By: Saidu Jalloh
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), has launched a significant initiative to support 420 poultry farmers in Pujehun District. The program, aligned with the government’s Feed Salone initiative, was inaugurated at a ceremony held on Friday, January 17, 2025, in Bandajuma Town, Sowa Chiefdom.
Under the scheme, farmers from six chiefdoms in the district each received six chickens and a bag of chicken feed. This intervention aims to enhance poultry production, improve nutrition, and support livelihoods in the region.
Addressing the gathering, Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Theresa Tenneh Dick, underscored the importance of poultry farming in advancing nutrition and food security. “Poultry and eggs are essential sources of protein for many Sierra Leoneans. This initiative empowers communities to rear and consume homegrown poultry, ensuring better health outcomes, particularly for women and children,” she said.
Dr. Dick also highlighted the economic potential of the initiative, encouraging farmers to view it as a business opportunity. “We want to empower communities to produce more poultry and eggs, generate income, and contribute to sustainable development,” she added.
FAO representative Mr. Harding Wuyango reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to the Feed Salone initiative, describing the intervention as part of FAO’s broader strategy to enhance food security and self-reliance in Sierra Leone. “We are proud to support poultry farmers with day-old chicks and feed, enabling them to produce nutritious food while improving their incomes,” Mr. Wuyango said. He also commended the long-standing partnership between FAO and the Government of Sierra Leone in promoting agricultural development.
Lucy Koker, the District Agriculture Officer, expressed gratitude to FAO for prioritizing Pujehun District. She emphasized the transformative potential of the initiative, particularly for women and youth. “This support is a significant step toward achieving the goals of Feed Salone. With proper monitoring, we can expand these benefits to even more farmers,” she stated.
Paramount Chief Lahai A.K. Sowa praised the intervention, noting its positive impact on local livelihoods. “Farming has always been our main source of income, but poultry farming has been largely inaccessible for many. This support from FAO and MAFS will enable us to scale up poultry production, ensuring our families and communities are better nourished,” he said.
The FAO and MAFS have pledged continued support to strengthen the poultry sector through training and vaccination programs. These measures aim to boost productivity and foster economic growth, contributing to Sierra Leone’s broader food security goals.
This initiative is expected to have a lasting impact by empowering communities to adopt sustainable agricultural practices, enhance nutrition, and drive development across the nation.
