From November 14-18, 2024, a mission team from the African Development Bank (AfDB), led by Mr. Fomba Wai visited Bolleh Community and Tormabum in Bum Chiefdom, Bonthe District, to evaluate the progress of the Sierra Leone Rice Agro-Industrial Cluster (SL-RAIC) Project. The visit, marking two years of the project’s implementation, aimed to assess its impact and engage directly with project beneficiaries.
Welcoming the delegation, SL-RAIC Project Manager John Maada Paul Sinah described the visit as timely, offering an opportunity to review the project’s successes and challenges. He emphasized the importance of identifying areas for improvement to refine implementation strategies effectively.
During the visit, the AfDB team interacted with various project beneficiaries, including women and youth. The Town Chief of Bolleh, Musa Solomon Koroma, warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed gratitude for the support provided by the SL-RAIC Project and the Government of Sierra Leone.
Mr. Fomba Wai, head of the AfDB mission, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to sustainable development and strengthening Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector. He highlighted the importance of optimizing local resources to boost food production in alignment with the objectives of the Feed Salone Program. The dialogue with farmers provided valuable insights into how the project has impacted their lives and allowed the team to address concerns raised by beneficiaries.
A critical objective of the field visit was to identify gaps in the project’s implementation. By engaging directly with farmers and local leaders, the mission team gathered essential feedback to develop recommendations for enhancing project performance and addressing ongoing challenges.
Farmers from Bolleh and Tormabum communities commended the project’s positive contributions, including inputs such as fertilizers , certified seeds , agrochemicals, access to essential, increased training opportunities, and the introduction of mechanized farming practices. However, they also highlighted key challenges such as poor road infrastructure, which impedes transportation and market access, and the need for additional technical support to boost productivity further. The Paramount Chief of Bum Chiefdom Hon PC Kaipumu thanked the AfFB for supporting the SL RAIC project. The output of the SL RAIC project in the Bum Chiefdom this cropping season reminiscence of the Peter Bolt era. With more support to the SL RAIC project, they will be a major player in addressing rice self-sufficiency challenge not only in Bonthe district but also in Sierra Leone at large, he indicated. He also used the opportunity to call on the government to pay attention to the road from Koribondo to Torma Bum. The results of government tremendous efforts in Bum chiefdom can’t be felt nationwide if this road is not constructed, he continued
In response, Mr. Wai assured the farmers that their feedback would be central to the project’s review process. He reaffirmed AfDB’s commitment to addressing some of these challenges within the project scope and implementing solutions that enhance the livelihoods of beneficiaries. The bank is dedicated to adjusting its approach to meet community needs and maximize the project’s overall impact.
This field visit represents a significant milestone in ensuring that the SL-RAIC Project aligns with the priorities of the communities it serves. It underscores AfDB’s broader commitment to strengthening food security and fostering sustainable agricultural development in Sierra Leone. Insights gained from this visit will shape the next phase of the project, ensuring its continued success and long-term benefits for local communities.
