Description:

Capitol Foods, Sierra Leone’s pioneering fruit juice producer, is leading a ground-breaking project to reshape the pineapple supply chain. Supported by EU funds and coordinated by UNIDO, the project is designed to empower local farmers with essential skills through trainings, the introduction of innovative block farming techniques, and the deployment of a digital extension tool. Benefiting over 3,000 farmers, the programme not only creates a sustainable supply chain for Capitol Foods’ Sierra Juice brand but also addresses the challenges of large-scale agricultural procurement in Sierra Leone.

Key Achievements:

• Land and farmer recruitment: A 50-hectare plot has been secured for block farming, with 250 farmers recruited.
• Governance: A governance structure has been established to manage the block farm.
• Training and knowledge transfer: 180 farmers, including 154 women, have received extensive training in modern agricultural techniques crucial for large-scale farming. These farmers now own a 48-acre pineapple plantation, with expansion plans to reach 128 acres.
• Digital extension tool: A cutting-edge platform has been developed to connect farmers with Capitol Foods and the block farm, facilitating peer learning and efficient sourcing.
• Sourcing and logistics: Streamlined systems have been put in place to efficiently link the block farm, farmers, and Capitol’s processing plant, ensuring smooth operations and reliable supply chains.

Expected Impact:

• Employment: 250 farmers will be directly employed, with a focus on women (20/30%) and youth (40/50%). Currently, 180 farmers, for the majority women, are actively engaged in this initiative.
• Income growth: Block farmers are expected to earn an annual income of approximately €410, selling their products directly to Capitol Foods. This approach not only fosters financial independence but also instils a sense of ownership
• Yield increase: Pineapple yields are projected to rise from 3 tons per acre to 10 tons, resulting in a 300% income increase for farmers.
• Production and revenue: With an anticipated 1,500 MT from the block farm and 2,500 MT from farmers who are expected to generate annual revenues of €320,000.
• Livelihood improvement: The project is set to improve the livelihoods of 750 farming households, positively impacting 4,500 to 6,000 people by enhancing food security, housing, education, and healthcare.
• Skills development: 750 farmers will improve their agronomic and digital skills, laying the foundation for sustainable farming practices.

Quality assurance: The project is also committed to achieving food safety standards, with Capitol Foods on track to obtain ISO 22,000 certification. This milestone will unlock new market opportunities in Europe and America