By Sallieu S. Kanu
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations officially handed over the Digital Farmer Registry to the Mano River Union (MRU) Secretariat on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. The ceremony, held at the MRU Secretariat in Freetown, marked a significant milestone in regional agricultural transformation, aiming to improve farmer data management, support decision-making, and enhance food security and rural development across MRU member states—Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Ama Gborie Foday, Deputy Secretary of the MRU Secretariat, described the initiative as a transformational tool for policymakers, development partners, and farmers. “This platform provides real-time, reliable, and structured agro-data to enhance better planning for targeted interventions and informed decision-making,” she said. Mrs. Foday extended heartfelt appreciation to the FAO for their unwavering support and reaffirmed the MRU’s commitment to sustainable implementation of the project.
Saeed Abubakar Bancie, FAO Representative in Sierra Leone, speaking on behalf of Madam Bintia S. Tchicaya, FAO Program Lead for Social Protection in Africa, described the event as a pivotal moment in the FAO/MRU joint work plan on social protection. Bancie highlighted that the Digital Farmer Registry is more than a technological advancement; it enables inclusive, data-driven agricultural policies and decision-making. “By establishing a structured and reliable database for farmers, the platform will strengthen food security and nutrition while fostering linkages with social protection initiatives in the Mano River region,” he stated.
His Excellency, Ambassador Simon M.B. Harrison, Secretary General of the MRU, applauded the initiative as a catalyst for agricultural growth, economic empowerment, and regional integration. Ambassador Harrison expressed his gratitude to the FAO and all contributors to the project and emphasized that the registry represents a new era of digital innovation in agriculture and social protection for MRU member states.
Ahead of the handover, a training of trainers session was held to equip participants with skills for the platform’s effective use. Harding Bockarie Wuyango of FAOR Programs inaugurated the session, which was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), MRU Secretariat staff, and other stakeholders. The training was facilitated by SmartConekt.
The Digital Farmer Registry is poised to revolutionize agricultural planning and empower farmers while reinforcing the MRU region’s commitment to sustainable development and social protection.