By Amin Kef (Ranger)
OCP Africa, a subsidiary of the renowned Moroccan fertilizer giant OCP Group, has entered into a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in a significant move towards bolstering Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector. The collaboration, aimed at fostering a resilient, inclusive and sustainable agricultural landscape, was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed on Thursday, May 9, 2024.
The Memorandum of Understanding, signed by, Mehdi Filali, Senior Vice President for West Africa at OCP and Musa Kpaka, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, underscores a commitment to prioritize soil health, empower farmers, and promote sustainable practices within Sierra Leone’s agricultural framework.
A key focus of this partnership is to drive grassroots-level transformations through various initiatives. Among these initiatives is the last-mile distribution of farm inputs and services, ensuring that even farmers in remote areas receive essential agricultural support. Additionally, efforts will be made to establish local production facilities for specialty fertilizers tailored to address specific soil deficiencies.
Recognizing the pivotal role of soil health and fertility in sustainable agriculture, the partnership will implement interventions aimed at enhancing soil quality, laying a robust foundation for long-term agricultural resilience. Leveraging digital technologies, farmers will gain access to real-time information and personalized advice through a digital decision support platform.
Moreover, integrated model farms will be established to showcase best practices in sustainable agriculture, while demonstration trials will highlight the efficacy of various agricultural technologies and practices.
The signing ceremony took place on the sidelines of the African Summit on Fertilizers and Soil Health (AFSH) in Nairobi, held from May 7 to 9. This summit convened policymakers, scientists, farmers and private sector representatives to address critical issues concerning soil health, fertilizer utilization, and sustainable agricultural practices across the African continent. Organized by the African Union, the event aimed to chart a course towards long-term solutions for food security and nutrition challenges in Africa.
