THE UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the government of Sierra Leone have signed a significant financing agreement for the launch of the Livestock and Livelihoods Development Project (LLDP). This ambitious initiative is designed to uplift nearly 500,000 people in rural communities, focusing on poverty alleviation, enhanced food security, and improved nutrition. With a total funding commitment of $105.5 million over eight years, this project aims to directly support over 370,000 people involved in family farming across the country.
IFAD will contribute $30 million through a grant, while additional support comes from the Islamic Development Bank and the OPEC Fund for International Development, which together will provide around $60 million in funding. A key aspect of the LLDP is its focus on promoting inclusive growth by prioritising rural women and youth, ensuring equal access to farming resources and creating employment opportunities.
Boosting agricultural productivity and resilience
Agriculture is the cornerstone of Sierra Leone’s economy, contributing to 59 percent of the country’s GDP and providing livelihoods for 62 percent of its population. However, the devastating Ebola outbreak in 2014 left lasting impacts on agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods. While rice farming remains dominant in Sierra Leone, livestock farming has traditionally been limited to semi-nomadic herders, with poultry being the most commonly owned farm animal. The LLDP aims to transform this by improving the productivity of 62,500 smallholder livestock farmers.
The project places special emphasis on empowering women, youth, and persons with disabilities, enabling them to play an active role in the livestock value chain. At least 40 percent of the beneficiaries will be women, 30 percent youth, and 5 percent individuals with disabilities. Closing the gender gap in agricultural productivity alone could contribute an additional $1 trillion to global GDP, highlighting the importance of this initiative.
Empowering women and youth
Bernard Hien, IFAD’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa, commented on the project’s broader impact, saying: ‘The Livestock and Livelihoods Development Project supports smallholder livestock production to improve incomes and nutrition, while also advancing the Government’s efforts in transforming the sector and reducing poverty and hunger in rural communities.’
By targeting market access for smallholder farmers and improving the policy and institutional environment for livestock investment, the LLDP also aims to strengthen the sector’s resilience to economic and climate-related shocks. Training, capacity-building, and the establishment of cooperative structures will be central to achieving these goals, while supporting the sector’s long-term sustainability.
A strategic partnership for rural development
Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, Henry Musa Kpaka, expressed his gratitude for IFAD’s ongoing support, stating: ‘The LLDP is a flagship project in the livestock sector. This partnership will benefit Sierra Leone’s economy by providing essential sources of livelihood for our farmers, particularly women and youth. It will enhance nutritional status and increase income for many families, especially in rural areas. I am confident this alliance will significantly contribute to our broader agricultural and economic objectives, including food security, rural development, poverty reduction, and the creation of sustainable jobs for our growing population.’
A legacy of support
Since its inception in 1980, IFAD has been a committed partner in Sierra Leone’s agricultural development, investing over $216 million in 10 projects that have benefitted more than 547,500 rural households. The LLDP marks the latest chapter in this ongoing partnership, aiming to transform Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector and improve the livelihoods of its rural population.
The Livestock and Livelihoods Development Project represents a significant step forward for Sierra Leone’s agriculture sector, offering a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges faced by smallholder farmers. With a focus on improving productivity, market access, and resilience, this project has the potential to transform the lives of thousands, especially among women and youth, while contributing to the country’s broader economic and food security goals.
