By Membui Emmanuel
The Project Manager of the Sierra Leone Agribusiness and Value Chain Support (SLARiS) project, Tamba Jumu, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting agro-dealers as key players in the nation’s agricultural development.
Speaking on the third day of the Agro-Dealers Strategy and Validation Workshop at Family Kingdom, Freetown, he emphasized the crucial role agro-dealers play in strengthening agricultural supply chains and enhancing food security.
The SLARiS project, funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), has provided financial incentives and input support to seed enterprises.
The initiative has improved the availability and affordability of certified seeds, facilitated the construction of storage facilities, and enhanced training, regulatory oversight, and market support for agro-dealers.
Jumu highlighted that empowering agro-dealers will help curb input smuggling, eliminate counterfeit products, boost smallholder farmers’ productivity and income, and promote climate-resilient farming practices.
He called for stronger collaboration through public-private partnerships, joint initiatives between agribusinesses and farmer-agro-dealer networks, and the establishment of digital platforms to connect farmers with certified agro-dealers.
He urged agro-dealers to register with national agricultural agencies to access government support, participate in capacity-building workshops, and work closely with local farmers to co-develop solutions that enhance productivity and sustainability.
“This approach ensures that agro-dealers receive the necessary support while aligning policies with practical needs. Together, we can build a sustainable and prosperous future for agriculture in Sierra Leone,” Mr. Jumu concluded.
