Fifteen years after transforming access to rural finance in Sierra Leone, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has once again partnered with the Government of Sierra Leone to break new ground in agricultural development. Through the Rural Finance and Community Improvement Programme (RFCIP) — a flagship initiative that has expanded rural finance scheme in hard-to-reach rural communities — IFAD has helped establish the country’s first agriculture centric radio network.

Beyond the provision of unfettered access to finance and financial services to the rural people of Sierra Leone this IFAD funded Rural Finance Programme has supported the establishment of an Agric-centric radio network dedicated to agricultural development and rural transformation in Sierra Leone.  In a groundbreaking moment in Kambia District during the celebration of World Food Day (2025) which coincided with the second anniversary of the Presidential Initiative (Feed Salone) the very first Rural Farmers Radio 98.9 FM was officially launched by His Excellency Dr Julius Maada Bio President of the Republic of Sierra Leone.  An initiative that will empower smallholder farmers with knowledge, voice and connectivity through radio. 

This exclusive Agricultural-Centric radio will not only promote the Government of Sierra Leone flagship program of Feed Salon but will also provide vital information, such as weather forecast, farming tips (good agronomic practices), market updates, financial literacy, promote climate smart agriculture all in a bid to boost productivity and make an informed decision. 

On the project side this initiative will be used as a tool to drive social change by changing the mindset of Sierra Leoneans from aid- dependency to self- reliance. It will also amplify the voices of farmers, increase the awareness of the rural finance scheme and strengthen community engagement. This forms part of the long-term sustainability framework of the largest rural finance scheme in Sierra Leone. 

The President of the Republic of Sierra Leone during this historic launch used the newly established farmer’s platform to make a passionate appeal to all farmers of Sierra Leone to join what he called the ‘Green Revolution’. His presence as the first guest of the very first IFAD supported radio station demonstrated his recognition of the work IFAD and partnersare doing and his commitment to agricultural transformation in the country. 

In his words “I am Julius Maada Bio the President of Sierra Leone, an active farmer with passion for farming because it is good for the nation because we can feed ourselves and create jobs for young Sierra Leoneans. I am calling on young Sierra Leoneans to grow what we eat and eat what we grow. This is my first time talking to you from this radio and it will not be the last cause I will be coming here to share my own experience as a farmer.”

The IFAD Country  Director, Madam Pascaline Barankeba in her speech during the occasion expressed admiration for the country’s national leadership, especially the Feed Salon Initiative. ‘’ Your visionary leadership through the Feed Salone initiative has laid a solid  ground for national transformation. Under your guidance, food systems are being revitalized, farmers are being empowered, and hope is being restored in rural communities.The initiative, supported by IFAD in partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone and private-sector collaborators (Africell), aims to harness the enduring power of radio as a tool for education, empowerment and inclusive rural development.

Recognising this, the new “Rural Farmers Radio” network (broadcasting on 98.9 FM) was unveiled by the President of the Republic of Sierra Lerone under the broader national food-systems initiative known as Feed Salone..

During the launch ceremony, the Minister of Agriculture, Dr Henry Musa Kpaka, described the project as “a great milestone in Sierra Leone’s efforts towards achieving sustainable agricultural development and food security.’’

The Rural Farmers Radio (RFM 98.9) is anchored on a partnership model. For example, broadcaster and telecom company Africell Sierra Leone is powering multiple broadcast sites nationwide and plays a pivotal technical role in theroll-out.
This collaborative approach helps ensure the radio network is technically robust, widely reachable, and directly relevant to farmers.

The location for the launching of this maiden Media initiative, brought together the gathering of Sierra leoneans from different part of the country, the presence of Developmental Partners and the highest representative of government in one arena combined to make a statement: that farmers are at the centre of Sierra Leone’s rural transformation agenda, and that innovative communication tools can amplify their voice and impact.

The successful launch of this initiative sends a crystal-clear message that Partnership for Transformation can yield much needed result.

In the words of the Programme Coordinator, Mohamed Tejan-Kella, ‘’ Anything is possible with passion and commitment.’’

The roll-out of the Rural Farmers Radio network in Sierra Leone, backed by IFAD and other partners, marks a significant step in bridging the information and community engagement gap in very challenging and hard-to-reach ruralcommunities . As the airwaves begin to carry tailored, actionable messages to thousands of farmers, the hope is that this new platform will help boost productivity, strengthen markets, improve livelihoods and support the country’s food security ambitions.

In the words of the Minister of Agriculture: “With the right support, rural populations have the potential to sustain themselves and their communities… Now is the time to invest in a resilient future.” 

The General Manager for Rural Farmers Radio George Nyambay Williams whose sound stewardship was rewarded for leading the first Rural Farmers radio in Sierra Leone, a testament to his strong belief in championing such a phenomenal feat of embolden the voice of the rural people. From Insai De Farm to establishing the first AGRIC RADIO speaks volume of his character, on the day of the launching he could not hide his excitement for the accomplishment and therefore expressed deep gratitude to all and sundry for the convivial support in turning a dream, vision and concept into action. In his own words, “Special appreciation goes to the vision carriers and others who dared to dream of a voice for rural communities. The Rural Finance and Community Improvement Programme (RFCIP) for championing this initiative, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for embracing and owning it, IFAD for the visionary funding support, and Africell for powering the Radio that now connects farmers across our nation.”