Agricultural Value Chain Development Project’s (AVDP) emergency support to farmers has helped to cushion the effect of food insufficiency and household income amidst the COVID -19 pandemic on farmers. 

Through the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) the Agricultural Quick Action Emergency Response Program (QAAERP), supported over 20,000 famers across the country with improved seed rice and other agricultural inputs including tools, tubers, legumes and vegetables to boost food production and household income during the crises.

This support was particularly directed towards the Ever-Green Women’s Network, a composition of inland valley swamp (IVS) farmers based in Kenema District, east of Sierra Leone who have already harvested their portion of COVID -19 support. Safiatu Bockarie, the Chairlady of the 90 women who constitute the group said the harvesting, threshing and transportation lasted for several weeks because the yield was a bumper one.

“Our families are now assured of what to eat and sell”, she noted. The support is helping to cushioned the economic challenges they faced during this period.

The excitement and fulfilment of the women was visible at the harvesting site where many expressed delights over the AVDP support. It may be envisaged that Covid-19 does not seem to be ending any time soon, and the cost of basic food stuffs such as rice may continue to rise steadily. “Naturally, we were constantly worried as to how we could provide for our families. But thanks to the Government of Sierra Leone and the AVDP for this livelihood support initiative which has raised our confidence and capacity to cultivate and have food at all times. We are very happy”, the Chairlady maintained.