ChildFund Sierra Leone has officially launched the Sierra Leone Agro-Tech Development Support Project, a transformative new initiative co-funded by the European Union and Tradin Organic, implemented in collaboration with ChildFund.  The launch event took place at the District Health Management Team (DHMT) Hall in Kenema, marking the beginning of a four-year commitment to enhancing agroforestry and rural livelihoods in eastern Sierra Leone.

With an initial investment of €215,628 for the first two years, the project is being implemented across Kailahun, Kenema, and Kono districts. The Agro-Tech Development Support Project aims to sustain and expand agroforestry practices through improved financial literacy and community-level economic resilience, with a specific focus on strengthening Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs).

“This initiative represents a critical step toward building sustainable, smart agricultural practices while also supporting families in managing their finances and improving their quality of life,” said Isatu Venn, Programs Director for ChildFund Sierra Leone. “We are grateful to Tradin Organic and the European Union for their continued investment in the well-being of our communities—especially our children.”

The project is already showing signs of positive impact. During a recent field visit to the Kasei Yaata Ma Cooperative in Gbukuma, Kono District, representatives from Tradin Organic—including Project Coordinator Anitra van der Kraan and Indigenous Agro-Economist Soizic Legrand—met with the cooperative’s 40 members (22 women, 18 men). The group shared how the establishment of savings groups has helped strengthen financial management, improve business acumen, and enhance their ability to support their families

 Donor visit: Anitra speaking to the community 3 months after the project was launched

“While Tradin Organic sources cocoa from farmers, the company is intentional about ensuring thosoud to work with ChildFund and local communities to help deliver long-term, positive change.”

The Agro-Tech Development Support Project reflects a shared commitment to inclusive rural development, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture. Through partnerships like this, ChildFund continues to empower families with the tools and resources needed to secure a better future for their children.

So far, 25 of the targeted 50 Farmer Based Organizations have been structured into Village Savings and Loans Ase farmers have sustained livelihoods,” said Anitra van der Kraan. “We are prsociations (VSLA), collectively valued at 312,410 Sierra Leone Leones (€13,700). These groups have generated 585,935 Leones (€24,112) in total shares and a profit margin of 146,897 Leones (€6,045). 

One of the project’s participants, 22-year-old Sitta, shared how the Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) introduced through the Agro-Tech Development Support Project has transformed her life.

“Since joining this group, life has been smooth, and my pot hasn’t stopped boiling,” she said. “I invested the loan I took from the group, and my business is really growing.”

Sitta cooking for the family-she has hope of this never stopping because she always has the savings box to run to for loan, and a business that is bringing in income

Sitta’s story is one of many. Fellow group members reported using their VSLA loans to purchase school materials for their children, cover hospital and university fees, and start or expand small businesses. The resulting income has helped ensure that families are fed and basic needs are consistently met.