The West Africa Food System Resilience Program (FSRP), through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), has funded the construction of an ultra-modern Fertilizer Testing Laboratory at Njala University — the first of its kind in Sierra Leone.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place today at Njala University’s Mokonde Campus, bringing together key stakeholders including farmers, the National Fertilizer Regulatory Agency (NaFRA), FSRP representatives, MAFS officials, university authorities, and local community leaders. The event marked a major step towards ensuring the quality and suitability of fertilizers used across the country.
Speaking at the ceremony, FSRP Project Manager Dr. Kepifri Lakoh emphasized the critical role fertilizers play in boosting national food production. He said the establishment of a state-of-the-art laboratory is vital to guarantee that fertilizers used in Sierra Leone are properly tested and adapted to the nation’s diverse ecological conditions.
Njala University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alhaji Mohamed Bashiru, commended President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership for prioritizing fundamental issues of sustainable agricultural development. He noted that the new facility will not only enhance academic research and training but also contribute significantly to the government’s Feed Salone initiative.
Dr. Andrew Koroma, Head of NaFRA, expressed appreciation to the World Bank funded FSRP for supporting the construction of critical agricultural infrastructure. He assured that once completed, the facility will be efficiently utilized to ensure the effective regulation, management, and productive use of fertilizers across Sierra Leone.
