In 1991, Korka Diaw’s world shifted when she discovered that women could make a living from rice farming. This revelation ignited a passion within her, but what she didn’t anticipate were the formidable challenges that lay ahead. With no collateral to secure a bank loan for seeds and fertilizer, and facing societal norms that made land ownership for women in rural Senegal seem like a distant dream, Diaw’s journey was bound to be arduous. Yet, she pressed on, laying the foundation for a transformative movement in Senegalese agriculture.
Despite the hurdles, Diaw secured a small, subpar plot from the local government and began farming. Implementing a drip irrigation system and harvesting her initial crops, she quickly recognized the critical need for knowledge sharing among women farmers. This realization led her to establish REFAN (Réseau des Femmes Agricultrices du Nord), a network that now boasts 16,000 women farmers in northern Senegal.
REFAN’s impact has been profound. Olivier Buyoya, Regional Director for West Africa at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), lauds the network’s operating model for generating employment and providing essential training and educational opportunities, which are pivotal for the financial independence of its members. Through partnerships with organizations like the Baobab Group, REFAN ensures that its members have access to credit, empowering them to overcome the adversities they face.
Diaw initially started as a trader, but the potential of rice farming appealed to her practical needs. “I’m part of a large family, and if you want to feed your family, you have to do it yourself,” she explains. Overcoming numerous obstacles, she expanded her farms and built processing facilities, now employing 40 people across Senegal. Climate change has necessitated adaptability in her farming techniques, planting during both traditional and off seasons to mitigate erratic rainfall and high temperatures.
Recognizing the systemic exclusion of women farmers in Senegal, Diaw founded REFAN to bridge this gap. REFAN helps women farmers access financing, trains them in climate-resilient techniques, and negotiates better rates for inputs like high-quality seeds and fertilizer. Diaw’s vision extended beyond rice farming, offering a lifeline to fisherfolk affected by climate change, providing them with alternative livelihoods in agriculture.
For Diaw, involving young people is crucial for sustainable development. REFAN’s roadmap includes training 400 young women in various agricultural and business skills. These efforts aim to equip the next generation with the tools to succeed, fostering leadership and entrepreneurial skills that can transform communities.
As REFAN’s membership swelled, Diaw and her team realized the need to reassess and realign their offerings. Freezing membership allowed them to evaluate and improve their services, ensuring they met the evolving needs of their members. This strategic pause led to the development of a new database, enhancing their ability to track and fulfill members’ needs effectively.
Diaw’s perseverance is a cornerstone of her success. Navigating logistical challenges and cultural barriers, she remained steadfast in her pursuit of agricultural success. “I have a quality no one counted on: endurance,” she says. “All I am today is thanks to rice farming.”
