Sustainable Community Agriculture and Livehood Expansion (SCALE) Project is a three-year initiative under the Promoting Sustainable Agriculture and Vocational Education (PSAVE) project, funded by Bread for the World.

Launched on May 1, 2024, and running until March 31, 2027, the project operates in three chiefdoms: Paki Massabong (Bombali District) and Tane and Kunike Barina (Tonkolili District).

Climate Smart Agricultural (CSA) practices are vital for enhancing food security and addressing environmental challenges. The SCALE project tackles issues of food insecurity and limited market access for smallholder farmers through a support services scheme managed by farmers’ cooperatives. This initiative improves access to market information, quality seeds, tools, organic fertilizers, and sustainable farming practices, including the cultivation of cash crops, vegetables, and fruit trees. Knowledge, experience and best practice will be shared in two centers of excellence, located in Matula, and Bumba.

To strengthen farmers’ incomes, the project emphasizes reducing post-harvest losses and promoting affordable value-added agricultural techniques and irrigation systems. Collaborating with the private sector will help market these products and provide nutritional education, ultimately addressing food insecurity and malnutrition.

Key Activities Include:

• Establishing farmers’ cooperatives and creating Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs)
• Forming environmental clubs,
• Cultivating seed rice and vegetables
• Promoting integrated pest and post-harvest management
• Providing tools and seeds to 900 farmers
• Establishing centers of excellence for training
• Training farmers on climate adaptation practices
• Planting 150 acres of economic trees and forest corridors

These initiatives aim to empower local communities, enhance livelihoods, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.