By: Mohamed Sahr
Welthungerhilfe (WHH), the Conservation Society of Sierra Leone (CSSL), and partner organizations have launched two major agricultural and environmental projects aimed at strengthening water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), nutrition, agriculture, and rural livelihoods in Moyamba District.
The projects are supported by a total funding of €1.8 million from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The official launch took place on Tuesday, 2nd June 2026, at the Moyamba District Council Hall.
Speaking at the ceremony, Zuzana Brehova, Head of Programmes at WHH, described the launch as a major milestone, introducing two projects: “Increasing Agricultural Productivity to Reduce Hunger among Poor Rural Populations in Moyamba District, Sierra Leone” (SLE 1128) “Oasis on the Coast: Conservation of the Yawri Bay Marine Protected Area through Community-Based Conservation Measures and Sustainable Livelihoods in Eight Communities, Sierra Leone” (SLE 1129)
She noted that both projects are funded by BMZ and implemented with support from WHH. The SLE 1128 project will run from November 1, 2025, to November 30, 2028, while the SLE 1129 project will run from December 1, 2025, to November 30, 2028.
According to her, the initiatives represent a commitment to food security, environmental protection, economic development, and community resilience in Moyamba District and surrounding coastal areas.
Madam Brehova highlighted that despite Moyamba District’s fertile land and strong agricultural potential, many households continue to face food insecurity, low productivity, limited access to clean water, and increasing climate change impacts.
She also noted that communities around the Yawri Bay Marine Protected Area depend heavily on natural resources for their livelihoods. However, these ecosystems are under serious threat from mangrove destruction, overfishing, coastal erosion, pollution, and climate-related pressures.
She explained that the projects aim to promote climate-resilient agriculture, improve food and nutrition security, expand access to savings and financial services, and support women and youth through sustainable livelihoods. The projects will also enhance access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services.
Madam Brehova emphasized that sustainable development requires strong partnerships. WHH, SiLNoRF, WellFound, and CSSL will collaborate closely with communities, local authorities, and national institutions to ensure lasting impact.
She added that the collaboration with the Government of Sierra Leone and BMZ reflects a shared commitment to resilience building, food security, and environmental protection.
The projects will also promote community-based conservation, climate-smart agriculture, and improved local governance structures, with special focus on women and youth inclusion.
Dr. Sheku Kamara, Executive Director of CSSL, described the Yawri Bay Marine Protected Area as a critical biodiversity zone that supports fisheries, mangroves, coastal protection, and local livelihoods.
He warned that the area is facing increasing environmental threats, including unsustainable fishing practices, mangrove loss, pollution, habitat degradation, and climate change impacts.
He explained that the project aims to ensure communities actively participate in protecting and managing the Marine Protected Area through the implementation of management plans.
Dr. Kamara stressed that conservation is most effective when communities are empowered and supported with sustainable livelihood alternatives.
He further stated that the project will promote environmental awareness, restore degraded ecosystems, strengthen community-based natural resource management, and support income-generating activities. Special attention will be given to women and youth as key stakeholders in conservation.
Andrew Mustapha, Program Director of WellFound, said the organization is proud to support the SLE 1128 project, which focuses on improving WASH, nutrition, agriculture, and rural livelihoods in Moyamba District.
He explained that the project, implemented in collaboration with SiLNoRF, WHH, the District Council, and other partners, aims to empower communities to take the lead in improving their living conditions.
The project is expected to directly benefit over 12,000 people across 30 villages in the Kargboro, Ribbi, and Upper Banta chiefdoms. It will improve access to clean water, sanitation, hygiene services, nutrition, agricultural support, and livelihood opportunities.
Madam Wuyatta Samai, President of the Sierra Leone Farmers Association, commended the government for supporting the Feed Salone initiative.
She urged both government and development partners to continue investing in agriculture to improve food production and national food security.
She also emphasized that mangrove conservation must go hand in hand with sustainable livelihood opportunities for communities, noting that protecting mangroves is essential for fisheries productivity and long-term agricultural sustainability.