The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), local leaders and the Government of Sierra Leone marked a major milestone in the fight against child malnutrition and food insecurity with the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a new local complementary Food Processing Facility in Makarie village, Bombali District. The facility is being established under the Strengthened Agricultural Value-chain through Infant Nutrition for Growth (SAVING) Project, a four-year initiative financed principally by the European Union and implemented by WFP in partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone.
As part of the EUR 11.5 million contribution for 4 years, thenew food processing factory will strengthen local production of safe, affordable and fortified complementary foods for children aged 6-23 months while creating sustainable market opportunities for smallholder farmers and women-led enterprises. Once operational, the facility is expected to process approximately 200 metric tonnes of nutritious food annually and will feature automated packaging systems, food safety infrastructure, off-grid solar power and solar-powered water facilities. More than 25,000 people are expected to benefit from the funding including more than 8,000 farmers.
In his welcome address the Paramount chief of Makarie chiefdom, PC Bai Makarie Nkolo II welcomed the development initiative in his chiefdom and assured WFP of his fullest support.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, professor Abdulai Jalloh, Chief Agriculture Officerreferenced the processing mills set up by WFP across the country and explained how the construction of the factory will create market opportunities for smallholder farmers. He added that there was no better way to feed Sierra Leone than to feedand nourish its children for a healthier future.
Mr Abubakarr Kamara the Mayor of Makeni city councilencouraged the people to embrace this opportunity adding that the project will create equity and help to provide jobs especially for the youth.
The Representative and Country Director of WFP, Andrew Odero said that the project seeks to address the problem of access to nutritious and affordable complementary foods forchildren under five years. “This is the history of Nyam Nyampap,” he added “We are breaking ground not for an idea that has never been tried but rather building on what has already been started. This new facility was designed along the lessons learnt from the four existing facilities.”
The project will upgrade and build on the success of the existing community-based complementary food production initiatives in Pujehun, Moyamba and Kambia districts and support the production and commercialization of fortified foods through women-led enterprises. Through the SAVING Project, nutritious crop production by smallholder farmers is linked to improved infant and young child feeding practices and local food processing, helping to create a more resilient and nutrition-sensitive food system.
Following the groundbreaking, participants toured the proposed facility site and viewed presentations on the planned production process, food safety features, solar energy system and water infrastructure. Farmer organizations showcased nutritious crops that will supply the processing value chain, while health workers and Mother Support Groups demonstrated infant and young child feeding practices and the use of locally produced complementary foods.
The Makarie Infant Food Processing Facility is expected to contribute to Sierra Leone’s efforts to reduce malnutrition, strengthen local food systems and create economic opportunities for rural communities, particularly women and smallholder farmers, while ensuring that more children have access to nutritious complementary foods produced locally.
