By: Aminata Sesay
As Sierra Leone joined the global community in commemorating World Environment Day 2026, women in the country’s coastal communities are demonstrating how climate action can be successfully combined with economic empowerment.
On Plantain and Yelibuya Islands, 80 women fish processors are benefiting from energy-efficient fish-drying stoves introduced by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Sierra Leone. The initiative is helping to improve livelihoods while supporting efforts to protect the environment and combat climate change.
For many years, women engaged in fish processing have relied on traditional drying methods that require large quantities of firewood. This practice has contributed to deforestation and exposed processors to harmful smoke, posing significant environmental and public health challenges.
The newly introduced stoves are transforming that reality. Designed to consume less fuelwood and emit significantly less smoke, the technology offers a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable approach to fish processing. The stoves are expected to reduce pressure on forest resources, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and improve working conditions for women whose livelihoods depend on the fishing industry.
According to IOM Sierra Leone, the initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen climate resilience and promote sustainable natural resource management in vulnerable communities. In addition to its environmental benefits, the improved technology is enhancing efficiency in fish processing, enabling women to increase productivity and potentially boost their incomes.
The project underscores the vital role women play in environmental conservation and sustainable development. By providing access to climate-smart technologies, the initiative is helping communities adapt to environmental challenges while protecting and strengthening local livelihoods.
Environmental experts and advocates have long expressed concern over the effects of excessive firewood harvesting on coastal ecosystems and biodiversity. The adoption of cleaner fish-drying methods is therefore widely regarded as a significant step toward balancing economic activity with environmental sustainability.
As global attention remains focused on climate action, the experience of women on Plantain and Yelibuya Islands offers a practical example of how community-based solutions can generate lasting environmental and socio-economic benefits. For the beneficiaries, the energy-efficient stoves represent more than just a modern fish-processing tool; they provide an opportunity to safeguard health, strengthen businesses, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
IOM Sierra Leone has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting vulnerable communities through innovative programmes that promote resilience, environmental sustainability, and inclusive development across the country.
The initiative serves as a powerful reminder that empowering women with sustainable technologies can deliver meaningful progress in both climate action and community development, creating benefits that extend far beyond individual households.