By Foday Moriba Conteh
As part of their efforts towards equipping smallholder farmers with the skills needed to enhance agricultural practices, boost productivity, and improve livelihoods in the country, Caritas Freetown with support from the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Sierra Leone has on Tuesday 13th February, 2024 inaugurated the Caritas Agricultural Training Center in Makomba Village, Koya Chiefdom, Western Area Rural District.
In his welcome address, Abdulai Kamara, the Headman of Makomba Village, expressed gratitude to Caritas Freetown and the German Embassy for selecting their village as the site for the Caritas Agricultural Training Center.
He described the initiative as not only important but also timely, as it seeks to empower local residents and serve as a source of motivation, knowledge and empowerment for present and future generations.
The Headman encouraged residents to take ownership of the investment and act as vigilant stewards for Caritas Freetown. He emphasized the importance of making good use of the facility by leveraging the opportunities provided by the Caritas Agricultural Training Center.
Councillor Salamatu Osmatu Koroma, representing the Western Area Rural District and serving as the Chairperson for the Committee on Agriculture at the Western Area Rural District Council, commended the collaborative efforts between Caritas Freetown and the German Embassy in establishing the Caritas Agricultural Training Center in Makombo Village.
Highlighting the center’s significance, she emphasized its role in equipping local farmers with vital knowledge and skills in agriculture, with the ultimate aim of enhancing crop yields and agricultural productivity in the region. The Councillor urged stakeholders of the village to rally behind Caritas Freetown and collaborate on the initiative.
Encouraging residents to embrace the center, Councillor Salamatu Osmatu Koroma urged them to seize the opportunity to acquire innovative agricultural practices and techniques, stressing the center’s function as a learning hub and a catalyst for agricultural innovation within the community, urging residents to fully utilize its resources.
In conclusion, she reaffirmed her commitment as Chairperson for the Committee on Agriculture at the Western Area Rural District Council to provide full support for the operations of the center.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security, Abass Dauda Conteh, the Admin Assistant at the District Agriculture Office, emphasized the longstanding challenges facing agriculture in Sierra Leone despite decades of practice.
He acknowledged that while agriculture has been a fundamental part of Sierra Leone’s economy, significant hurdles still hinder its progress, hailing the establishment of the Caritas Agricultural Training Center as a step in the right direction towards addressing those challenges.
The center’s focus on equipping smallholder farmers with essential skills to enhance agricultural practices, boost productivity, and improve livelihoods signifies a positive stride towards agricultural development in the country. Abass Dauda Conteh expressed optimism that initiatives like these would contribute to the overall improvement of agriculture in Sierra Leone.
In his address, the Executive Director of Caritas Freetown, Rev. Fr. Peter Konteh, expressed his pleasure and optimism at the opening of the center, made possible by the generous partnership of the German Embassy, emphasizing the transformative impact of the center on sustainable agricultural development, food security, and the empowerment of smallholder farmers in Sierra Leone.
He pointed out that the establishment of the Caritas Agricultural Training Center signifies hope for Makombo village and its environs, adding that the initiative underscores Caritas’ commitment to promoting agricultural innovation, knowledge sharing, and the adoption of modern farming techniques.
He maintained that through comprehensive training programs, the center aims to equip smallholder farmers with the skills needed to enhance agricultural practices, boost productivity, and improve livelihoods.
Rev. Fr. Peter Konteh expressed deep gratitude to the German Embassy for its unwavering support, essential in realizing the initiative. He emphasized the importance of such partnerships in addressing agricultural challenges and advancing sustainable development.
He revealed that the construction of phases 1 and 2 of the project reflects a commitment to creating a modern facility for agricultural excellence and knowledge dissemination and that the center will serve as a hub for training, innovation, and the adoption of best practices.
“Additionally, Caritas’ objectives align with national priorities outlined in the FEED SALONE program and government goals. Achieving food security and sovereignty is crucial for the nation’s well-being and prosperity, requiring collaboration among stakeholders,” he maintained.
Rev. Fr. Peter Konteh called upon all stakeholders to join hands in building a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable agricultural sector. Together, they aim to effect tangible improvements in the lives of Sierra Leoneans by bolstering productivity and promoting sustainable practices.
Rev. Fr. Peter Konteh extended gratitude to all contributors to the Caritas Agricultural Training Center. He expressed confidence in the center’s role as a source of inspiration, knowledge, and empowerment for future generations.
On his part, the German Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Jens Kraus-Massé, commended Caritas Freetown for adhering to their commitment to completing the construction of the center within the stipulated two-month timeframe.
He emphasized that their policies center around empowerment and strengthening the economic independence of women and girls, who are the backbone of the country’s agriculture, adding that the Caritas Agricultural Training Center aims to equip smallholder farmers with the necessary skills to improve agricultural practices, enhance productivity, and provide for their families.
The Ambassador pointed out that the inauguration of the center marks the beginning of a significant milestone for agricultural development, highlighting the crucial role of a well-functioning agriculture sector in promoting healthier children, better access to education, and contributing to nation-building.
Looking ahead, he expressed anticipation for the second phase of the project, which will see the realization of these plans in a short timeframe. Ambassador Kraus-Massé urged stakeholders to support the project, recognizing its potential to create lasting positive impacts on agriculture and community development.
The ceremony was climaxed by the official inauguration of the Caritas Agricultural Training Center by the Ambassador of the Embassy Federal Republic of Germany in Sierra Leone, His Excellency Jens Kraus-Massé, the Executive Director of Caritas Freetown, Rev. Fr. Peter Konteh and Councillor Salamatu Osmatu Koroma, representing the Western Area Rural District.
