Eighty smallholder farmers from communities across Port Loko, Kambia, Tonkolili and Bombali Districts have been certified as Farmer Field School Facilitators after completing training aimed at improving cashew production and strengthening Sierra Leone’s growing cashew value chain.
The farmers, representing 80 communities, received their certificates during graduation ceremonies held in Port Loko and Bombali Districts. The training was conducted by Solidaridad West Africa in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security under the Developing an Inclusive and Sustainable Cashew Agroforestry Value Chain (DISCA-VC) Project.
Supported by the European Union in Sierra Leone under its Jobs and Growth Programme, the project is designed to improve farmers’ knowledge of cashew cultivation, sustainable agriculture and agribusiness while creating opportunities for increased household income.
Speaking during the certification ceremonies, Senior Programme Officer at Solidaridad West Africa, Alusine Tarawally, said participants were trained in climate-smart agriculture, good agricultural practices, cashew agroforestry, agribusiness and other areas relevant to cashew production.
“These include climate-smart agriculture, good agricultural practices, cashew agroforestry and agribusiness, among other areas,” Alusine Tarawally said.
He explained that the 80 facilitators would return to their communities and share the knowledge acquired with other farmers through farmer-to-farmer learning and existing Government agricultural extension services.
More than 300 smallholder cashew farmers across the four districts are expected to benefit from the knowledge and practical support provided by the newly certified facilitators.
Alusine Tarawally said the approach would encourage farmers to adopt improved and sustainable agricultural practices that could increase productivity and strengthen the resilience of cashew farms.
Bombali District Agriculture Officer, Lamin Mbogba, commended Solidaridad West Africa and its partners for investing in the capacity of smallholder farmers.
He said the training could contribute significantly to the development of Sierra Leone’s cashew sector by improving production techniques and expanding cultivation.
Lamin Mbogba noted that increasing cashew production could provide additional income opportunities for rural households while strengthening the agricultural sector.
Some farmers already participating in the project have started recording benefits from their cashew farms.
Silas Abel Kargbo, a smallholder farmer from Mapaki Community in Tane Chiefdom, Tonkolili District, said he has started harvesting cashew three years after planting his trees.
“The cashew has started to give us income now,” he said.
Apart from managing his farm, Silas Abel Kargbo is sharing his experience with other farmers interested in establishing cashew farms.
The project is also encouraging greater participation of women in cashew cultivation.
Sallay Sesay of Safroko Limba in Bombali District was among the 80 farmers certified after completing the Farmer Field School training.
In 2023, Sallay Sesay became the first woman in her group to be selected by her peers to participate in the training. She later became the first woman in her community to own a cashew farm with support provided through the DISCA-VC Project.
She said the training introduced her to practical methods of establishing and managing a cashew farm, including lining and pegging.
“I am excited that I have learned a lot about the cashew value chain, especially the steps to establish a cashew farm, including lining and pegging. I didn’t know how to do it before, but Solidaridad has trained me through the Farmer Field School training,” she said.
Sallay Sesay said owning a cashew farm has given her an opportunity to generate income and become more financially independent while supporting her children.
“Through the Farmer Field Schools, I have learned a lot. Now I have my own cashew farm, which is like a dream come true for me. With this, I can stand on my own and support my family, especially my children,” she stated.
She said she intends to encourage other women in her community and neighbouring areas to become involved in cashew farming.
The DISCA-VC Project is being implemented with support from the European Union in Sierra Leone in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Solidaridad West Africa and partners, including Develop Salone and Nianada.
The certification of the 80 facilitators is expected to expand farmer-to-farmer agricultural knowledge across the beneficiary districts while supporting efforts to improve cashew production, household incomes and rural livelihoods.
