Tomatoes, one of the most consumed vegetables in Sierra Leone, are the focus of the Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP), with the country aiming to produce 27,000 tonnes by 2026, up from 25,000 tonnes in 2021.
Driven by growing demand for fresh and processed tomatoes, the sector has grown by 2.8% annually since 2017. However, challenges such as climate change, lack of post-harvest infrastructure and the impact of COVID-19 have slowed progress. Despite this, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), with support from the World Bank and GAFSP, is banking on the resilience of smallholder farmers, particularly women and young people, to modernise the tomato value chain.
"The tomato sector is largely driven by women," said Dr Henry Musa Kpaka, Minister of Agriculture. "This alone shows the potential we have to transform agriculture into an activity that empowers families and communities. Through the FSRP, we are committed to modernising this sector to attract investment and achieve food sovereignty."
In 2024, the FSRP gave a significant boost to tomato production by distributing tomato seeds, compost, fertilisers and extension services to farmers. Twenty modern vegetable gardens (MVGs) were created at 17 sites in eight districts, equipped with greenhouses and vegetable storage facilities. This support benefited 4,488 farming households (approximately 26,928 people), 47% of whom are women.
A strategic memorandum of understanding with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) also enables the construction of solar-powered boreholes to irrigate the MVGs, ensuring year-round production despite climate change.
One success story is Emma Bangura, a disabled woman who has found a new purpose in life thanks to the FSRP.
"Before, I used to beg on the streets. My children even had to drop out of school because I couldn't pay the school fees," Emma says emotionally. "But when the FSRP reached out to me in 2025, my life changed. Thanks to the greenhouse, seeds and support, I turned my wheelchair into a farming tool. Today, my children are back in school. Farming is not charity, it is a source of independence."
Mary Mani, a commercial tomato producer in Lungi, is another pioneer. Hired by the FSRP to mentor smallholder farmers, she uses her greenhouse as a training centre.
“Tomatoes are very sensitive to climate change,” Mary explains. “Thanks to the FSRP, we started with just one greenhouse, and with the income generated from sales, we were able to add another one.
Farmers now have guaranteed access to inputs and the market. Our future looks brighter than ever.
Although the sector peaked in production in 2022 with 20.2 tonnes, fluctuations remain a major problem preventing the sector from reaching its full potential. However, experts agree that with targeted investments, climate-appropriate infrastructure and strategic partnerships, Sierra Leone is on track to meet or even exceed its tomato demand projections for 2026.
"When government efforts are combined with donor investment and community ownership, we are no longer just growing agricultural products, we are growing the future," said Dr Kpaka.
As the FSRP continues to build resilient food systems across Sierra Leone, the tomato sector stands out as a model of transformation, lifting households out of poverty, promoting inclusive growth and bringing hope with every harvest.
