Caritas Freetown, in collaboration with the Federal Republic of Germany Ambassador to Sierra Leone, celebrated the inauguration of an agricultural training centre at Makomba Village, Western Area Rural District, on Tuesday, February 13th, 2023.
This pivotal event marks the commencement of a transformative journey aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture and empowering local communities, particularly in Makomba village, where agriculture is central to survival and livelihood. The Caritas Agric Training Center represents a significant milestone in Caritas’ commitment to improving agricultural practices and facilitating economic empowerment, especially for women and girls in the region. With generous support from the German Embassy, this initiative has come to fruition. Dignitaries present at the event included the Executive Director of Caritas Freetown, the Federal Republic of Germany Ambassador, Councilors of Western Area Rural District, representatives of the District Agriculture Office under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, community headmen, stakeholders, and other staff members of Caritas Freetown.
The speakers emphasized the importance of promoting agricultural development and commended the efforts of the project initiators.
Andreas Schnier, Technical Project Advisor of Caritas Freetown, provided an overview of the training at the agricultural centre and its objectives. He highlighted the centre’s role in equipping farmers with the knowledge and skills necessary for embracing modern and sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing productivity, and contributing to food security, in the face of challenges such as climate change. Schnier outlined plans for the second phase of the project, which includes implementing a water installation system crucial for agricultural production and access to solar lighting.
Rev. Fr. Peter Konteh, Executive Director of Caritas Freetown, expressed gratitude to the German Embassy for their support and emphasized the positive impact of collaboration in addressing agricultural challenges. He urged all stakeholders to join hands in advancing this noble endeavour for sustainable development.
Jens Kraus-Massé, the Federal Republic of Germany’s Ambassador to Sierra Leone, commended Caritas Freetown and the community for their swift efforts in establishing the training centre, he was impressed with the construction, which only took two months. He emphasized the importance of empowering girls and women in agriculture, noting their pivotal role in the sector and its broader impact on health and education.
Adamsay Kargbo, a farmer and resident of Makomba Village, expressed joy at the establishment of the training agricultural centre. She highlighted the community’s struggle with outdated farming techniques and expressed hope that the initiative would enable them to improve production and provide for their families. Kargbo extended her gratitude to Caritas Freetown and its sponsors for their support.
In conclusion, the inauguration of the agricultural training centre signifies a collaborative effort towards sustainable agriculture and community empowerment in Makomba Village and beyond. As the project unfolds, it promises to bring about positive change and opportunities for growth in the agricultural sector, benefiting communities and fostering resilience in the face of challenges. This project supports the government’s agenda and will serve as a farmer’s school for piloting and training.
