BY: MOHAMED SAHR
In a concerted effort to bolster the Government’s Feed Salone Initiative, farmers across Kambia, Port Loko, Bombali, and Tonkolili Districts in Sierra Leone received vital training on cashew production, facilitated by Solidaridad on Friday, March 22nd, 2024.
Cashew, identified as a key cash crop with the potential to uplift farmers’ livelihoods and stimulate economic growth in Sierra Leone, took center stage during the training sessions. The initiative aimed to equip smallholder farmers with the necessary skills and knowledge to enhance cashew value chains, thus contributing to the country’s economic prosperity.
The comprehensive training, organized as part of the Jobs and Growth program, funded by the European Union, focused on imparting good farming practices to farmers in Port Loko. Under the Developing an Inclusive Sustainable Cashew Agroforestry Value Chain (DISCA-VC) program, which spans four years, farmers were educated on cultivating over 1,200 hectares of cashew in designated districts.
Alusine M. Tarawallie, Senior Program Officer at Solidaridad, outlined the objectives of the training, emphasizing the importance of farmers’ engagement in sustainable agriculture practices and climate-smart techniques. The Training of Trainers (TOT) format aimed to empower selected individuals to disseminate acquired knowledge within their respective communities, fostering widespread adoption of best practices.
Expressing support for the initiative, Alhasan K.S. Sesay, Executive Director of Develop Salone (DESAL), underscored the transformative potential of cashew production in improving farmers’ lives. He emphasized the inclusivity of the project, spanning from planting to processing stages, to ensure holistic development within the cashew value chain.
Ya Alimamy Haja Sesay, Port Loko Coordinator of the National Farmers Federation, commended the organizers for their efforts in providing insightful training sessions. Stressing the importance of acquiring relevant knowledge, she highlighted its role in maximizing farmers’ yields and income.
Participants like Mameh Sesay expressed gratitude for the invaluable knowledge gained during the training and pledged to disseminate it among their peers. They extended their appreciation to Solidaridad and its partners for empowering them towards sustainable agricultural practices.
The training signifies a significant step towards enhancing agricultural productivity and fostering economic growth in Sierra Leone, aligning with the government’s vision for food security and rural development under the Feed Salone Initiative.
