The Food System Resilience Programme (FSRP) has partnered with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to send ten promising youths to the Brazilian Institute for Africa (IBRAF) for intensive training on the cassava value chain. This initiative is a part of the FSRP’s Youth Technical Training Programme, which is designed to empower young people with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in various agricultural value chains.

During an interactive session with the selected participants, Dr. Kepifri Lakoh, the Project Lead, emphasized the importance of the three-week training in Brazil. He urged the participants to approach this opportunity with dedication and seriousness, reminding them that their mission is not just to learn but to bring back valuable insights that can drive innovation in cassava processing and production in Sierra Leone. Dr. Lakoh also encouraged the participants to be creative, curious, and proactive in forming partnerships that could lead to agricultural innovation. He added that FSRP is looking forward to receiving proposals focused on innovative approaches to the cassava value chain upon their return.

The IITA Country Representative, Dr. Alfred O. Dixon, a renowned agricultural scientist, also addressed the participants, sharing his extensive experience and offering valuable advice. He highlighted Brazil’s significance as a centre of diversity for cassava and encouraged the participants to pay close attention to the detailed aspects of cassava cultivation and processing during their stay. Dr. Dixon assured the participants that with the right focus and effort, they could capture new market opportunities upon their return. He also stressed the importance of understanding the engineering aspects involved in fabricating machines for cassava processing, which could greatly enhance their productivity.

As he concluded his remarks, Dr. Dixon urged the participants to view agriculture as a serious business and to consider forming lobby groups to advocate for the promotion of cassava products. This, he suggested, would not only elevate the status of cassava within the agricultural sector but also contribute to the economic growth of Sierra Leone.

About FSRP

The West Africa Food System Resilience Program (FSRP) is a World Bank funded program, promoted by ECOWAS, CILSS and CORAF for participating countries. It aims at strengthening food system risk management, improve the sustainability of the agricultural productive base and harmonize agricultural markets in the West African sub region. Participating countries include Burkina Faso, Ghana, Togo, Mali, Niger, Chad, Sierra Leone and Senegal. In Sierra Leone, FSRP which is being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security, is focusing on the intensified production, marketing and consumption of wholesome Mangrove Rice, Cassava and Livestock.