By Saidu Jalloh, Reporter
The Deputy Minister II of Agriculture and Food Security, Sahr Hemore, officially launched a Solar-Powered Irrigation Scheme for Makassie Village on April 7, 2025. This initiative is part of the Yoti Yoti project, led by Concern Worldwide and funded by Iris Aid, aimed at enhancing food and nutrition security for vulnerable households in the Tonkolili and Port Loko districts.
During the launch ceremony, Minister Hemore expressed gratitude to Iris Aid, Concern Worldwide, and all partners involved in the project, acknowledging their crucial contributions to its success. He stated, “This project aligns with the vision of Feed Salone, which seeks to enhance food security, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and reduce poverty.”
The Deputy Minister emphasized the significance of the new irrigation scheme, noting that it would provide farmers with more reliable access to water resources. This improvement is expected to empower farmers to cultivate crops consistently, thereby enhancing overall food production. He further added that the project contributes directly to the Feed Salone initiative by addressing key areas such as mechanization, irrigation, aggregation, processing, and marketing.
Davina Jeffery, the Country Director of Concern Worldwide, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to partnering with marginalized communities to combat extreme poverty. “We believe in human dignity, equality, and solidarity. Through these values, we create partnerships that foster lasting change,” she said. Jeffery highlighted that the Yoti Yoti project is designed to strengthen food security and promote access to climate-smart agricultural practices.
Ibrahim Kamara, a beneficiary from Makassie Village, praised Concern Worldwide for implementing the Solar Irrigation Scheme, stating it would enable continuous crop production. He acknowledged the challenges faced in accessing water for irrigation previously, expressing optimism that the new system would simplify the process.
The event also included the signing of official documents, a symbolic transfer of the scheme to the Irrigation Management Committee, and a guided tour of the newly established facilities.
In conclusion, attendees remarked that this initiative marks a significant step toward improving agricultural productivity and resilience against climate challenges in the region, aligning with broader national goals of food security and sustainable development.
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