The European Union’s Bus Tour 2025 made a stop in Woreh community, Gbinle Chiefdom, to see farming projects funded by the EU and run by Solidaridad West Africa.
The projects are part of the EU’s Jobs and Growth programme, which is helping Sierra Leonean farmers build a strong cashew agroforestry sector.
Support for farmers
Through the initiative, 3,000 farmers are receiving training in Farmer Field Schools. Eight Farmer Support Centres have been set up with labour gangs that provide farm services.
To strengthen financial independence, Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs) are being formed for cashew farmers and processors. Women are leading the way, making up about 60% of the members.
The programme has also built a warehouse with space for 800 metric tonnes of cashew and a small processing plant that can handle 800 kilograms of raw nuts each day.
Boosting jobs and food security
The cashew programme is linked to the Government of Sierra Leone’s Feed Salone plan, which aims to increase local food production, create jobs, and improve food access.
Ambassador Jacek Jankowski, who is leading the EU Bus Tour, said the projects show how the partnership between Team Europe and Sierra Leone is making a difference in people’s lives.
The EU Bus Tour 2025, which runs from 29 September to 3 October, is visiting several districts including Kambia, Tonkolili, Kono and Kenema. At each stop, the team is highlighting how EU projects are supporting communities, especially women and young people, through agriculture, education, and local development.