The Ministry of Agriculture, through the Sierra Leone Rice Agro-Industrial Cluster (SL-RAIC) Project, has conducted a field monitoring exercise alongside a symbolic fertilizer distribution ceremony for rice farmers in Borlleh Community, Bonthe District.

Funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Sierra Leone, and implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, the SL-RAIC Project has supported over 3,600 smallholder farmers across Bonthe and Pujehun Districts, benefiting 45 percent of youth and 49 percent of women.

The project has been providing improved seed rice, mechanized cultivation services, and fertilizers for the past three years to boost productivity and improve livelihoods.

For the 2026 cropping season, the project has supported more than 1,000 farmers with improved seed rice and facilitated the mechanical cultivation of over 1000 hectares of farmland in Bonthe and Pujehun districts through five (5) Implementing Partners, Kondibu, Kem Investment, Albajar, Smart Farm and Tivayma Limited, stated the Ministry.

Further, to promote higher yields, farmers received Urea and NPK 15:15:15 fertilizers based on farm size, at a rate of two 50-kilogram bags per acre.

To ensure transparency and proper use, the minister noted that fertilizers were handed out directly on-site to avoid theft or waste. Only growers who had completed pre-weeding qualified for the aid, reinforcing good farming habits and boosting the fertilizer’s impact.

Joe Lusine, a Master Farmer in Borlleh Community, described the project as a transformative initiative that has changed farmers’ perceptions of agriculture.

“SL-RAIC has opened our eyes to see farming as a business rather than just a means of survival,” Lusine said. “Today, we have access to quality seeds, machinery for land preparation, and fertilizer that help us achieve higher yields. I want to express thanks to the Project team and especially the African Development Bank, including the Government of Sierra Leone, for providing the funds for the project”. He added.

Fertilizer distribution will continue across project-supported communities in Bonthe District, targeting the semi-floating rice farms.