In a defining moment for Sierra Leone’s agricultural transformation, Julius Maada Bio officially launched Rural Farmers Radio 98.9 FM during the national World Food Day celebration in Kambia District.
The launch marks a major milestone in the country’s journey toward food security, positioning communication and information access as central pillars of rural development and agricultural growth.
Rural Farmers Radio 98.9 FM is Sierra Leone’s first radio station dedicated exclusively to farmers and rural communities. Conceived as a farmer-focused knowledge platform, the station delivers timely and practical information on modern agricultural practices, market dynamics, climate trends and financial literacy critical tools for improving productivity and incomes.
The initiative is jointly financed by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Government of Sierra Leone, and implemented through the Rural Finance and Community Improvement Programme (RFCIP) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS).
With coverage extending to more than 75 percent of the country, the station is strategically aligned with the Feed Salone Initiative, supporting the national objective of transitioning farmers from subsistence production to commercially viable agriculture.
National Endorsement and Stakeholder Commitment
The launch ceremony was led by Henry Musa Kpaka, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, and brought together senior government officials, development partners, RFCIP staff, representatives of the Apex Bank, traditional leaders and community members.
Stakeholders hailed the radio as a strategic intervention to close information gaps, strengthen coordination across the agricultural value chain and enhance farmers’ access to markets, finance and advisory services.
President Bio: A Personal Call to Action
Declaring the station officially operational, President Bio described Rural Farmers Radio as a long-term investment in agricultural transformation and national resilience.
“This radio is here to stay. It will enhance agricultural awareness, promote market access and support our drive toward food security under the Feed Salone Initiative,” the President affirmed.
Reiterating his personal commitment to agriculture, he identified himself as an active farmer and urged young Sierra Leoneans to embrace agriculture as a pathway to employment, innovation and national self-reliance.
“We must grow what we eat and eat what we grow. Agriculture is not just tradition it is opportunity,” he emphasized.
The President also pledged to continue engaging farmers through the radio, sharing practical insights from his own farming experience.
Speaking at the event, Pascaline Barankeba, IFAD Country Director, described the occasion as a convergence of key national milestones. With the launch of Livestock and Livelihoods Development Project (LLDP) and Rural Farmers Radio 98.9 FM
She underscored the power of communication in driving rural transformation, noting that access to accurate information strengthens financial literacy, improves decision-making and builds resilience among farming communities.
“This radio demonstrates how communication can unlock opportunity and transform rural livelihoods,” she stated.
Leadership, Vision and Gratitude
The General Manager of Rural Farmers Radio, George Nyambe Williams, expressed gratitude to all partners whose collective commitment turned a shared vision into reality.
“This achievement belongs to everyone who believed rural communities deserve a voice RFCIP for championing the idea, the Ministry of Agriculture for owning it, and IFAD for the visionary support that now connects farmers across Sierra Leone.”
A New Chapter for Rural Development
The launch of Rural Farmers Radio 98.9 FM represents more than the start of a broadcast it signals a new chapter in Sierra Leone’s agricultural development, where information, finance and innovation work together to empower farmers.
As the Feed Salone Initiative continues to gain momentum, Rural Farmers Radio stands as a national platform for learning, engagement and transformation ensuring that farmers remain informed, connected and central to Sierra Leone’s food security.
