The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in Sierra Leone has concluded a Business-to-Business engagement in Bo, connecting smallholder farmers with agricultural input suppliers and agribusinesses. The event, supported by FIPS-AFRICA, brought together Village-Based Advisors, input-supply companies, and agricultural service providers to explore business partnerships. This initiative aims to strengthen collaboration among key actors in the agricultural value chain and help smallholder farmers access resources and business opportunities.
Director Alpha Yayah Mansaray described the engagement as an opportunity for stakeholders to "meet, connect and do business." He noted that many smallholder farmers face difficulties accessing agricultural inputs and services, and the engagement was designed to bridge this gap. Mansaray encouraged farmers to view agriculture as a viable business and improve their knowledge of available resources.
National Liaison Officer for FIPS-AFRICA, Emmanuel Marrah, stated that the organisation's Small Package Initiative has provided technology, inputs, and training to about 20,000 farmers. He said connecting farmers with major service providers, such as Seed Tech and Tivamya, would sustain the gains made through the programme and provide continued access to agricultural services.
The engagement allowed participating companies to market their products, identify potential dealers, develop farmer databases, and expand their reach to underserved communities. Representing Seed Tech, Amos Saati said the company is prepared to work with farmers willing to expand production and improve earnings. Saati noted that Seed Tech's seeds are adaptable to Sierra Leone's soil conditions.
Lilian Bayeh Haja Rogers, CEO of Tivamya, said the company provides farmers with access to quality seeds, value addition, and market opportunities across key agricultural commodities. 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, used the platform to engage farmers, promote their products, and strengthen 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. Stakeholders were encouraged to turn these relationships into practical partnerships that can contribute to increased productivity and improved livelihoods for smallholder farmers.
Key points
- The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in Sierra Leone has connected smallholder farmers with agribusinesses in Bo to improve access to quality inputs and services.
- The engagement was supported by FIPS-AFRICA and brought together Village-Based Advisors, input-supply companies, and agricultural service providers.
- About 20,000 farmers have benefited from the Small Package Initiative, which provides technology, inputs, and training to improve agricultural production.
