With funding from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Agriculture Value Chain Development Project (AVDP), implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, has provided substantial support to local farmers. As part of this initiative, farmers received 2,758 bushels of improved seed rice and 23 gender-friendly power tillers, along with destoners, threshers, and winnowers. These efforts aim to bolster Salone Pillars 1 and 2. In addition to agricultural equipment, the project has also addressed mobility challenges faced by field staff by providing 28 motorcycles. These motorcycles were officially handed over to the Ministry’s field staff to enhance their operational efficiency and increase interaction and coordination with farmers.

At the handing-over ceremony held at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security office in Bo on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, AVDP Project Manager Madam Monica Kwame-Greene emphasized the critical role of AVDP in supporting the Feed Salone initiative. She highlighted that the provision of motorcycles to MAFS field staff was a significant step towards improving productivity and coordination.

“We are here to support President Bio’s flagship programme, Feed Salone. Prioritizing the field staff of MAFS as key players in this initiative is essential. We will also take care of the licensing, insurance, fuel, and maintenance responsibilities to ensure sustainability in their operations,” said Madam Kwame-Greene.

The Chief Agriculture Officer of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security expressed gratitude to AVDP for its support to both farmers and the Ministry in advancing the Feed Salone initiative. Professor Abdulai Jalloh highlighted the positive impact of AVDP in Sierra Leone, noting its significant contributions at the field level.

Professor Jalloh emphasized the importance of supporting inland valley swamp (IVS) rice cultivation, noting that Feed Salone’s success relies not only on Boli cultivation but also on IVS, which enables year-round farming and is crucial for achieving food self-sufficiency. He encouraged District Agriculture Officers (DAOs) to properly track the use of the motorcycles to ensure they are well-maintained and effectively used to assist farmers in hard-to-reach areas.

The motorcycles were officially handed over by Madam Kwame-Greene to the Director of Extension, Mr. Yayah Mansaray, for further distribution to the field staff.