Solar Drying Hut
In Sierra Leone where agriculture is the backbone for our economic growth and food security, 60% of our local farmers suffers from post harvest losses contributing to food insecurity and low economic growth.
Early this year in February 2024, we pitched an idea at The Freetown Pitch Night, a flagship event organized by Innovation SL of us building the first solar energy dryer as an alternative means to reduce the massive post harvest losses that our local farmers are experiencing.
With funds from World Food Programme (WFP) Sierra Leone, and Charitable Foundation of the Energy Bar Association (CFEBA) we have commissioned several Solar Energy Driers in the communities of Binkolo, Bagbwe, and Lalehun. These facilities are impacting over 3,000 local farmers across the country preserving their crops and reducing post harvest loses through the use of renewable energy.
As a youth led organization promoting climate smart agriculture and education, we are looking for more partners that can support us in scaling up this idea in more local farming communities within Sierra Leone.
The comissioning of the first solar drying hut was covered by Sierra Leonian National broadcast news channel AYV NEWS. See the story on our facebook page here.
Testimonials
“Before the solar dryer, we were at the mercy of the weather. Now, we have control over our drying process, which means more consistent product quality and higher profits.”
- Augustine Aruna, Community Member
“We've been able to invest the extra income from our dried products in our children's education and healthcare."
- Tenneh Jabbie, Local Farmer
“Thank you to WFP for at least empowering these youth organizations that actually come… bringing development to our community”
- John Yamba Kanu, Deputy Chairperson – Bombali District Council
Eco-Fish Preservation
The Eco-Fish Preservation Project is a pilot initiative in Bonthe District that introduces sustainable fish smoking and preservation practices to coastal communities. At the heart of the project is the construction of a Fish Smoking and Preservation Center, where local farmers are trained to use energy-efficient smoking and drying methods.
A key innovation is the production of biomass briquettes from farm waste to fuel the center. This reduces reliance on mangrove wood, helping to curb deforestation and protect vital ecosystems that support biodiversity and coastal resilience.
By combining environmental protection with livelihood support, the Eco-Fish Preservation Project reduces harmful emissions, safeguards mangrove forests, and provides fishing communities with new opportunities for income generation. With donor and partner support, this model can be expanded to strengthen climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods in coastal communities across Sierra Leone.
