Introducing new rice technology in Sierra Leone

7 February 2015. The West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme (WAAPP) is a five year programme aimed at improving agriculture by introducing new technology as well as improving on existing ones. WAAPP-Sierra Leone commenced in 2011 and is due to fold up in June 30, 2016.

The five year project in Sierra Leone targets the two staple foods - rice and cassava. By the end of the project in 2016, five improved agricultural technologies should have been adopted by an expected 120,000 beneficiaries. The improved technology should cover 150,000 hectares countrywide, with a total number of 200,000 beneficiaries.

Concord Times engaged the Project Coordinator, Sulaiman Sesay, on the progress made so far.

"So far the target goals are meant for the completion of the project. Since the adoption of improved technology is highly incumbent on research, we now providing support to research institutions with infrastructure and human capacity building," said Sulaiman Sesay. "We support both long and short term training for scientist both locally and internationally. We are supporting 41 scientists who are pursuing masters and doctorate courses in universities abroad and we are providing short term training for local farmers and extension workers."

In the area of human capacity building, he said the project is providing technical assistance to two big institutes, including the Africa Rice Research Centre in Benin and the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture, as well as provide support to the Rokupr Rice Research Centre in Sierra Leone.