By Newman Anthony Levey in Bo
In a bid to boost local farmers in crop production, the charity BRAC Sierra Leone, through a European Union (EU) sponsored project, has supported rural farmers with Le281, 000, 000 worth of implements and seedlings.
Over 200 farmers in four districts in the South and Eastern regions of the country: Bo, Pujehun, Kenema and Kailahun, benefitted from the gesture.
Joseph Nabieu, Project Manager of BRAC Sierra Leone, said the gesture is part of their efforts towards enhancing growth and promote marketing opportunities for farmers who are engaged in cassava production. He added that the action is part of the EU’s Sustainable Cassava Commercialization through Entrepreneur Strengthening Support (SUCCESS) project, which is geared towards creating the opportunity for cassava growing farmers to improve on opportunity, yield and household income. Nabieu said they have contacted the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institution (SLARI) to support them with innovative ideas.
Whiles addressing the farmers, Nabieu noted that their goal was to see them engage in commercialized farming. He therefore encouraged them to handle the tools well.
In his statement, the Paramount Chief of Sowa Chiefdom, Pujehun District, PC Lahai A. K. Sowa II, expressed gratitude to BRAC SL for supporting his people.
“If BRAC support my people, they have supported me. I am overwhelmed with the type of support BRAC is giving to my people. I recommended the beneficiaries in my chiefdom because I know that they are serious farmers and they can perform,” he said.
PC Lahai Sowa assured that he would monitor the project to ensure that both the beneficiaries and BRAC are fulfilled, noting that “very soon, a factory will be opened in Sowa Chiefdom and more farmers will benefit”.
Saidu Abu, a beneficiary in Kenema District, said they were struggling to get finance to buy tools, noting that the BRAC support came in handy.
Abu however pleaded with the organization for capacity building programs so that they are better equipped to make use of the resources they have.
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