Skip to content.

Skip to main navigation.

Skip to section navigation.

Association for Rural Development

The Association for Rural Development ARD was established in 1986 and started operations in 1989. It is registered as an NGO and is a member of the Sierra Leone Association of NGO’s (SLANGO).

ARD works on a range of programmes related to meeting the needs of the rural poor through the creation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of small scale projects. This comes in the form of training workshops where participants are taught the skills needed to improve their situation and are also encouraged to take responsibility for their own development.

Since 1998 ARD has moved towards specialising in microfinance, providing loans for small businesses. It mainly gives loans to women, who do not usually have access to formal banking systems.

Tools for Self Reliance has worked with ARD since 1989, supporting the artisans and small businesses that they work with through the provision of tools, sewing machines and equipment.

Tools for Self Reliance: Stories from Africa

REPORT ON TFSR GROUPS

Project Background

Assisting artisans access tools through TFSR/UK has been one of ARD’s commitments in alleviating poverty and improving standards over the past years. This was intensified when the Tools After Conflict Project was designed to increase the local production of goods and services and to provide training and employment for young people. Through this project [...]