The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), has on the 8th and 9th September, 2023 generously offered thirty-one motorbikes valued at $30,335 to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS). The donation is aimed at enhancing the mobility of MAFS personnel and improving their access to remote and hard-to-reach rural areas where they provide essential technical support to farmers engaged in agriculture and marketing activities.
The official handover ceremonies took place at the WFP Sub-Offices located in Kenema and Makeni. The motorbikes will be allocated to eight specific districts: Tonkolili, Pujehun, Moyamba, Kambia, Kenema, Koinadugu, Falaba, and Bonthe.
Speaking at the handover, Celina Auko, Head of WFP Kenema Sub-Office, emphasized that the motorbikes would address the challenges faced by MAFS technical staff in reaching out to farmers. She also highlighted that the support would contribute to increased agricultural production, benefiting farmers who, in turn, supply their produce to the home-grown school feeding program and contribute to the realization of the Government’s Feed Salone initiative.
Michael Stanley, acting Head of WFP Makeni Sub-Office, echoed those sentiments, emphasizing that the collaboration between WFP and MAFS underscores their joint commitment to advancing agriculture, promoting food security and ensuring that remote communities receive the necessary support in the fight against hunger.
On behalf of MAFS, the Assistant Director of Extension, Arouna Rashid Kamara, expressed profound gratitude to WFP for the invaluable donation. Kamara stressed that the mobility of frontline staff is critical to ensuring food security, and this support aligns perfectly with the Government’s vision.
District Agricultural Officers representing the eight beneficiary districts also extended their thanks to WFP for the timely and impactful donation. They noted that the motorbikes would enable them to reach and support more communities, particularly those located in remote areas.
Prior to the donation, WFP had relied on community youth contractors, but frequent visits by MAFS technical staff were challenging, hindering knowledge exchange and peer learning in best agronomic practices.
The handover of keys to the motorbikes marked the successful conclusion of the ceremony, underscoring the partnership’s commitment to bolstering agricultural development and food security in Sierra Leone.
