NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

BY Romuald Ngomssi

The UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Government of Sierra Leone have signed a financing agreement to launch the Livestock and Livelihoods Development Project (LLDP). This initiative aims to uplift nearly half a million people in rural farm communities by reducing poverty, enhancing food security and improving nutrition. With an eight-year timeline and total funding of US$105.5 million—of which IFAD will contribute US$30 million through a grant— the LLDP will directly benefit approximately 373,500 people engaged in family farming. Funding support also includes contributions of roughly US$60 million from the Islamic Development Bank and the OPEC Fund for International Development.  The project prioritizes rural women and youth, creating employment opportunities and focusing on equitable access to farming resources.

Photo courtesy of Martin LaBar.