As part of an EU-funded project that started in 2021, MADAM is the lead in a consortium of local NGO’s that work with sweet potato farmers in order to implement value-added agriculture post-harvest.

This initiative builds on the Inclusive Value Chain (VC) concept developed by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and aims to create social and economic benefits through new market opportunities and enhanced VC integration. The goal of the Agro-tech project is to contribute towards poverty alleviation, food security, improved nutrition, and better resource management in Sierra Leone through enabling producer associations and their service providers to develop strategies for increased production, profitability, and sustainability.

By promoting the “Made in Sierra Leone” brand in food retail outlets, we will also implement quality and food safety standards within the sector. This action focuses on improving the infrastructure of a viable and self-sustaining sweet potato value chain in Sierra Leone, promoting sustainable growth while creating jobs.

We have selected the Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP) due to its financial and nutritional potential for farmers and communities. It is bio-fortified with beta-carotene (a source of vitamin A) and iron, while offering a high carbohydrate content and delicious flavor. OFSP has demonstrated significantly higher productivity compared to standard sweet potatoes under similar growing conditions. By promoting the cultivation of OFSP, we can provide essential micronutrients for children while helping farmers diversify their crops, ultimately improving their livelihoods.

The project objectives of the Agro-tech project are the following:

• Improved OFSP productivity, strengthened farm management and organization and increased farmer revenue – Area of cultivation of improved OFSP varieties expanded with desired nutrition, utilization, and agronomic practices.
• Enhanced performance of the local OFSP value chain – generating social and economic returns through VC collaboration, using appropriate technology.

In this project, MADAM has been the lead NGO in a consortium with several organizations: the Christian Farmers Development Association (CFADA), which is active in Tonkolili District; the Borish Foundation, operating in Kambia District; and the Binkolo Agribusiness Centre in Bombali District as the private entity focussing on value addition element.