The project aimed at transforming Sierra Leone’s agribusiness sector by increasing productivity and farmers’ income focusing on sesame, pigeon peas, and sorghum. The three crops were used into the production of baby food and other products, establishing a model of sustainable and profitable agribusiness practices.

Key results of the project included boosting entrepreneurship and business planning skills for 1,500 farmers, improving their access to finance to increase productivity mainly through the production of baby food and other products by Bennimix Food Company (BFC). The project also created new business opportunities for women and young people who became distributors of BFC products. Moreover, it has improved nutrition and food security for the people of Sierra Leone.

This initiative targeted the following districts: Port Loko, Bombali, Kenema, Kono, Bo, Western Area Urban, and Western Area Rural.

Key results:

Increased Productivity and Incomes for farmers:

• • 1,500 farmers received training in entrepreneurship and business development.
  • Project established partnerships with financial institutions that improved farmers’ access to finance.
  • Yields, crop quality, and overall farm productivity saw significant improvements.
  • Farmers enjoyed better access to market which increased their incomes.

Enhanced Value Addition:

• • The production of sesame, pigeon peas, and sorghum among farmers reached new heights.
  • Bennimix Food Company (BFC) improved its industrial processing capabilities, leading to the production of baby food and other value-added products.

Expanded Employment Opportunities:

• • The project generated new skilled and semi-skilled jobs in food processing industry.
  • Women and youth entrepreneurs found increased marketing and distribution opportunities for BFC products.

Improved Agribusiness Environment:

• • Strengthened public-private dialogue created a more favourable environment for agribusiness.
  • Farmers benefited from improved access to affordable inputs, finance, and broader markets.
  • The Sierra Leone Chamber for Agribusiness Development (SLeCAD) saw a boost in its capacity to support agribusiness sector.