Agriculture & Food Security in Sierra Leone: Growing Resilience and Ending Hunger
In Freetown and across Sierra Leone, climate change, flooding, and economic instability are leaving families without food or income. When extreme weather wipes out crops, it wipes out livelihoods too—pushing communities deeper into the cycle of poverty and hunger.
At Safe Haven Adaptive Response Program (SHARP), we believe that food security is the foundation for a healthy, self-sufficient future. That’s why we’ve developed our Sustainable Agriculture Program — equipping farmers with the skills, seeds, and tools they need to feed their families, earn a living, and build resilience against climate shocks.
Why Agriculture & Food Security Matter
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2 is Zero Hunger—and for good reason. Hunger doesn’t just mean an empty stomach; it:
Stunts children’s physical and cognitive development
Weakens immune systems, increasing vulnerability to disease
Limits adults’ ability to work and earn income
Keeps entire communities trapped in cycles of poverty
In Sierra Leone, hunger is often made worse by flooding and climate instability, which destroy food stores and prevent farmers from planting or harvesting.
How SHARP Helps Farmers Thrive
Through our Sustainable Agriculture Program, SHARP provides:
No-interest seed loans from our seed bank, repaid in seeds after harvest
Tool loans to replace the sticks and machetes farmers often rely on
Training in sustainable farming practices that improve yields while protecting the environment
Model farm learning on our 50-acre demonstration farm, featuring:
Locally grown crops and a food forest
A poultry unit for up to 1,000 chickens, providing eggs and natural fertilizer
Hands-on instruction in ethical, sustainable farming
Our programs already support 40 farmers, supplying food to more than 250 people and creating a path toward lasting food security and economic stability.
-
- Mariatu, in the green dress, received vegetable seeds May 11th.
Building For The Future: The SHARP Model Farm & Poultry Project
Our new chicken coop will house up to 1,000 chickens, raised ethically and humanely. This poultry project will:
Provide eggs and meat for local families
Produce organic fertilizer to enrich farm soil
Serve as a training hub for ethical poultry care and integrated farming techniques
Support the long-term sustainability of our agricultural programs
We’re also exploring on-site hatching to ensure a continuous, self-sustaining flock for the community.
Farmer Focus: Stories of Resilience & Growth
Featured Farmer: Mariatu Bangura
Before joining SHARP’s Sustainable Agriculture Program, Mariama and her family of 5 didn’t have the tools to efficiently face the physical demands of preparing the farm. It was hard work and often yielded little harvest.
Through SHARP, Mariama receives seed loans, better tools, and training in soil management and crop rotation. Today, she not only grows enough food for her family but paving a way for the future survival and thriving of her family.
“The help from SHARP has been such a blessing to me and my family. They’ve supported us with seeds and farming tools, and honestly, that’s the biggest part of the work. Without seeds, you can’t even begin to farm! What SHARP is doing for us farmers every year is nothing short of wonderful. They are standing with us, helping us to stand on our own feet. I want to encourage them to continue this support because it’s working. It’s changing lives.” – Mariatu
✋ How You Can Help
Your support helps us provide more farmers with seeds, tools, and training—breaking the cycle of hunger for entire communities.
Donate to expand our seed bank and training programs.
Volunteer your expertise in agriculture, climate resilience, or community development.
Partner as a corporate sponsor to help us expand our reach and amplify our impact.