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FMO COVID-19 Response

Status: Completed

Period: November 2020 – April 2021

Partner: FMO & Greenland Fedha Limited (GFL)

The main aim of the project was to expand ongoing responses to specifically reach out to clients with various initiatives to aid in the fight against COVID-19. The initiatives included water, sanitation and hygiene services, provision of PPEs and awareness creation. This was done by raising awareness and education on COVID-19 to KTDA staff and communities/smallholders through;

  1. Support health and safety of workers and smallholder farmers through Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs);
  2. Provision of water, sanitation and hygiene;
  3. Support staff with connectivity as part of the digitization of GFL’s operations;
  4. Support community groups to produce lifesaving services and products such as masks and soap for hand washing;

Impact

  • The demand for sanitization products like soap and sanitizers and face masks spiked and presented a viable business opportunity for smallholder tea farmers that would not only support the efforts towards COVID-19 prevention but provide an additional source of income. GFL has supported 360 smallholder tea farmers with majority being women in 12 factories. The training was done in their communities and in small batches (of 10-15 people) in respect for the restrictions against public gatherings. The groups were trained on business skills to ensure they could understand basic business management practices. Following the training the groups each received a set of start-up equipment and materials to get going immediately. The groups have reported sales and are optimistic on breaking even and having improved livelihoods.
  • The GFL (SCO’s) staff involved in this project have gained crucial skills on group management and grant management. This has built employee confidence, which will translate to staff retention.

 

 

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