An effort supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) through its Agriculture Value Chain Development Project (AVDP) project and in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) has led to over 200 rice farming communities in Sierra Leone actively harvesting their swamps. The initiative, aimed at combating food insecurity and enhancing household incomes, aims to increase rice yields from less than two metric tons per hectare to an impressive average of 3.5 metric tons per hectare through the adoption of climate-smart practices.
Currently, the project is rehabilitating more than 2,300 hectares of land, leveraging the expertise of experienced Inland Valley Swamp (IVS) value chain technicians. They are working closely with farmers to promote sustainable production and productivity increases. The results have been overwhelmingly positive, with farmers expressing optimism about the abundance of food and the potential for economic growth in their communities. Farmers have noted that the IVS activities will help alleviate hunger and extreme poverty and address critical social issues such as youth unemployment. By providing economic opportunities, the project aims to reduce the rates of drug abuse and crime associated with a lack of prospects for young people.
Using the Farmer Field School (FFS) platform, the project emphasises a community-driven development approach. This community-driven approach has fostered collaboration and resilience among the farmers. This model groups farmers to implement climate-smart agronomic practices tailored to their local conditions, moving away from the previous service provider approach. This collective strategy enables farmers to share resources, learn from one another, and build resilience against potential climate shocks.
Additionally, the project provides quality input, including seeds, user-friendly farming equipment, fertilisers, irrigation systems, milling machines, storage facilities, and labour cost support. By equipping farmers with the necessary tools and knowledge, the AVDP is paving the way for sustainable agricultural practices that can withstand the challenges posed by climate change. The efforts of the AVDP and its partners are transforming the landscape of rice farming in Sierra Leone. By focusing on sustainable practices and community empowerment, the project is improving food security and fostering economic growth and social stability.
