The United Nations World Food Programme has welcomed a major financial contribution from the European Union amounting to €11.5 million (approximately Le265 million) to strengthen child nutrition and enhance local food systems in Sierra Leone, with over 25,000 people expected to benefit.
The funding will support a 48-month project aimed at increasing the production of fortified complementary foods for children by upgrading four existing food processing facilities and establishing a new processing center in Makeni.
The initiative comes as the Government of Sierra Leone, in partnership with WFP and with support from the European Union, continues to scale up the production of Nyam Nyam Pap, a locally produced fortified complementary food designed for children between six and 23 months.
In addition to strengthening food production, the project will support smallholder farmers through training in climate-smart agricultural practices, improved post-harvest management, and stronger market linkages. The goal is to increase agricultural productivity while minimizing losses caused by climate-related challenges.
Speaking on the initiative, Ambassador Jacek Jankowski described the programme as a practical example of how local solutions can improve nutrition and stimulate economic growth.
He noted that by integrating food production, nutrition education, and market development, the European Union and WFP are tackling the underlying causes of malnutrition in the country.
WFP Country Director in Sierra Leone, Andrew Odero, emphasized the critical role women play in improving household nutrition and strengthening community resilience.
He said the project will provide women with skills training, income-generating opportunities, and leadership roles throughout the food value chain, further advancing women’s economic empowerment.
With support from its partners, WFP has already established four small-scale food processing centers in Kambia, Moyamba, and Pujehun. These facilities, mostly operated by women, each have the capacity to produce up to 40 metric tons of fortified complementary food annually using locally sourced ingredients.
So far, WFP has supported over 4,000 children at risk of malnutrition through the provision of nutritious locally made food, while its nutrition awareness campaigns have reached more than 8,000 people nationwide.
The programme forms part of Sierra Leone’s Feed Salone strategy, a national initiative focused on improving food security, strengthening child nutrition, supporting smallholder farmers, and creating sustainable economic opportunities for women across the country.
