Deputy Minister II of Agriculture and Food Security, Sahr Hemore, has on the 7th April, 2025 officially launched a Solar-Powered Irrigation Scheme for the Makassie Village, part of the Yoti Yoti project led by Concern Worldwide and funded by Iris Aid.

The initiative was reportedly crafted to enhance food and nutrition security, aiming to support vulnerable households in Tonkolili and Port Loko districts, thus aligning with the national Feed Salone initiative, which focuses on achieving food sovereignty and boosting economic growth across the region.

During the ceremony, Mr. Hemore expressed his appreciation to Iris Aid, Concern Worldwide, and all collaborative partners, acknowledging their essential roles in the project’s success. He remarked, “This project aligns with the vision of Feed Salone, which seeks to enhance food security, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and reduce poverty.”

The Deputy Minister emphasized the significance of the new irrigation scheme, stating it would provide farmers with more reliable water resources. He explained that the improvement would empower farmers to cultivate crops consistently and enhance overall food production.

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Mr. Hemore also noted that the project directly contributes to Feed Salone by addressing crucial areas such as mechanization, irrigation, aggregation, processing, and marketing.

Davina Jeffery, the Country Director of Concern Worldwide, highlighted the organization’s commitment to partnering with marginalized communities to combat extreme poverty. She said, “We believe in human dignity, equality, and solidarity. Through these values, we create partnerships that foster lasting change.”

Jeffery further noted that the Yoti Yoti project was designed to strengthen food security and promote access to climate-smart agricultural practices.

Ibrahim Kamara, a beneficiary from Makassie Village, praised Concern Worldwide for implementing the Solar Irrigation Scheme, stating it would enable continuous crop production.

Kamara highlighted the difficulties previously faced in accessing water for irrigation, expressing optimism that the new system would simplify the process.

The event also featured the signing of official documents, a symbolic transfer of the scheme to the Irrigation Management Committee, and a guided tour of the newly established facilities.

In conclusion, it was jointly remarked that the initiative would mark a significant step towards improving agricultural productivity and resilience against climate challenges in the region, aligning with broader national goals of food security and sustainable development.