On November 20, 2024, Deputy Minister II of Agriculture and Food Security, Sahr Hemore, joined the European Union (EU) and private sector representatives to inaugurate a multifunctional processing center for Orange-fleshed Sweet Potatoes in Matotaka Village, Bombali District, Northern Sierra Leone.
Constructed by Mankind Activities for Development Accreditation Movements (MADAM) with EU and government support, the facility is designed to enhance sweet potato processing and improve the livelihoods of local farmers.
Deputy Minister Hemore highlighted the initiative’s alignment with President Julius Maada Bio’s food security agenda and commended the EU and MADAM for their commitment to supporting agriculture. He urged farmers to fully utilize the facility to boost production, market access, and local food availability.
Edward Conteh, Head of Programs at MADAM, described the center as a key milestone under the EU-funded AGROTECH project, which aims to innovate post-harvest systems and empower farmers.
Farmer representatives Madam Sento Kamara and Mr. Edwin A.J. Turay thanked donors and called for continued support to enhance local market regulations and boost production.
With this facility, Matotaka becomes the first village in Bombali and the third in Northern Sierra Leone to adopt advanced sweet potato processing, paving the way for improved agricultural practices and food security in the region.
