June 5, 2023, at the YAD conference centre in Kenema and …….Makeni.

The Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (AVDP) through the Agribusiness unit concluded 5 days training of trainers on FARM FOR BUSINESS. Over 350 rice and vegetable project beneficiaries who have graduated from Farmer Field School in to Farmer-Based Organizations (FBOs) across Sierra Leone were trained in Kenema and Makeni respectively.

The training was designed to empower FBO executives with the necessary knowledge and skills to establish thriving businesses. During the sessions, trainers delved into the importance of record keeping, financial management, production development, roles of FBO executives and business plan emphasizing their pivotal roles in efficient farm management, and improvement of their farming systems. Farmers were exposed to innovative techniques and best practices to enhance rice and vegetable production. Equipped with this knowledge, participants expressed confidence in their ability to maximize their production output following the training.

The training according to Madam Sinnah, Agribusiness Officer, AVDP will enable the participants  to create a financial plan, track expenses, assess the profitability of their farming operations, keep a record of their daily farming operations and be able to develop comprehensive business plans tailored to their specific agricultural enterprises which will improve their farming. In order to assess participants ‘understanding of the training, each FBO engaged in group work and drafted their business plan which they presented at the end of the training.

The impact of the training on the participants was evident. Farmers expressed their gratitude for being equipped with such powerful tools that have the potential to revolutionize their farming systems. They acknowledged the value of these skills in enhancing overall sustainability. Many participants were inspired to share testimonies Memunatu, Chairlady of ………………FBO Bombali district extended appreciation to the AVDP for delivering such a training “This is the first time receiving training on agribusiness, I never knew the importance of recording records, financial management neither do I have an idea on the significance of business plan and how to develop it, this knowledge is a foundation for improving our farming systems. I am excited to share this knowledge with the rest of my colleagues. Thanks to AVDP” said Memunatu.

The success of this training of trainers’ workshop exemplifies the potential of empowering farmers with knowledge and skills beyond traditional agricultural practices. Incorporating business acumen into farming, it opens up avenues for economic growth and improved livelihoods within rural communities. It is hoped that similar initiatives will continue to be implemented, fostering a vibrant and prosperous agricultural sector for years to come.