Overview:

ONG MARAPA successfully implemented a solar food dehydrator project for 50 women and girls from three districts in São Tomé and Príncipe (Água Grande, Lobata, and Caué), improving women’s livelihoods and contributing to the sustainable utilization of marine resources. The solar dehydrators have reduced post-harvest losses, enhanced the quality of dried fish, and promoted food safety, benefiting both the fishers and the consumers.   

The Challenge:

Climate change and the scarcity of fishery products have impacted coastal communities in Sao Tome and Principe, leading to food shortages and spoilage, making it important to find alternatives to diversify income sources for families in coastal areas.  

The Solution:

ONG MARAPA implemented a solar food dehydrator project, training 50 women and girls from three districts in Sao Tome and Principe in dehydration techniques. The project focused on fishing areas where most of the beneficiaries are located.  

Why this matters:

The solar food dehydrator addresses challenges related to food preservation, access to preservation, reduction in the use of preservatives, adding value to local products, sustainability, and education. It also aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1 (End poverty), SDG 2 (End hunger), SDG 5 (Gender equality), SDG 10 (Reduced inequalities), and SDG 12 (Sustainable consumption and production).   

Main outputs and achievements:

The project provided 50 women and girls with solar dehydrators and training, empowering them to manage and improve their livelihoods. This initiative not only enhances food security but also promotes economic empowerment and sustainable practices within the community. The project has also successfully built and installed a solar food dehydrator in the community of Porto Alegre, and conducted awareness-raising sessions and practical demonstrations for 10 women.   

Support the project:

Potential partners could support the project by providing funding for scaling up the project to reach more women and girls in Sao Tome and Principe, supporting the development of production chains and market access for dehydrated products, and investing in training programs for farmers and workers on sustainable agricultural practices and cultivation techniques.

Lessons learned:

The project received positive feedback from people who have tried dehydrated fruits, highlighting the quality and potential of the products.