By Tamba Tengbeh

The Regional Rice Value Chain Project (RRVCP) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), popularly known as the Tormabum Rice Project, is alive and kicking, despite what the skeptics might say.

To transform rice production in Sierra Leone, the construction of a 4,000-hectare irrigation scheme, managed by Pavifort Company, is well underway.

The overall objective of the RRVCP is to contribute significantly to reducing the country’s high rice importation rates, enhancing economic growth through improved rice production, processing, and marketing, while also increasing private sector participation in agriculture.

The $34.12 million project spans several West African countries, with one of the key donors, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), recently sending a mission to assess the project’s progress at Tormabum.

Sabiu Auwal, Operations Team Lead for Agriculture at IsDB, commended the advancements observed, particularly in the construction of the 4,000-hectare irrigation scheme, the rehabilitation of two warehouses, the construction of a new warehouse, the erection of two prefabricated milling houses (with a capacity of 15 tons per hour), and the refurbishment of 35 km of road.

Auwal stressed the importance of timely completion and proper utilization of these facilities, urging the contractor to expedite work to prevent delays.

Irrigation is vital to agriculture, as it allows smallholder farmers to increase rice production by enabling two to three growing seasons per year. Irrigation also conserves water during dry periods, lengthening the growing season and boosting crop yields. Furthermore, it can protect crops from damage caused by extreme weather conditions, such as heat or cold.

Since its inception, the project has partnered with agribusiness companies to optimize the government’s “Feed Salone” program, which focuses on revolutionizing agricultural development.

The Project Coordinator of the RRVCP, Mr. Abdulai Bun Wai, highlighted the critical role private sector players are expected to play in the project.

He noted that, while their primary goal is profit maximization, their involvement in the Tormabum Rice Project would create an enabling environment for sustainable growth.

The construction of warehouses and the installation of two milling machines will allow farmers to parboil and package rice, adding value to the product and increasing profitability.

Mr. Bun Wai also explained that the project’s value chain model ensures that various actors within the chain—such as seed suppliers, farmers, processors, and marketers—collaborate to support smallholder farmers, thereby increasing rice production and productivity. He emphasized that donors are impressed with the project’s activities compared to other countries where similar programs are being implemented.

The project has already registered over 4,000 farmers in Kambia and Bonthe districts and is currently supporting 1,000 women and young people through an Islamic microfinance loan scheme managed by Apex Bank.

This financial support is aimed at empowering farmers to increase production.

The RRVCP has divided its rice value chain implementation model into five segments: seed/fertilizers/agrochemicals, paddy production, rice milling, marketing, and access to finance.

Each segment depends on the other to ensure the successful implementation of the project, and all stakeholders—including private players and farmers—are essential to its success.

This year, the project has cultivated over 400 hectares of rice fields in Tormabum , with 500 hectares in Mambolo and Samu Chiefdoms in Kambia District. However, some rice fields in Tormabum were affected by flooding, which poses a challenge to overall production.

Mr. Bun Wai also urged journalists to reach out to the project team for accurate information, noting that publishing incorrect facts could damage the credibility of the journalists and misinform the public.

Paramount Chief Alex Maada Kaipumu of Bum Chiefdom, Bonthe District, has repeatedly expressed gratitude to the government and donors for supporting his chiefdom through the project, which is improving the livelihoods of his people.

He thanked the IsDB for funding the irrigation scheme and praised Pavifort’s work.

Chief Kaipumu believes that the project will significantly contribute to the government’s Feed Salone program and strengthen food security in the region.

The RRVCP is a five-year project operating in five other West African countries.

It is an initiative of the Islamic Development Bank, focused on enhancing food self-sufficiency in the region.

The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), has been a strong supporter of the project, aiming to reduce the country’s reliance on rice imports, which cost the government over $200 million annually.

IsDB also has a key mission about the Tormabum.

This ambitious project is designed not only to help IsDB member countries achieve self-sufficiency in food production but also to alleviate poverty, create employment opportunities for youths and women, and build the capacity of farmers across the country.

The Regional Rice Value Chain Project is jointly funded by the Government of Sierra Leone, the Islamic Development Bank, and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA).