The training on capacity building for spray service providers and extension agents, organised by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security under the Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP), was completed on 25 July 2025 at Taiama Resort in Moyamba District. The event highlighted the need to modernise agriculture in Sierra Leone through skills development and inclusive participation.
The opening ceremony, chaired by Dr Isata Kamanda of the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI), emphasised the crucial role of agribusiness in transforming rural livelihoods. Dr Abdul R. Conteh, Acting Director General of SLARI, expressed satisfaction with the diversity of participants and said that the training focused on practical skills needed to improve fertiliser application and agronomic practices. He emphasised that the initiative aimed to create jobs for young people as professional spray service providers.
Mr Sahr D. Koroma, representing the Ministry of Agriculture, acknowledged the challenges posed by the lack of trained field operators, which has affected agricultural extension and led to poor yields and soil contamination. Dr. Janatu V. Sesay, from the Sierra Leone Seed Certification Agency (SLeSCA), highlighted the participation of women and the importance of understanding technical measures for effective spraying.
In his keynote address, Dr Alfred O. Dixon, IITA country representative, urged participants to seize this training opportunity, highlighting the modernisation of agriculture, the need for quality seed systems and effective weed and pest management to successfully implement the Feed Salone initiative. Dr Prince E. Norman then highlighted the importance of improving weed management to increase production and productivity.
Nigerian experts Professor Ekeleme Friday and Dr Godwin Atser led the training sessions, which covered various essential topics such as the cassava seed system, the safe use of pesticides and practical demonstrations. The training, which focused on the private sector and extension workers, combined theory and practical knowledge, paving the way for sustainable food systems, youth employment and the modernisation of agriculture in Sierra Leone.
