Farming is not merely a profession;it is a profound way of life that intertwines the rhythms of nature with the hopes of humanity. It embodies the resilience and dedication required to cultivates the land, nurish communities, and sustain our planet. every seed sown carries the promise of growth, reminding us that with patience, hard work, and care, we can harvest not only food but also deeper connection to the earth and to each other.
Agro-sporting Achievers (AgSA) is a community-based partnership organization founded in 2020 by an enthusiastic Sierra Leonean woman who recognized the interconnectivity between agriculture and sports. She saw the potential for rural communities to benefit from sustainable agriculture practices, which would not only provide food security but also create job opportunities and stimulate local economies. AgSA is a community-based organisation in the form of a partnership consisting of three women. We are initially started our operations in the Moyamba district in the Mabang and Konta towns in the Ribbi chiefdom in 2021. We are now present in four other districts:
- Monja chiefdom in Pujehun District
- Tissana chiefdom in the Bonthe District
- Bartley village in Western Rural District
- Samu Chiefdom in Kambia District
Our main crops are grains: rice, sorghum, Fonio (Foon day) and maize. Vegetables and fruits both in open field and greenhouses. We do Orange Flesh Sweet Potatoes (OFSP). In Pujehun we are working on a 60 hectares of improved Oil Palm variety project with the Monja community.In 2025 we shall be launching our livestock project which include hybrid animals that will be more resilient to diseases and with higher fertility rate.We support the World Food Programme and Other NGOs in supporting the nationwide school feeding Programme. Through this Programme we are able to help local farmers with market for their produce thus increasing their incomes and improving their livelihood. We do this through the use of contracting farmers while giving them support and also aggregation of produce.We aim to promote sustainable agriculture and sports development in rural areas. Our mission is to empower local communities to take ownership of their food systems, while also promoting physical activity and well-being through sports and entertainment.AgSA aims to promote sustainable agriculture practices that prioritize soil conservation, water efficiency, and biodiversity. We work with local farmers to adopt innovative techniques and technologies that reduce their environmental impact. We establish sports programs for children and adults, focusing on grassroots development, and provide trainings.
Also, we foster community engagement through workshops, training sessions, and events that bring people together. We encourage community members to take ownership of their projects and make informed decisions about their food systems. Provide capacity-building training for farmers, coaches, and community leaders, empowering them to manage projects independently and sustainably.
We collaborate with local government agencies, NGOs, and private sector organizations to leverage resources and expertise. We also engage with international partners to share knowledge and best practices in sustainable agriculture and sports development. AgSA’s work has improved the lives of over 5,000 individual households, community stake holders in rural communities, enhancing their food security, physical health, and economic opportunities. Our community programs have also contributed to environmental sustainability through reduced water consumption and waste reduction and agricultural best practices.Agro Sporting Achievers (AgSA) focuses on promoting sustainable agriculture practices that prioritize the health of people, the planet, and prosperity.
We encourage farmers to adopt environmentally friendly methods that conserve natural resources, reduce waste, and promote biodiversity. Some of the sustainable agriculture practices we promote include:
- Organic Farming: We advocate for the use of natural fertilizers, pest control methods, and crop rotation to reduce chemical usage and promote soil
- Permaculture: Our projects incorporate permaculture design principles, which involve creating diverse and interconnected ecosystems that mimic nature. This approach promotes biodiversity, reduces erosion, and increases ecosystem
- Conservation Agriculture: We encourage farmers to adopt conservation tillage practices, which minimize soil disturbance, reduce erosion, and preserve soil
- Agroforestry: Our projects often incorporate agroforestry systems, where trees are integrated into farming landscapes to provide shade, improve soil health, and support biodiversity.
Agro Sporting Achievers (AgSA) has incorporated several environmental conservation practices and climate change adaptation strategies into our work. Environmental Conservation Practices:
- We promote water-saving practices, such as rainwater harvesting, Swales and efficient irrigation systems. Preserve natural habitats and promote biodiversity by incorporating ecological corridors and green spaces into our projects.
- Water Conservation: Collecting rainwater from roofs and other surfaces for irrigation and non-potable uses, reducing reliance on groundwater and municipal
- Soil Conservation: Planting cover crops during off-seasons to protect the soil from erosion, improve soil health, and enhance
- Biodiversity Protection: Restoring degraded ecosystems, such as wetlands, forests, and grasslands, to support wildlife and improve ecological functions.
- Waste Management: Recycling organic waste into nutrient-rich compost that can be used to enrich garden and agricultural soil.
- Sustainable Agriculture: Growing food without synthetic fertilizers and pesticides to enhance soil health and reduce pollution. Integrating trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes to improve biodiversity, enhance soil quality, and provide additional products.
- Community Engagement and Education: Conduct workshops, seminars, and educational
Adaptation to Climate Change in Our Projects:
Agro Sporting Achievers work with farmers to select crops that are well-suited to their local climate and soil conditions, reducing the risk of crop failure resulting from climate-related stressors. Implement efficient irrigation systems and provide training on irrigation management practices to optimize water use. Provide regular training sessions for farmers on climate-resilient agricultural practices, such as climate-smart agriculture, agroforestry, and conservation agriculture. Also, we engage with local communities to raise awareness about climate change, its impacts, and the importance of sustainable agriculture practices. Sustainable Water Management: Implement advanced irrigation techniques, such as drip irrigation and smart irrigation systems, that monitor soil moisture and weather conditions to optimize water use.
Soil Health Improvement: Use cover crops and compost to enhance soil organic matter, improving its resilience to climate-related stresses like drought or heavy rainfall. Crop Diversification and Resilience: Cultivate a variety of crops, including climate-resilient plant varieties that can withstand changes in temperature, rainfall patterns, and pests.
Sustainable Land Use and Management: Engage in reforestation and restoration projects to enhance carbon sequestration and improve habitat resilience. Climate Risk Assessment and Monitoring: Conduct periodic assessments of climate-related risks to identify vulnerabilities in operations and ecosystems.