In a landmark development, Abanga Farms & Food Systems Ltd., a subsidiary of the Abanga Group, has partnered with Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) to spearhead a transformative agricultural initiative in the Mano River countries.
This collaboration, part of the Mano River Rice Initiative, aims to unlock the vast potential of rice production in Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Ivory Coast. The initiative is further supported by SEND Ghana, Giz, Mountain Lion, and Africa Rice.
Abanga Farms & Food Systems, a leading Ghanaian agribusiness, is at the forefront of this ambitious project, which seeks to foster sustainable agriculture while empowering local communities. With a focus on commercial rice cultivation, the initiative is expected to drive socio-economic growth and address food insecurity throughout the region.
Over the next five years, the Mano River Rice Initiative is set to create an estimated 250,000 jobs, with a strong emphasis on youth empowerment. Of these, 70% will be allocated to young people, with 50% of the roles designated for young women, promoting gender equity and inclusion in the agricultural sector.
The project is also poised to reduce the region’s dependency on rice imports by 50%, bolstering local production capabilities and enhancing food self-sufficiency. By cultivating 50,000 hectares of land in Sierra Leone, Abanga Farms & Food Systems will usher in a new era of agricultural innovation, leveraging a 60% increase in mechanization throughout the production and processing phases. This will streamline operations and significantly boost productivity.
As part of the initiative’s early stages, representatives from Abanga Group, MEDA, and other private sector partners visited the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute. This strategic partnership highlights a collective commitment to harnessing research and technological innovation for sustainable agricultural development.
With excitement building across the agricultural sector, the Mano River Rice Initiative is anticipated to revolutionize rice farming, empower local communities, and strengthen regional economies.
This pioneering collaboration between Abanga Farms and MEDA stands as a powerful example of how visionary leadership and strategic partnerships can drive significant change in African agribusiness.
As Abanga Farms & Food Systems leads this groundbreaking effort, it sets a new standard for agricultural innovation and sustainability, inspiring hope for a future where African agribusinesses can flourish and contribute meaningfully to the continent’s economic and social progress.
