Agriculture Ministry Connects Smallholder Farmers with Agribusinesses in Bo
Sahid Bangura The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), through its Agricultural Extension Services Division, has concluded a one-day Business-to-Business (B2B) engagement aimed at connecting smallholder farmers with agricultural input suppliers and other major agribusinesses.
The engagement, held in Bo with support from FIPS-AFRICA, brought together Village-Based Advisors (VBAs), input-supply companies and other agricultural service providers to explore business partnerships and improve farmers’ access to quality inputs, services and markets.
The initiative is part of efforts by the Ministry to strengthen collaboration among key actors in the agricultural value chain while helping smallholder farmers access the resources and business opportunities needed to increase production.
Speaking at the engagement, Director Alpha Yayah Mansaray described the platform as an opportunity for stakeholders to “meet, connect and do business.”
He said many smallholder farmers continue to face difficulties accessing agricultural inputs and services, adding that the engagement was designed to help bridge the gap while improving farmers’ knowledge and encouraging them to view agriculture as a viable business.
National Liaison Officer for FIPS-AFRICA, Emmanuel Marrah, said the organisation is using its Small Package Initiative to provide farmers with technology, inputs and training aimed at increasing agricultural production.
According to Marrah, about 20,000 farmers have so far benefited from seeds, training and other forms of support under the initiative.
He said connecting farmers with major service providers such as Seed Tech and Tivamya would help sustain the gains made through the programme and provide farmers with continued access to agricultural services.
The engagement also provided participating companies with an opportunity to market their products, identify potential dealers, develop farmer databases and expand their reach to underserved communities, including farmers in Karene District.
Representing Seed Tech, Amos Saati said the company was prepared to work with farmers willing to expand their production and improve their earnings.
He said the company’s role extends beyond supplying seeds to providing farmers with the knowledge and skills required to cultivate them successfully, noting that its seeds are adaptable to Sierra Leone’s soil conditions.
Lilian Bayeh Haja Rogers, Chief Executive Officer of Tivamya, said the company provides farmers with access to quality seeds, value addition and market opportunities across key agricultural commodities, including rice, cassava, livestock and oil palm.
She welcomed the strong interest shown by farmers in accessing quality seeds, noting that improved harvests begin with healthy soil and quality planting materials.
Other companies, including Tijah Company, African Seeds, GIFarming and Leecon Poultry, also used the platform to engage farmers, promote their products and strengthen their supply-chain networks.
Farmers participating in the engagement were drawn from Moyamba, Port Loko, Kenema, Karene and Bo, the five districts implementing the FIPS-AFRICA Phase One Initiative.
The engagement provided a platform for farmers, input suppliers and agricultural service providers to establish direct business connections, with stakeholders encouraged to turn the relationships formed into practical partnerships that can contribute to increased productivity and improved livelihoods for smallholder farmers.