PHOTO OF OUR FAO VEGETABLE GARDENS IN MOYAMBA DISTRICT

The economy of Sierra Leone depends largely on its rural farmers. The country has 5.4 million hectares of arable land, of which, less than 15% is cultivated per annum. Similarly, over 80% of irrigable areas and wetlands remain uncultivated. Nonetheless, agriculture is responsible for almost half of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), nearly two-thirds of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihood. However, the low agricultural productivity has restricted access to seeds, tools, land, and markets. The absence of alternative rural income generating activities and credit facilities has trapped many communities in a perpetual cycle of poverty. Agricultural productivity and quality in rural areas is hampered by a reliance on intense Sweden farming, or slash and burn.

In response to these gaps, Caritas Bo engaged five communities in Kowa chiefdom to implement an agricultural project entitled:”Empowering five rural communities in mechanised food production for self reliance and sustainability.” The General Objective was to empower rural people in the Southern province of Sierra Leone to exercise their rights to sustained food security. Its specific objectives were; to encourage rice production in Moyamba district. 200 farming acres was identified at Njabahun Village which was cultivated in two years leading to a yield of 868 bushels of rice. Caritas Bo contracted a Construction firm for the construction of a store measuring 41′- 6′ x 21′-0′ and drying floor measuring 35′- 0′ x 20′- 0′ to help in the reduction of post harvest loss. This three year project was supported by Manos Unidas which was implemented in partnership with Ministry of Agriculture Food and Forestry Security.