriculture, and Empowering Women
In the heart of Kenema, where agriculture is the backbone of livelihoods, one woman is reshaping the narrative of agribusiness, proving that resilience, vision, and opportunity can turn challenges into triumphs. Saffiatu Bockarie, the CEO of Evergreen Women Agribusiness, has emerged as a formidable force in Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector—transforming rice and cassava farming into a thriving enterprise while creating sustainable job opportunities for women and youth.
A Journey of Passion, Struggles, and Determination
Saffiatu’s journey in agribusiness was born out of an unshakable passion for farming and a deep-seated commitment to food security. However, like many women in the sector, she encountered immense challenges that tested her resolve at every turn.
In the early years, the simple act of milling her rice required her to walk five miles to access a milling machine. The absence of proper storage facilities meant that a significant portion of her harvested crops would go to waste, causing post-harvest losses and financial strain. Limited funding restricted her ability to expand her operations, making it difficult to scale the business. Transporting her cassava and rice from the farm to her shop on Dama Road, Kenema, was another obstacle, as the farm was two miles away, with an additional five-mile journey to the milling powerhouse.
Despite these obstacles, Saffiatu refused to be defined by limitations. Every grain of rice she processed, every batch of cassava she harvested, and every challenge she overcame only fueled her determination to succeed.
A Game-Changing Moment – SLEDP’s Intervention
The turning point came when Saffiatu learned about the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP) through the Kenema Youth Chairman. Recognizing the opportunity to transform her business, she applied for the SLEDP Technical Assistance and Matching Grant Programme—a decision that changed everything.
With support from SLEDP, Evergreen Women Agribusiness underwent a groundbreaking transformation. One of the most significant milestones was the acquisition of a milling machine, eliminating the need for long and exhausting journeys to external milling facilities. The introduction of a tricycle revolutionized transportation for her business, making it easier and more efficient to move raw materials and finished products between locations.
To address the challenge of unreliable electricity, Saffiatu secured a 5KV generator, ensuring that her processing operations could run smoothly and efficiently. The installation of a threshing machine further enhanced the business, streamlining cassava and rice processing to increase output and improve overall efficiency.
Additionally, with SLEDP’s support, she expanded to a larger storage facility, reducing losses and ensuring product quality remained at its peak.
Beyond financial assistance, SLEDP provided her with invaluable training in business management, monitoring & evaluation, and grievance redress mechanisms, equipping her with the tools to run her business with greater confidence and strategic foresight.
Breaking New Grounds – From Local Markets to International Recognition
With SLEDP’s backing, Evergreen Women Agribusiness quickly gained momentum and established itself as one of the fastest-growing agribusinesses in the Eastern Region of Sierra Leone. The business attracted the attention of major buyers, including the World Food Programme (WFP), which recognized the quality and consistency of her products.
Her premium packaged rice and cassava products gained widespread popularity, drawing customers from Freetown, Bo, and beyond. As demand soared, so did the need for a larger workforce, and Saffiatu expanded her business to 21 employees. Unlike many informal businesses, she ensured that all her staff were fully registered under NASSIT and the National Revenue Authority (NRA), reinforcing her commitment to structured employment and business integrity.
At the heart of her success lies a profound dedication to women’s empowerment. Saffiatu has made it her mission to offer jobs and training opportunities to women in agribusiness, providing them with the tools and skills to achieve financial independence and professional growth.
Reflecting on her journey, she proudly declares, “SLEDP has marketed me to the international stage.” Her products, once limited to local markets, are now recognized beyond Sierra Leone’s borders, and she stands as a beacon of success for women entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector.
A Vision for the Future – Growth Beyond Borders
For Saffiatu, this success is only the beginning. With her business thriving, she envisions a future where Evergreen Women Agribusiness extends its reach beyond Kenema, establishing branches in multiple regions across Sierra Leone. She dreams of expanding into export markets, putting Sierra Leonean agricultural products on the global stage and competing with international brands.
But beyond business expansion, her ultimate vision is to empower more women and youth, providing them with training, mentorship, and employment opportunities to foster a new generation of agripreneurs who can drive economic growth and food security in Sierra Leone.
A Message to Women Entrepreneurs
As Saffiatu reflects on her remarkable journey, she has one powerful message for women striving to build their businesses:
“Hold your business with both hands, like a baby. Opportunities like SLEDP exist- grab them, learn, and grow. No matter how tough the journey, success is possible.”
Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and seizing opportunities. On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate Saffiatu Bockarie—a woman who is not just cultivating rice and cassava but cultivating change, empowering communities, and feeding the future.
Evergreen Women Agribusiness, Kenema – Growing Dreams, Harvesting Success!
