By Yusufu S. Bangura
In a move to bolster agricultural development in Sierra Leone, the Sierra Leone Chamber for Agribusiness Development (SLeCAD) has partnered with the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) to launch a transformative capacity-building project. This initiative, unveiled to local farmers and stakeholders on Thursday, July 11, will officially commence on Friday, July 20, 2024.
Ahmed Nanoh, Executive Secretary of SLeCAD, underscored the project’s goal of empowering women and youth as pivotal drivers of Sierra Leone’s economic growth. “Women and youth are crucial to our nation’s development, yet many rural farmers, predominantly women, lack essential farming knowledge. This project is designed to bridge that gap and transform them into productive entrepreneurs,” Ahmed Nanoh explained.
The initiative will focus on providing training in entrepreneurship, business development, and processing techniques specifically for onions and cassava. This approach aims to shift participants from being job seekers to job creators, enhancing their economic stability and self-sufficiency.
Ahmed Nanoh highlighted the ‘Feed Salone’ initiative, a strategic effort to reduce rice importation by 50%, which is expected to stabilize the country’s economy and improve living conditions. “The cost of rice importation is significant. Cutting this expenditure in half will contribute greatly to national economic stability,” he said.
SLeCAD plans to address critical issues raised by farmers, such as access to fertilizers, seeds, and equipment. Ahmed Nanoh encouraged farmers to leverage the support provided, noting that Port Loko has the potential to become one of Sierra Leone’s wealthiest districts.
Abdul Karim Kamara, Secretary General of the Kamaranka Farmers Association, expressed appreciation for SLeCAD’s efforts and committed to making the most of the opportunity. He welcomed the initiative’s focus on addressing the challenges faced by farmers.
In conclusion, Ahmed Nanoh urged farmers to engage fully with the project, emphasizing that the selection of 120 dedicated farmers to benefit from this program reflects its importance not just as a business endeavor, but as a significant step towards national progress.
