By George M.O. Williams
In an ambitious drive to boost the skills of women and youth in agriculture, the Sierra Leone Chamber for Agribusiness Development (SLeCAD) has recently concluded a comprehensive three-day Training of Trainers (ToT) program.
The initiative aims to build resilient, sustainable agribusinesses, contributing directly to the goals of the Feed Salone Project, which focuses on local food security and economic empowerment.
The program commenced with Madam Louise Chator leading a well-structured session on developing robust business plans. Following initial registration, participants engaged in hands-on modules covering executive summaries, company overviews, and customer segmentation.
Participants were divided into groups focused on onion production, palm oil processing, rice production and processing and created tailored business models to bring agribusiness ideas to life.
The business model exercises emphasized legal frameworks, market analysis, and marketing strategies, preparing attendees for the practical challenges of launching and maintaining profitable agricultural enterprises.
Executive Secretary of SLeCAD addressing the participants during the training session
Ahmed A. Nanoh, Executive Secretary of SLeCAD, emphasized the importance of empowering youth and women in agriculture to drive Sierra Leone’s economy forward.
He explained that the program aligns with regional initiatives across four African nations, all focused on strengthening SMEs in agribusiness.
Dr. Fadel, a representative from the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF), addressed Africa’s $35 billion annual rice import cost and urged Sierra Leone to leverage local agriculture. He emphasized that frequent, high-quality agricultural production and skill development are essential for sustainable economic impact.
Koidu City’s Mayor reinforced the Feed Salone Project’s mission by underscoring the need for locally processed materials, enhanced storage capacity, and ongoing skill development.
The District Council Representative added that collaborative approaches will be crucial in overcoming challenges like financing, storage, and pest control, especially in onion production.
On the second day, David Lahai led a session reviewing core insights, with a particular focus on project activity planning and risk management strategies.
Madam Chator conducted additional workshops on marketing and sales planning, equipping participants with the necessary skills for market positioning, and James S. Koroma presented essential financial concepts, including financial projections and value chain analysis, helping participants to initiate agribusinesses with a cost-effective approach.
Practical exercises reinforced the training, with each group developing value chain models for their chosen products.
Day three featured an in-depth segment on entrepreneurship and business development, where Koroma discussed various business structures, intellectual property, and franchising.
Key representatives were invited to speak, offering insights into the critical role of agribusiness in Sierra Leone’s development.
The District Council Chairman emphasized the importance of community-based agribusiness; while the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAFS) District Agricultural Officer, Ginnah Bockarie, highlighted the Feed Salone Project’s goals, including import substitution, job creation, and women and youth empowerment.
Photo taken during the training session
The program concluded with facilitators urging participants to apply their newfound skills in creating resilient agribusinesses that could significantly contribute to Sierra Leone’s food security and economic growth.
The ToT training empowered women and youth-led agribusinesses, positioning them as key players in the agricultural economy and supporting the Feed Salone Project’s vision of a self-sustaining, food-secure Sierra Leone.