On January 22-27, 2024, in a significant step towards enhancing productivity, the Sierra Leone Rice Agro-Industrial Cluster Project (SL-RAIC), funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Government of Sierra Leone, successfully concluded a comprehensive 6-day training in Bo District. The primary focus of the training was to empower 11 rice producer organizations, including the National Federation of Farmers Sierra Leone in Bonthe and Pujehun Districts, with managerial, leadership and technical skills to better serve farmers and other stakeholders in the rice value chain.
Project Manager, Mr. John Maada Sinah, expressed that the AfDB-funded SL RAIC project’s overarching goal is to contribute to rice sovereignty in Sierra Leone. He emphasized that the project’s success lies in participants applying the acquired skill set to support their farmers effectively.
“This project aligns with Feed Salone’s vision to achieve food sovereignty and inclusive economic growth. The Ministry seeks individual contributions to realize this government flagship program,” said Mr. Sinah.
Encouraging participants to share their newfound knowledge, Mr. Sinah urged them to provide valuable insights to farmers as they enter full-scale production. He also recommended collaboration with the National Farmers Federation (NAFSL) for additional support, emphasizing that farmers can dial 899 to communicate directly with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
The Lead Facilitator, Mr. Lusine Kappia, delivered a presentation highlighting the significance of Managerial Leadership Development and conflict resolution in the workplace. He emphasized that the training would empower producer organization to make informed decisions, positively impacting their decision-making processes.
Expressing delight in the training, Mr. Mohamed Kanneh from the Bakasa Farmers Development Association, shared his past challenges, including inadequate decision-making, poor record-keeping, and ineffective marketing, resulting in a lack of profits. He encouraged fellow participants to share their knowledge with colleagues to achieve the project’s goals.
The training covered diverse range of topics, such as Managerial Leadership, Effective Communication, Conflict Resolution, Business Development, Management and Planning, Good Agriculture Practices and Record Keeping. The workshop provided practical, hands-on training to farmers. Mr. Sinah encouraged participants to implement the skills learnt during the training.
In her closing statement, the President of the National Farmers Federation of Sierra Leone, Mrs Yatta Sama, thanked the Project team for including the Federation in such a vital training. “As the President of the Federation, my eyes are now open to most appropriate managerial and leadership approaches to deal with my colleagues and the farmers to get the expected results. Thanks to the Project and AfDB for granting me this opportunity,” she indicated.
The workshop successfully brought together producer organizations, including Women in Action, Agbomuma, Fado, and Bakasa Farmers Development Associations from Pujehun and Bonthe Districts.
The SL RAIC project is a five-year African Development Bank and Government of Sierra Leone funded project that is being implemented in Bonthe and Pujehun Districts.
Agricultural Information and Communications Unit