The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) in Sierra Leone has announced the receipt of a substantial donation of five thousand metric tons (5,000mt) of Di-ammonium Phosphate fertilizer (DAP) from the Office Cherifien des Phosphate Group (OCP) in Morocco. This generous contribution, amounting to approximately 100,000 50kg bags of fertilizer, was gifted in December 2022 to bolster agricultural activities in the nation.
Following the fertilizer’s arrival, the government has swiftly taken action. Cabinet approval was granted for the distribution of fifty percent (50%) of the donation, equivalent to two thousand, five hundred metric tons (2,500mt) of fertilizer. These provisions will be disbursed among various agricultural districts to support farmers during the upcoming 2023 planting season.
To ensure a transparent and equitable distribution process, the Ministry has outlined clear guidelines and procedures for farmers seeking to benefit from this initiative:
- Application at District Offices: Farmers, whether large-scale or small-scale, are required to apply through the Ministry’s district offices in their respective operational areas. Application forms are to be obtained from District Agriculture Officers (DAOs).
- Endorsement and Transfer: Once completed applications are submitted, DAOs in different districts will officially endorse and forward the applications to the Ministry’s headquarters.
- Evaluation Committee: A dedicated evaluation committee has been established to assess each application, granting approval based on the authenticity of submitted documents.
- Allocation to Farmers: The quantity of fertilizer allocated to large-scale farmers will be determined by the size and type of crops they cultivate. Meanwhile, eligible small-scale farmers will receive seven (7) bags of fertilizers per hectare.
- Logistics: Large-scale farmers will be responsible for the logistical arrangements required to transport their allocated fertilizer from the MAFS Freetown (Kissy) store. In contrast, the government has arranged for military-assisted transportation of fertilizer to various districts for smallholder farmers. Farmers are encouraged to contribute fuel for this transportation.
This initiative marks a significant shift in the government’s approach to fertilizer distribution. The Ministry emphasizes that the Government of Sierra Leone has adopted a new policy, whereby it will no longer engage in the procurement of fertilizer for distribution. It’s important to note that this distribution of Di-ammonium Phosphate fertilizer should not be confused with the ongoing dispersal of NPK 15 15 15 fertilizer, which is part of the World Bank-funded Food Security Resilience Project (FSRP) aimed at aiding vulnerable farmers.
The Ministry remains steadfast in its commitment to transforming Sierra Leone into a self-sufficient nation in terms of food production. This generous fertilizer donation is poised to contribute significantly to this vision and the prosperity of the agricultural sector.
