In a significant move to enhance Sierra Leone’s agricultural research and productivity, the OCP Foundation has inaugurated a state-of-the-art training centre at the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI) Headquarters in Freetown. The initiative, which also includes the rehabilitation of laboratory facilities at the Njala Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), is part of the ongoing OCP Soil Acidity Reduction Project. This project aims to improve soil health and increase crop yields for smallholder farmers across the country.
The colourful commissioning ceremony was led by Meriam Hamdi of the OCP Foundation, alongside key stakeholders from the agriculture sector, including researchers, farmers, and institutional partners. The event marked a major milestone in efforts to strengthen local capacity and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Abdul R. Conteh, Acting Director-General of SLARI, expressed deep gratitude to the OCP Foundation for its steadfast support. He noted that the new training centre will serve as a hub for capacity building, technical training, and knowledge exchange among agricultural professionals.
Meriam Hamdi emphasized the importance of the project’s focus on demonstration plots and the rehabilitation of research laboratories, which she described as essential for fostering innovation and building resilience in the agricultural sector.
“By empowering researchers and farmers through improved facilities and practical learning environments, we are laying the groundwork for long-term transformation in food security and productivity,” she stated.
Also in attendance was Dr. Alie Kamara of Njala University, who welcomed the laboratory upgrades at NARC, calling them a timely intervention that would support advanced soil and crop analysis critical for evidence-based agricultural decision-making.
The event was also attended by filmmaker Abdessamad Sabouni, representing the OCP Foundation, who is currently documenting the project’s real-life impact on rural farming communities.
Following the inauguration, teams from OCP and SLARI conducted field visits to demonstration plots in Tonkolili, Moyamba, and Bo Districts. These sites highlight improved cultivation practices for staple crops such as maize and rice, made possible through enhanced soil conditions. The visits allowed stakeholders to assess the project’s progress and gain firsthand insights into its implementation challenges and successes.
In addition, Meriam Hamdi participated in a live interview on Radio Democracy 98.1 FM, where she discussed the project’s objectives and achievements. She stressed the importance of collaboration, innovation, and shared learning in addressing soil degradation and improving food production in Sierra Leone.
The visit concluded with a roundtable discussion at NARC, focused on the strategic use of the newly supplied laboratory equipment and the development of sustainability plans to ensure long-term impact and continued support for agricultural research.
The OCP Foundation’s investment in Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector reflects a strong commitment to research, innovation, and capacity development critical areas for achieving national goals on food self-sufficiency and climate resilience.