A transformative pilot initiative to bolster Sierra Leone’s rice production and agricultural sector is set to commence, with Abanga Farms and Food Systems at the helm.
This ambitious project is part of the broader Mano River West Africa Initiative and promises to revolutionize the rice value chain, fostering economic growth and enhancing food security across the region.
Abanga Farms and Food Systems, the leading Ghana-based agricultural powerhouse, is renowned for its innovative approach to farming and dedication to empowering the agricultural community.
As the lead implementer, Abanga will bring its extensive expertise in mechanization, quality seed provision, and market linkage creation to Sierra Leone. The company’s mission aligns perfectly with the project’s goals: to transform farming practices, increase food production, and empower local farmers through sustainable agricultural activities.
The initiative, known as “Harvesting Prosperity: Advancing the Rice Sector in the Mano River Basin,” aims to significantly improve rice production in Sierra Leone by:
Increasing mechanization: Targeting a 60% increase in mechanized farming techniques to enhance production efficiency and reduce labor-intensive practices.
Improving seed systems: Facilitating the production of 22.5 metric tons of quality seeds to ensure higher crop yields and better resilience to climate change.
Expanding cultivated land: Adding 50,000 new hectares of rice fields, which will contribute to reducing the nation’s reliance on rice imports by over 50% within three years.
Creating jobs: Generating 250,000 jobs within five years, with a strong emphasis on employing women and youth, who will make up 70% of the workforce.
The project’s comprehensive strategy includes, Implementing quality inputs, efficient water resource management, and advanced mechanization techniques.
The initiative includes several key components:
Expanding Cultivated Land: Introducing 50,000 new hectares of rice fields to decrease reliance on rice imports by over 50% within three years.
Creating Jobs: Generating 250,000 new jobs over five years, with a focus on empowering women and youth, who will comprise 70% of the workforce.
Comprehensive Strategy: Implementing advanced mechanization, efficient water resource management, and quality inputs to enhance agricultural productivity.
Ecosystem Building: Establishing a collaborative approach involving stakeholders and private sector partners to improve service delivery.
Gender Inclusivity: Enhancing market access and financial opportunities for women and youth, aiming to reduce gender-based barriers.
Abanga Farms and Food Systems will lead the initiative in Sierra Leone, acting as a catalyst for broader initiatives across the Mano River Basin and other West African countries. Their expertise in innovative farming practices and sustainable agriculture is crucial to the success of the project.
Partnering with MEDA (Mennonite Economic Development Associates), the initiative integrates technical expertise and market-driven approaches to ensure sustainable impact. MEDA’s involvement emphasizes environmental sustainability, gender equality, and inclusive financial services.
The long-term impact of the initiative is expected to include:
Enhanced Food Security: Boosting local rice production to meet domestic demand and decrease reliance on rice imports.
Economic Growth: Creating a resilient agricultural ecosystem that supports local economies and provides stable employment opportunities.
Environmental Sustainability: Promoting climate-smart agricultural practices to improve soil health and water management.
This initiative represents a significant step towards building a robust and inclusive agricultural economy in Sierra Leone and beyond, serving as a model for sustainable development in the Mano River region.