By: Saidu Jalloh
In a significant boost to its climate-resilient agriculture efforts, the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI) has received a new consignment of field equipment to support the implementation of the RICOWAS project. A symbolic handing-over ceremony was held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at SLARI Headquarters in Freetown.
SLARI, serving as the National Executing Entity (NEE) for the RICOWAS project, has previously faced logistical challenges that impacted field operations. This latest support is expected to enhance the institute’s ability to implement and monitor the project effectively. Funded by the Adaptation Fund and implemented by the Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS), the RICOWAS project focuses on strengthening climate resilience in rice production across the West African region.
The newly delivered equipment includes laptops, digital cameras, printers, tablets, GPS devices, external hard drives, and internet modems all procured in compliance with national procurement standards. These tools are essential for real-time data collection, field monitoring, and performance evaluation by technical and M\&E teams.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Samuel Soki Harding, RICOWAS Project Coordinator, emphasized that the equipment will improve project oversight and reporting, ensuring high standards of quality assurance and control.
Dr. Prince E. Norman, Deputy Director-General for Research and Innovation Development at SLARI, expressed profound gratitude to the Adaptation Fund and OSS. “This logistics are not just equipment; they are critical assets that will significantly enhance our capacity to implement the Climate-Resilient Rice Production Programme,” he stated.
The event also reaffirmed SLARI’s commitment to addressing climate-related challenges in the agricultural sector. With enhanced logistics and field capacity, the institute is better positioned to deliver targeted, evidence-based interventions that improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and promote national food security.
As the RICOWAS project progresses, stakeholders are optimistic that this investment in logistical support will yield tangible, long-term benefits for sustainable agriculture and climate adaptation across Sierra Leone’s rice-producing communities.