New Food Processing Facility Breaks Ground in Bombali

The United Nations World Food Programme, the Government of Sierra Leone and local authorities have broken ground for a complementary food processing facility in Makarie Village, Bombali District.

The facility is being developed through the four-year Strengthened Agricultural Value-chain through Infant Nutrition for Growth (SAVING) Project, which is principally financed by the European Union with a contribution of €11.5 million. WFP is implementing the project in partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone.

Facility to support infant nutrition

Once operational, the facility is expected to produce safe, affordable and fortified complementary foods for children aged six to 23 months. It is also projected to process approximately 200 metric tonnes of nutritious food each year.

Planned features include automated packaging systems, food-safety infrastructure, off-grid solar power and solar-powered water facilities. The project is expected to strengthen connections between agricultural production, infant and young child feeding, local processing and rural livelihoods.

WFP Representative and Country Director Andrew Odero said the facility was based on experience from existing community-based food production initiatives.

“We are breaking ground not for an idea that has never been tried, but rather building on what has already been started. This new facility was designed along the lessons learnt from the four existing facilities,” Odero said.

Benefits for farmers and enterprises

The SAVING Project is expected to benefit more than 25,000 people, including over 8,000 farmers. It is also expected to create market opportunities for smallholder farmers and women-led enterprises, while generating employment opportunities, particularly for young people.

The project will build on community-based complementary food production initiatives in Pujehun, Moyamba and Kambia districts. Its planned value chain will link nutritious crop production with food processing and the commercialization of fortified foods.

At the groundbreaking activities, farmer organisations showcased nutritious crops expected to supply the processing value chain. Health workers and Mother Support Groups demonstrated infant and young child feeding practices, including the use of locally produced complementary foods.

Participants also toured the proposed construction site and received presentations on production, food safety, solar energy and water infrastructure.

Local authorities pledge support

Paramount Chief of Makarie Chiefdom PC Bai Makarie Nkolo II assured WFP and its partners of his full support for implementation of the project.

Mayor of Makeni City Council Abubakarr Kamara encouraged residents to embrace the initiative and make use of the opportunities it is expected to create.

The source information does not specify a construction completion date or when the facility is expected to begin operations.