A rice farming revival: Women farmers lead on food security in Sierra Leone

^{Jeneba Hakawa has brought her rice farming experience to the Gbortima farmers' group.}

Rice is a staple food in Sierra Leone, but its high cost - largely due to a heavy reliance on imports - makes it unaffordable for many consumers. A 50 kilogram bag of rice costs over 1,000,000 Sierra Leone leones (45.20 euros), and rice at that price is out of reach for many Sierra Leoneans earning minimum wage.

The Resilient Food and Nutrition Security (RFANS) programme, with funding from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is supporting rural farmers, especially women, in their efforts to increase local rice production to make this essential staple more accessible to families across the country and improve food security.

Reviving hope and harvests

A priority for the RFANS initiative has been its work with the Gbortima farmers' group made up of 23 women and three men. Located in Bundurbu, a small village in the Bo district, this group is part of Solidaridad's broader effort across the Bo, Kenema, and Moyamba districts to transform food production using innovative agricultural practices.

Through the programme the group has received training on best agronomic practices and animal husbandry, as well as farming tools and planting materials. Additionally, a Farmer Field School created through the initiative has facilitated knowledge-sharing and boosted food production in the rural community while promoting social cohesion.

The oldest member of the Gbortima group is Jeneba Hakawa. A widowed mother of four and grandmother of 10, Jeneba was once a seasoned rice farmer and worked alongside her late husband. After his death 15 years ago, she stepped away from farming, believing her days in the field were over. However, that changed when she joined the programme.

At age 68, Jeneba has rekindled her passion for farming and is now helping develop inland valley swamps to boost rice production in Bundurbu.

"I have knowledge in rice farming. My husband and I were both rice farmers," Hakawa shared. "Being part of this group has given me the opportunity to share my experience with others on how to nurse rice, develop inland valley swamps, and plant effectively."

Thanks to Hakawa's expertise and Solidaridad's training, the group has successfully developed one hectare of inland valley rice swamps. During the previous growing season the rice harvest was divided into portions: part of the harvest was shared among group members, another part was processed to sell, while a third part was stored for future planting. In November 2024, they harvested an impressive 50 bags of 50 kg rice and continued the planned distribution cycle established during the earlier harvest.

Economic and social impact

Through her work with the Gbortima group, Jeneba receives a share of the rice and vegetables they grow, along with a portion of the income from selling surplus crops. These benefits have helped her to support her family while contributing to the community's overall well-being.

Expanding support for rural farmers

Since 2021, the Resilient Food and Nutrition Security initiative has supported over 1,000 farmers across Sierra Leone with tools, seeds, and technical training in vegetable production.

"Through the RFANS programme, Solidaridad continues to empower communities, ensuring sustainable food security and fostering resilience in vulnerable populations," says Celina Pabai, Programme Coordinator for Resilient Food and Nutrition Security.

In 2024, the programme expanded its focus to inland valley swamp development for rice cultivation, and introduced livestock breeding initiatives for goats, pigs, and chickens. These efforts are enhancing food production, generating economic opportunities and continuing to improve the lives of individuals and rural communities in rural Sierra Leone.

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