The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), through the Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP), has concluded a week-long Training of Trainers programme for 62 Agricultural Extension Officers aimed at strengthening the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices across Sierra Leone.
The training, supported by the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP), brought together 62 officers drawn from the country’s four regions, with 31 participants from the South-East and 31 from the North-West and North.
The programme focused on Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA), improved agronomic practices and the use of digital technologies to equip Extension Officers with practical knowledge and skills to support farmers in increasing food production and productivity under the government’s Feed Salone initiative.
Welcoming participants, Mathew Kenneh, District Agriculture Officer, encouraged the trainees to remain receptive to new ideas and acquire the necessary skills to help farmers improve agricultural production.
Boi-Baindu Robin, GAFSP Lead, reaffirmed the project’s commitment to supporting the Ministry’s Extension Wing in strengthening agricultural advisory services and improving farmers’ access to technical assistance.
She described agricultural extension services as a critical link between the Ministry and farmers, stressing that equipping Extension Officers with relevant knowledge was essential to closing existing gaps in agricultural advisory services.
“Extension is the gateway to farmers, and equipping you with the knowledge farmers seek is critical. GAFSP is here to bridge the extension gaps that often limit farmers’ access to extension advisory services,” she said.
She also highlighted three agricultural technology facilities being supported through FSRP funding from GAFSP to improve farming practices and service delivery across the country.
These include the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) System and Call Centre, through which farmers can dial 899 on either the Orange SL or Africell network to access agricultural extension advisory services.
The second facility is the Farmer Registry, which will enable the Ministry and its partners to connect with farmers, facilitate resource allocation and support evidence-based decision-making.
The third is the Soil Information System, designed to provide reliable information on soil conditions and guide the appropriate application of fertilizers. The system is expected to reduce production costs and promote more efficient farming practices by moving away from blanket fertilizer application.
At the conclusion of the training, Boi-Baindu Robin urged the Extension Officers to transfer the knowledge, innovations and practical skills acquired to smallholder farmers to support the implementation of the Feed Salone initiative.
In his keynote address, Alpha Yayah Mansaray, Director of Extension, said Sierra Leone remained committed to achieving food security, adding that Extension Officers had a critical responsibility in translating the government’s agricultural ambitions into practical results.
He noted that Extension Officers interacted directly with farmers and therefore played an important role in shaping their understanding and adoption of improved agricultural practices.
“You interact with farmers directly, so they learn from you all the time. That is why training is often necessary,” he said.
Mansaray urged the officers to provide farmers with accurate technical guidance and build their confidence in adopting recommended farming methods, noting that improved agricultural practices could contribute significantly to increased production and productivity.
“I am here to represent everyone who believes in President Bio’s vision to Feed Salone. We have done some good work, but I urge Extension Officers to do more to sustain and transform agriculture in Sierra Leone,” he said.