In a significant step towards promoting healthy eating habits and tackling malnutrition, the Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (AVDP) held a three-day training program for Farmer Field School (FFS) facilitators and supervisors.

Over 60 participants, including Ministry of Agriculture District Extension Officers, gathered in Potoru town from March 18th to 20th, 2024. Representing five southern districts – Bo, Bonthe, Moyamba, and Pujehun – these individuals play a crucial role in educating farmers on improved agricultural practices.

Funded by a consortium of organizations including IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development), OPEC Fund for International Development, and the Government of Sierra Leone, the AVDP project emphasizes crop diversification. This approach not only increases agricultural resilience but also promotes better nutrition by encouraging the production and consumption of a wider variety of nutrient-rich foods.

The training, led by Madam Gborteh, AVDP’s Gender Officer, and Madam Sallay Linda Mssaquoi, a clinical nutritionist, focused on key areas:

Advocating for “nutrition-sensitive agriculture” – This concept encourages farmers to consider the nutritional value of their crops alongside other factors like yield and market demand.

Healthy Eating Practices – Participants learned about Sierra Leone’s dietary guidelines and strategies for promoting balanced meals within families.

Nutrition Throughout Life – The training covered the specific nutritional needs of different age groups, ensuring participants can provide targeted guidance to farmers.

Mr. Abdulai Jalloh, the Extension Officer for the Southern Region, emphasized integrating nutrition education into the existing FFS curriculum. This ensures farmers receive practical advice on growing and incorporating nutritious foods into their diets.

The training concluded with the distribution of a “Nutrition-Sensitive Education” manual to all participants. This resource equips them to effectively train farmers in their respective localities.

The enthusiastic response from Farmer Field School facilitators and supervisors demonstrates their commitment to promoting healthier eating habits within their communities. This initiative by AVDP represents a significant step forward in fostering a more nutrition-sensitive agricultural sector in Sierra Leone.