We are thrilled to spotlight Senya Amie Bakarr, who is making waves in the agribusiness sector with her innovative company, Jalimi Farms and Foods. Senya is one of the 18 women-owned micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) selected for the UNDP Growth Accelerator Programme, a transformative initiative aimed at empowering female entrepreneurs and fostering sustainable growth in our communities.
Jalimi Farms and Foods specializes in producing nutritious baby food, with its flagship product, Pikin Pap, rapidly becoming a household name. This traditional baby food mix is crafted from a blend of carefully selected ingredients, including cassava, orange fleshed potato, cornmeal, soybean, maize, and rice. Inspired by her own experiences as a mother, Senya launched her business after noticing that many commercially available baby foods were causing digestive issues for her son and others in her community. Her determination to provide healthier, more digestible options has resonated with many parents facing similar challenges.
The support from the UNDP has been instrumental in propelling Senya’s business forward. The program is structured in four tranches, and Senya has successfully received the first two. The first tranche enabled her to acquire a certified rice seed variety, enhancing the quality of her raw materials. The second tranche facilitated the purchase of essential equipment, including a maize grinder, sesame grinder, and a dehydrator machine—items that have already arrived at Jalimi Farms.
In addition to machinery, the second tranche also allowed Senya to procure vital inputs and raw materials—maize, rice, millet, soybeans, and peanuts—necessary for the final processing of her products. This strategic arrangement with suppliers ensures a steady flow of ingredients, mitigating the impact of seasonal weather challenges.
A key component of Senya’s commitment to her employees is the establishment of a daycare system at Jalimi Farms. This initiative not only supports the majority-female workforce by providing a safe and nurturing environment for their children but also encourages more women to participate in the workforce, balancing their family and career responsibilities.
Looking ahead, Senya is preparing for her third tranche request, which will focus on marketing expenditures to further expand her brand’s reach. This includes the acquisition of eco-friendly paper bags for her products, billboard and radio advertisements over the next six months, a month-long television campaign, and stickers for keke (the common tricycle taxi used in public transport). These marketing initiatives are designed to enhance brand visibility and drive sales, contributing to Jalimi’s growth.
Senya has also benefited from an array of training sessions and bootcamps facilitated by the Aurora Foundation, covering crucial areas such as goal setting, financial literacy, and business management. These sessions have equipped her with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship and to effectively pitch her business to potential partners and investors.
Senya’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and support in transforming lives and communities. As we celebrate her achievements, we remain committed to fostering an environment where women entrepreneurs can thrive, innovate, and contribute to a sustainable future.
