What was once seen as just another crop has now become a source of nutrition, income, and empowerment for farming families in Bombali District. Thanks to a €689,920 project funded by the European Union, farmers are reaping the benefits of the Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP)—a crop rich in Vitamin A that is helping communities fight malnutrition and poverty.
The project, “Improving the livelihoods of sweet potato farmers through crop post-harvest-based innovation systems,” is being implemented by Mankind Activities for Development Accreditation Movement (MADAM) in partnership with the Morish Foundation (BoFo), the Christian Farmers and Development Association (CFADA), and with the involvement of the Bombali Agro Business Centre (BABC).
Speaking on the impact of the project, Mohamed S. Conteh, Executive Director of MADAM, explained that the initiative goes far beyond farming. “This project is not only about farming; it is about innovation, better nutrition, and sustainable livelihoods. By supporting farmers with training, equipment, and market access, we are seeing real improvements in incomes and wellbeing,” he said.
For many farmers, the change is personal. Sento Kargbo, a proud beneficiary in Bombali, expressed how her diet and livelihood have transformed. “I now prefer sweet potatoes to rice, which is Sierra Leone’s staple food. We have learned new ways to creatively use sweet potatoes and maximize profits. I thank the European Union for their support,” she said.
Since its launch, the project has strengthened farmer-based organizations in Bombali, Tonkolili, and Kambia, cultivated additional hectares of OFSP, and introduced new facilities such as solar dryers and vine preservation centers to reduce post-harvest losses. Farmers have also received training on climate-smart agriculture, entrepreneurship, and savings schemes, while markets have been opened up through partnerships with institutions like WFP and BRAC. Importantly, OFSP flour is now reaching hospitals and health units, improving nutrition for vulnerable households.
This EU-funded initiative demonstrates how agriculture, when paired with strong partnerships and innovation, can drive lasting change. For families in Bombali and beyond, the sweet potato is more than a crop—it is becoming a pathway to better health, stronger incomes, and sustainable community development.
#EU4You #GlobalGateway #EUBusTour2025 #EUNaSalone #SierraLeone #FoodSecurity #OFSP #CommunityDevelopment #Bombal