By George Philip Jambawai
There was an unmistakable air of triumph in the Golala Pejeh, Pujehun District community, as the farmers of the Gbotima Farmers Association celebrated their recent bumper rice harvest. Faces grinned with pride and joy, demonstrating the hard work and dedication that had culminated in this remarkable achievement.
The celebration was about the plentiful harvest and the new storage facility provided by IFAD and the government of Sierra Leone through the Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (AVDP) . This facility, complete with an office, ample storage space, and a standard toilet, has brought a turning point in swamp rice farming r, addressing the long-standing issue of post-harvest losses.
Ben Kallon, a youth contractor, explained how AVDP-trained swamp technicians had revolutionized the farming practices in the area. The technicians helped farmers reconstruct their swamps, clear the overgrown forests, and implement climate-smart and agronomic best practices. This transformation led to an astonishing yield increase. For the first time, the farmers harvested 80 bushels of rice from an initial cultivation of just two bushels.
Issatu Lahai, a passionate farmer, expressed her delight at the newfound storage facility. “With this facility, we have overcome post-harvest wastage and ensured the safety of our harvest,” she said. The facility, funded by IFAD and the Government of Sierra Leone through AVDP, guarantees that their hard-earned produce remains protected and ready for market.
The southern and eastern regions have also seen similar successes, with bumper harvests bringing financial benefits to the farmers. Safinatu Bockarie of Ever Ready Farmers Association in Kenema City shared her excitement about their biggest harvest in five years. With over 250 bags of rice to their name and a lucrative order from WFP for 500 bags, the financial prospects for these farmers are brighter than ever.
Despite the progress, challenges remain. The road leading to Golala Pejeh is in dire need of repair, posing a threat to agricultural productivity. The community has called on the government and AVDP to address this issue promptly.
Monica Kwame, AVDP Project Manager, urged the community to take ownership of the new facilities. “These stores must be used judiciously to avoid becoming white elephants,” she warned. Security for the store and equipment is a concern, and the community must ensure their protection.
As farmers eagerly await rice milling machines and other equipment, the future looks promising. Gbotima Farmers Association, along with over 200 other AVDP-supported sites across the country, is on a steady path to agricultural prosperity, this is due to the collaborative efforts of Government of Sierra Leone, IFAD and the farmers
