The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), alongside the Government of Sierra Leone and local authorities, has initiated the construction of a new food processing facility in Makarie Village, Bombali District. This development aims to combat child malnutrition and bolster local agriculture.
The facility, part of the Strengthened Agricultural Value-chain through Infant Nutrition for Growth (SAVING) Project, is a four-year venture primarily funded by the European Union, which has contributed €11.5 million. The WFP is collaborating with the Sierra Leonean government on this initiative.
Once finished, the facility will produce affordable, fortified complementary foods for children aged six to 23 months. It is projected to process around 200 metric tonnes of nutritious food annually, featuring automated packaging, food safety infrastructure, off-grid solar power, and solar-powered water facilities.
The SAVING Project is expected to benefit more than 25,000 individuals, including over 8,000 farmers. It links improved nutrition with agricultural production, local processing, and economic opportunities.
Paramount Chief of Makarie Chiefdom, PC Bai Makarie Nkolo II, expressed support for the facility, highlighting its significance for the community. Chief Agriculture Officer Professor Abdulai Jalloh, representing the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, reaffirmed WFP’s commitment to enhancing market opportunities for smallholder farmers through this new facility.
Mayor of Makeni City Council, Abubakarr Kamara, encouraged local residents to embrace the project for its potential to foster economic inclusion and employment, particularly for youth.
WFP Country Director Andrew Odero explained that the initiative addresses challenges in accessing nutritious foods for young children and builds on existing community-based food production efforts. He noted the construction is informed by lessons learned from similar facilities.
The facility will enhance local efforts to reduce malnutrition and improve food systems, connecting agriculture and nutrition to support rural livelihoods. Participants at the groundbreaking ceremony toured the construction site and reviewed plans for production processes and food safety systems, showcasing nutritious crops to supply the facility.
