Regional Rice Value Chain Project -MAF

The Rice Value Chain Project (RRVCP), in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), has successfully distributed 4,035 bags of N.P.K 15:15 and Urea to farmers in Mambolo Chiefdom, Kambia District. This distribution is part of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) microfinance scheme facilitated by Apex Bank. Mambolo have expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, which operates on a profit-sharing model rather than traditional interest rates. This aligns with the government’s initiative, aiming to boost rice production, empower and , and enhance livelihoods across farming communities.

RRVCP and Apex Bank Engage Kambia Farmers on Islamic Micro Finance Loan Scheme

The Rice Value Chain Project (RRVCP), in partnership with Apex Bank, held a series of community engagement meetings in Mambolo and Samu chiefdoms, Kambia District. These meetings aimed to sensitize Farmers-Based Organizations (FBOs) about the Islamic Micro Finance (IMF) opportunity, outlining the eligibility criteria and the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders to ensure loan repayment and the sustainability of the program.

The scheme, which forms part of the project’s objectives, is designed to empower women and youth to improve their livelihoods and contribute to economic growth through enhanced agricultural activities.

During the meeting, Fatmata Binta Jalloh, Agribusiness Specialist for the RRVCP, emphasized the purpose of the IMF loan, stating that it seeks to enable to increase their investments in rice production and post-harvest activities. She highlighted the project’s goal of transforming subsistence farming into a competitive agribusiness sector that can reduce rice importation and improve the livelihoods of actors across the value chain.

Haja Rashid, District Coordinator for the National Farmers Federation of Sierra Leone (NAFFSL) in Kambia, praised the initiative as a timely intervention for farmers. She urged them to remain committed to President Bio’s " Salone" program, which aims to achieve national food security.

Apex Bank's Managing Director, Nelson Salia Konneh, further explained the benefits and opportunities offered by the bank’s facilities. He emphasized the importance of utilizing these opportunities responsibly by repaying their loans, ensuring that other farmers can also benefit from the scheme. He noted that the Micro Finance loan operates differently from traditional loan schemes, offering specific support to farmers to boost rice production and productivity, aligning with the Feed Salone program.

Isatu Sesay, one of the project’s beneficiaries, expressed satisfaction with the initiative, stating that the loan would relieve some of the challenges they face in mangrove farming. She shared her hope that the loan would allow them to engage in other business activities alongside farming, thereby improving their overall economic standing.

The engagement reflects the RRVCP and Apex Bank’s ongoing commitment to support the Feed Salone program by improving the livelihoods of women and youth in rural communities.

The of Agriculture and Food Security's Regional Rice Value Chain Project (RRVCP), in partnership with the Islamic Development Bank and Live and Livelihood Fund donors , officially launched the Adaptive Results-Based Management (aRBM) Program on Thursday, September 12, at Dohas Hotel in Bo City.

The is a comprehensive management approach that focuses on achieving measurable results and clearly defined objectives.

It aims to improve project performance by ensuring that all processes, outputs, and services are effectively managed and delivered. The program provides a structured framework for monitoring and evaluating project activities, enabling better decision-making and accountability at all levels.

The launch brought together key stakeholders from the project areas in Bonthe and Kambia districts, as well as technical staff from the Ministry of Agriculture and other development partners. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment to enhancing rice production and ensuring the success of the value chain in these districts, contributing to the overall goals of food security and agricultural development in Sierra Leone.

The Adaptive Results-Based Management (aRBM) program is being implemented by Delivering Associate, a consulting firm hired to support the Project Management Unit (PMU). The firm’s role is to provide expert guidance and ensure the effective application of the aRBM framework, helping to enhance project efficiency and ensure the achievement of desired outcomes.