The Agriculture Value Chain Development Project (AVDP), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, is making significant strides in supporting local farmers in Sierra Leone. Funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), this initiative is a crucial component of the Feed Salone project.

To enhance agricultural productivity, the AVDP has distributed 2,758 bushels of improved seed rice and 23 gender-friendly power tillers. Additionally, farmers have received essential equipment such as destoners, threshers, and winnowers, all aimed at reinforcing Salone Pillars 1 and 2, which focus on food security and agricultural sustainability.

Addressing mobility challenges, the project has also provided 28 motorcycles to the Ministry's field staff. These motorcycles, handed over at a ceremony on June 19, 2024, at the Ministry’s office in Bo, are intended to improve operational efficiency and facilitate better coordination and interaction with farmers.

During the handover ceremony, AVDP Project Manager Madam Monica Kwame-Greene emphasized the critical role of the AVDP in advancing the Feed Salone initiative. She underscored the significance of equipping Ministry field staff with motorcycles, which will enhance their productivity and support the broader goals of the initiative. Madam Kwame-Greene highlighted that the AVDP's support aligns with President Bio’s flagship Feed Salone program, noting the importance of prioritizing field staff who will manage licensing, insurance, fuel, and maintenance of the motorcycles to ensure long-term sustainability.

Professor Abdulai Jalloh, Chief Agriculture Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, expressed deep gratitude to the AVDP for its substantial contributions. He noted the project's positive impact on farmers and the Ministry's efforts to advance the Feed Salone initiative. Professor Jalloh highlighted the importance of supporting inland valley swamp (IVS) rice cultivation, which allows for year-round farming and is essential for achieving food self-sufficiency in Sierra Leone. He urged District Agriculture Officers (DAOs) to ensure the proper use and maintenance of the motorcycles to maximize their effectiveness in assisting farmers, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

The motorcycles were officially handed over by Madam Kwame-Greene to the Director of Extension, Mr. Yayah Mansaray, for distribution to the field staff. This move marks a significant step towards improving agricultural support systems and fostering sustainable development within the country's agricultural sector.