SiLNoRF and WellFound Lead Agricultural Empowerment Initiative as Moyamba Communities Advance Toward Improved Food Security and Livelihoods.

By: Idrissa Jerry Kargbo (Head of Communication, SiLNoRF StoryLab Creative_Pro)

Communities across Upper Banta, Ribbi, and Kargboro Chiefdoms in Moyamba District are demonstrating strong engagement and early progress under the project “Increasing Agricultural Productivity to Reduce Hunger Among the Poor Rural Population in Moyamba District” (RAB SLE 1128), led by the Sierra Leone Network on the Right to Food (SiLNoRF) in partnership with WellFound Sierra Leone with support from BMZ and WHH. The initiative is strengthening local agricultural systems, empowering farmers, and laying the foundation for improved food security and sustainable livelihoods across some of the district’s most vulnerable rural communities.

Recent community entry engagements conducted by SiLNoRF and WellFound confirmed widespread community ownership and readiness to participate in the initiative. In Upper Banta Chiefdom, communities including Njagbahun, Madina, Mondokor, Kpejebu, Mokabba, Ngolala, and Mogborie welcomed field teams and immediately began organizing into structured Farmers Based Organizations (FBOs) and Women Vegetable Farming Groups (WVGs). This process gives “faces” to the initiative farmers and women are now recognized as active participants shaping their own agricultural development. The initiative works directly with 30 FBOs, each comprising 15 men and 15 women, alongside 26 WVGs made up entirely of women. By placing communities, especially women, at the center of agricultural transformation, these groups are creating avenues for collective action, knowledge sharing, and improved access to economic opportunities.

Similar progress is being recorded in Ribbi Chiefdom, where communities such as Mokassie, Mogbanawill, Matonkoh, Molamina, Lilihammer, Kobanka, Kangama, Makumba, Magbanaboi, Malonlon, Mafaingere, and Mabang have shown strong commitment to the project’s objectives. Community members are actively participating in organized farming groups, embracing inclusive approaches that promote gender equality, strengthen land use participation, and support climate-resilient agriculture.

In Kargboro Chiefdom, communities including Ngiehun, Mokaisay, Mofuss, Mobiakafay/Mashika, Mokongbetty, Mothainkil, Mobapp, Lawana, Mofondeh, Madina/Mongray, and Mosokor have also demonstrated readiness and optimism. Farmers and women expressed strong interest in participating in structured farming systems that will enhance productivity, improve livelihoods, and strengthen household resilience. The formation of these groups is already fostering inclusive participation and positioning communities to benefit from improved farming practices and sustainable economic opportunities.

As lead implementers, SiLNoRF and WellFound are working closely with communities to strengthen local agricultural institutions, build capacity, and ensure inclusive participation. The project’s structured approach centered on farmer organization, women’s empowerment, and sustainable agricultural practices is creating a solid foundation for long-term impact.

These early milestones reflect meaningful progress and reinforce the project’s strategic importance in addressing hunger and strengthening livelihoods in Moyamba District. With strong community participation and coordinated implementation by SiLNoRF and WellFound, the initiative is positioning farming communities to improve productivity, increase income, and build a more secure and resilient future.