The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) in Sierra Leone has received a shipment of 5,000 metric tons of fertilizer for the upcoming 2023 planting season. This development was communicated through an official press release on August 22, 2023.
According to the statement, the fertilizer, specifically Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP), was generously donated to Sierra Leone by the Office Cherifien des Phosphate Group (OCP), an organization headquartered in Morocco, in December 2022. The country's Cabinet was duly notified of this donation, and subsequently, it approved the distribution of 50% of the received fertilizer, which amounts to 2,500 metric tons. This portion will be distributed to farmers across various agricultural districts to support their efforts during the upcoming planting season.
To ensure a fair and organized distribution process, MAFS has established a set of guidelines and procedures for farmers to qualify for fertilizer donation. Farmers, whether large-scale or small-scale, are required to submit applications through the Ministry's district offices within their respective operational areas. These applications are facilitated using forms provided by the District Agriculture Officer (DAO). Once the forms are completed and submitted, they undergo an endorsement process at the district level before being transferred to the Ministry's headquarters.
A dedicated evaluation committee has been formed to assess each application and provide approval based on the credibility of the submitted documents. The quantity of fertilizer allocated to large-scale farmers depends on the size and type of crops they cultivate. Small-scale farmers, on the other hand, are eligible to receive seven bags of fertilizer per hectare.
Presently, the Ministry has successfully distributed 29,000 bags of fertilizer to large-scale farmers across all districts. An additional 20,000 bags are set aside for distribution to smallholder farmers. Notably, transportation logistics for the fertilizer allocated to large-scale farmers are their responsibility, requiring them to arrange transportation from the MAFS Freetown (Kissy) store.
To facilitate the collection of fertilizer by smallholder farmers, the Government has arranged for military support, providing 14 trucks for transportation to various districts. Successful applicants among smallholder farmers are encouraged to contribute fuel for the transportation of the fertilizer.
It's important to clarify that the Government of Sierra Leone has adopted a policy stance of not engaging in fertilizer procurement for distribution. This distribution initiative should also not be confused with the ongoing allocation of NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer, managed by the World Bank-funded Food Security Resilience Project (FSRP), aimed at assisting vulnerable farmers.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security remains committed to its goal of enhancing Sierra Leone's self-sufficiency in food production and agriculture.
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