MAFS Trains 40 Village-Based Advisors on Poultry Health and Management in Kenema

MAFS Trains 40 Village-Based Advisors on Poultry Health and Management in Kenema

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), on Wednesday 18th March 2026, trained 40 Village-Based Advisors (VBAs) on chicken health, disease prevention and management, poultry housing systems, feeding practices, and biosafety measures in Kenema District.

The training was held at the Ministry of Agriculture conference hall in the IDA Compound, Kenema, with support from FIPS-AFRICA and the Seeds of Change Foundation. The initiative forms part of a broader effort to strengthen livestock production and improve rural livelihoods through modern poultry management practices.

FIPS-AFRICA, in partnership with the Seeds of Change Foundation, implements the “Small Farms, Big Futures” project, which focuses on poultry development and agribusiness. The programme aims to improve livelihoods in Kenya and other African countries by supporting youth and farmers with training, starter packs, and improved fast-growing indigenous chicken breeds to establish profitable small-scale enterprises.

The project also provides training in poultry management, vaccination schedules, and agribusiness skills, with the goal of boosting food security, resilience, and income generation through community-based agricultural extension services.

The 40 beneficiaries were drawn from five chiefdoms across Kenema District.

Speaking at the training, District Agriculture Officer, Mr. Matthew Mohamed Kenneh, expressed appreciation to FIPS-AFRICA and the Seeds of Change Foundation for their support, noting the importance of the initiative to local farmers.

He emphasized that the success of the programme depends on commitment from beneficiaries, urging participants to take the training seriously and apply the knowledge gained to improve productivity.

On behalf of the farmers, the Kenema District Coordinator of the National Federation of Farmers of Sierra Leone (NaFFSL), Safinatu Bockarie, assured the Ministry and partners that beneficiaries would make effective use of the support provided for its intended purpose.

Lead facilitator and District Livestock Officer, Mr. Paul Ngegba, educated participants on common poultry diseases and stressed the importance of daily monitoring of chickens to prevent outbreaks and losses.

The initiative is expected to enhance poultry production capacity in Kenema District while strengthening smallholder farming systems through improved extension services and practical skills development.