The Sierra Leone government, under President Julius Maada Bio, has launched a nationwide distribution of 20,000 bags of fertilizer to support farmers.

The initiative, coordinated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in collaboration with the National Farmers Federation Organization, began last week from the Ministry’s warehouse on Bai Bureh Road, East Freetown.

Arthur Durotimi Roberts, Store Keeper at the Ministry of Agriculture, announced that the 20,000 bags out of a total of 30,000 will be distributed across all 16 districts in Sierra Leone. The process is being conducted with transparency, with members of the Farmers’ Federation actively participating to ensure equitable distribution.

Yatta Sama, President of the Farmers Federation, praised the government’s efforts, highlighting the importance of transitioning from subsistence to commercial farming. She expressed gratitude to President Bio for his commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity and noted that the fertilizers will be allocated to smallholder farmers in various chiefdoms. Sama also revealed that 10,000 bags are reserved specifically for for vegetable and maize growers.

District Coordinators have reported positive feedback on the distribution process. Safinatu Bockarie, Coordinator for Kenema District, commended the improved efficiency compared to previous years, noting that access to fertilizers has been significantly streamlined. Similarly, Haia Mode Sheriff, Coordinator for Koinadugu District, highlighted the timely arrival of the fertilizers and their positive impact on local farmers, expressing appreciation to both the government and the Farmers Federation for their support.

The distribution aims to address previous challenges in accessing fertilizers and to enhance agricultural output, ultimately contributing to national food security and economic growth.