The programme attracted key representatives from the European Union (EU), Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI), N’jala University and BRAC International.
The strategic aim of the project is to improve food security and reduce poverty of 4,140 livestock farmers through diversification of the livestock sector and developing a better functioning livestock value chain.
In a bid to further ensure effective and efficient implementation, the project will be implemented in partnership with three other national/community based Non-governmental Organizations; Partners in Integrated Community Empowerment Programmes (PICEP-SL), Community Empowerment and Development Agency (CEDA-SL) and Kambia District Development and Rehabilitation Organization (KADDRO), with BRAC being the lead consortium member.
The project will be implemented in 5 districts (Western Area Rural, Pujehun, Bonthe, Kailahun & Koinadugu districts), targeting a total of 61,363 beneficiaries, who will benefit (directly/indirectly) from diversified production and increased income.
Furthermore, the project will focus on contributing towards enhancing the capacity of farmers to adopt improved livestock production techniques; ensure improved access to quality inputs that would increase availability of improved breed; enhance private sector interest and investment in livestock; ensure increased farmers’ access to extension services including veterinary to promote healthy environment for livestock to thrive; enhance increased nutrition awareness in communities through consumption of animal protein; enhance the capacity of state and non state actors in order to increase their involvement and investment in the livestock value chain, and establish linkages between smallholder farmers and market actors to ensure a constant demand and supply for livestock products.
In his keynote address, the Acting Country Representative – BRAC Sierra Leone, Victor Kamara, emphasized on the fact that “collaboration is non-negotiable” in the implementation of the project, noting the respective roles and responsibilities of the partners and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in ensuring a successful and impact driven implementation.
