By: Saidu Jalloh
In a major step toward enhancing food production and improving rural livelihoods, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), in collaboration with Helen Keller International, has officially handed over vital agricultural equipment and infrastructure to 56 Farmer-Based Organizations (FBOs) across three key districts—Moyamba, Kambia, and Bombali.
The symbolic handing-over ceremony, held at the MAFS District Office in Moyamba, featured the distribution of 54 solar-powered irrigation pumps, two modern poultry houses, flatbed milling machines, startup feed supplies, and other essential farming tools. These interventions are designed to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen climate resilience, and support year-round farming for thousands of local farmers.
Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Sahr Hemore, Deputy Minister II of Agriculture and Food Security, reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to fostering sustainable partnerships aimed at achieving national food self-sufficiency.
“The Ministry remains steadfast in its collaboration with development partners to lay a solid foundation for sustainable food security in Sierra Leone,” Hon. Hemore stated. “These facilities will not only enhance the productivity of our farmers but also open up opportunities for income generation, better nutrition, and rural economic growth.”
He further revealed that similar support packages will be distributed in Kambia and Makeni in the coming days, underscoring the government’s broader agenda to empower FBOs and transform Sierra Leone’s agricultural landscape.
Representatives from Helen Keller International commended the government’s leadership and reiterated their organization’s commitment to supporting agriculture, nutrition, and livelihoods in rural communities.
Many of the beneficiaries particularly women and youth farmers—expressed gratitude and enthusiasm about the positive impact these tools are expected to bring to their farms and communities.
This joint initiative supports Sierra Leone’s National Agricultural Transformation Agenda and marks a significant stride toward achieving sustainable agriculture, food security, and inclusive economic development.