By Foday Moriba Conteh
In a major move to address food insecurity and promote sustainable livelihoods, Mercy Ships Australia has teamed up with the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to launch a Sustainable Agriculture and Livestock Project in Falaba District, Sierra Leone. The agreement, valued at 1 million Australian dollars (USD 650,000) was signed recently in Freetown.
The project aims to resolve resource-based conflicts between cattle herders and crop farmers by fostering sustainable agricultural practices and improving livestock livelihoods, with a particular focus on empowering women. It also seeks to strengthen mediation platforms to promote peaceful conflict resolution within the region.
Andrew Bate, Chief Operating Officer of Mercy Ships Australia, highlighted that the initiative aligns with the organization’s broader mandate of addressing health issues by improving food security and nutrition. “This project is an essential part of our mission to improve community health by tackling the root causes of malnutrition and food insecurity,” he said.
The initiative will develop 50 hectares of inland valley swamps for rice cultivation, introduce improved livestock breeds and provide agronomic training to over 500 women. Saeed Bancie, FAO’s Country Representative, emphasized the project’s importance in transforming the agricultural and livestock sectors in Falaba, saying, “This marks the beginning of a comprehensive effort to improve both sectors in the district.”
The WFP Country Director, Yvonne Forsen, expressed her enthusiasm, noting that the partnership between Mercy Ships and food security efforts underscores the crucial role of food and nutrition in building healthier, more productive communities.
The project complements Sierra Leone’s Feed Salone strategy and aligns with the global Zero Hunger mission led by WFP and FAO. As part of the initiative, 10,000 economic trees will be planted and solar-powered boreholes will be developed to provide reliable water sources for agriculture and domestic use.
Economic empowerment is also a key focus. The project will establish women-led cooperatives and offer targeted training programs to ensure that its benefits reach the most vulnerable. By partnering with the Government of Sierra Leone and local communities, the project sets the stage for long-term success that can be scaled and replicated across other regions.
Through this collaboration, Mercy Ships, WFP, FAO and the Government of Sierra Leone are laying the groundwork for a sustainable and prosperous future for Falaba District.
