By Kadiatu A Turay

In a decisive stride toward transforming Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector and uplifting rural livelihoods, the agriculture value Chain Development Project (AVDP), under the ministry of agriculture, has signed contracts with multiple contractors to rehabilitate over 420 kilometers of vital feeder roads across eight districts, the signing ceremony, held at the ministry’s headquarters in Freetown, was attended by the minister of agriculture, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, key stakeholders, and representatives from the contracting firms.

This ambitious infrastructure project is a cornerstone of the government’s flagship Feed Salone agenda, aiming to strengthen the agricultural value chain by improving rural connectivity, enhancing farmers’ access to markets, inputs, and extension services, and ultimately boosting national food production.

The targeted districts Bo, Moyamba, Pujehun, Bonthe, Kenema, Kailahun, Kono, and Port Loko are renowned for their agricultural potential but have long suffered from poor road networks, especially during the rainy season when many roads become impassable.

Minister Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka stressed the critical role of feeder roads in unlocking rural agricultural growth, feeder roads are the lifelines of our farming communities, without reliable roads, farmers cannot get their produce to market on time, resulting in huge post-harvest losses. This initiative will not only connect farms to markets but will open doors to opportunities for entire communities.

He called on contractors to deliver quality work on schedule
you are not just building roads; you are paving the way for food security, rural development, and poverty reduction. we expect nothing less than excellence and timely delivery.”

Funded by the International Fund for agricultural development (IFAD), the road works are slated for completion within two years. Monica Kwame greene, AVDP project Manager, emphasized the transparency of the procurement process and the contractors’ commitment to high standards.

The contractors selected have demonstrated strong capacity and agreed to meet stringent environmental, social, and engineering standards, Greene said, we will monitor progress closely through regular site inspections and active community engagement to ensure quality.

For farmers in these districts, the announcement signals a new dawn. Marie Conteh, a rice farmer from Bonthe, shared her excitement, for years, we have struggled. During rains, our crops rot because vehicles cannot reach us. Fixing these roads means we can sell more, save more, and send our children to school, Cassava farmer Mohamed Kalokoh from Pujehun echoed the sentiment, a good road is sometimes worth more than fertilizer because it connects you to buyers and income, we pray the government ensures proper oversight.

Paramount Chief Alhaji Banya of Moyamba District hailed the project as transformational:
This is not just about roads; it is about connecting smallholder farmers to the national economy. I hope this becomes a model for other ministries, Musa Jalloh, executive director of Rural Development Watch, called for community involvement, the roads must reflect community needs, we urge AVDP to engage village development committees and youth groups in supervising the contractors.”

The road rehabilitation directly supports President Julius Maada Bio’s Feed Salone strategy, which seeks to reduce food imports by strengthening local production and value chains. Despite agriculture contributing about 60% to GDP, poor infrastructure has been a major bottleneck, Minister Kpaka reaffirmed the government’s commitment to food sovereignty:
With the right infrastructure, policies, and partnerships, Sierra Leone can feed itself and even become a food exporter.”

He noted collaboration with the Ministry of Works and Sierra Leone Roads Authority to integrate these feeder roads into the national network for sustainability, AVDP is prioritizing inclusivity, ensuring women and youth benefit from the project. Greene stated, Many contractors have pledged to hire women and young people, providing economic empowerment and fostering community ownership.

Youth leader Isatu Mansaray of Kenema welcomed these opportunities:
Involving us in the road work means earning income and gaining skills real development, the project incorporates climate resilience, using modern engineering techniques with adequate drainage to ensure year-round usability. engineer Alusine Turay, a consultant for AVDP, explained, we apply lessons learned from past projects to build durable, sustainable roads with proper drainage and compaction.”

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is closely involved to ensure compliance and minimize ecological impact, experts see this project as a foundation for sustainable rural transformation. By easing transport, reducing post-harvest losses, and improving access to extension and financial services, it strengthens the agricultural sector’s resilience and competitiveness.

Dr. Juliana Kallon, agricultural economist at Njala University, noted:
Improved infrastructure can boost productivity, stimulate rural economies, and reduce migration to cities. Success will depend on strong implementation, monitoring, and community involvement, as contractors gear up to begin work, optimism runs high across rural Sierra Leone. communities await not just promises but tangible improvements the dust and sweat of road construction leading to easier mobility and economic growth, the ministry of agriculture and AVDP have pledged transparency and accountability throughout the project. It seems clear: the road to food security is being paved, one kilometer at a time.

Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Friday, May 19th, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)