Yesterday 26th March in the Western Rural District, the Head of European Union Delegation in Sierra Leone Ambassador Manuel Muller and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Henry Musa Kpaka commission the Waterloo Women’s Cashew Processing Factory at Newton.
The Minister of Planning and Economic Development Madam Kenyeh Barlay, the Director National Authorising Office Ambrose James and other relevant stakeholders in the agricultural sector also witnessed the event.
The EU funded BAFS project aimed at enhancing productivity and rural incomes through tree crops diversification, agroforestry, and support for trade and value addition. The implementing partners of the project, Solidaridad and Cotton Tree Foundation with funds from EU decided to construct a mini cashew processing facility at Newton for the Waterloo Cashew Women Processors and Sellers Association to enable them transition from outdated and rudimentary processing methods to cleaner, more convenient and safer environment.
The project also aimed at making essential stride toward fostering sustainable cashew value chain in Sierra Leone and serve as a source of employment and livelihood for over 300 women and youth who are engaged in local cashew processing within the waterloo enclave.
The project dovetails with one of government’s “FIVE GAME CHANGERS”, which is the Feed Salone strategy. The factory is a major step forward for Sierra Leone’s cashew industry that will play a vital role in the country’s economic growth.
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