31/07/2026
Tivamya Limited is Empowering Communities towards Rice Self-Sufficiency
Tivamya Limited, a company well known for rice production in Sierra Leone, is owned by Lilian Bayeh Haja Rogers.
Lilian's journey into agriculture began unexpectedly. She was inspired to venture into farming after receiving a sheep during her pilgrimage ceremony. The sheep was pregnant, and she decided to keep it until it gave birth. Watching the lamb grow sparked her passion for farming and inspired her to produce food for her people.
Lilian started farming in 2020 with a small dream that has now expanded across Pujehun, Kenema, and Bo Districts. Today, Tivamya cultivates rice, cassava, and vegetables while integrating livestock farming and providing livelihood training for women and young people.
"I decided to go into agriculture to feed my people and put money into their pockets through farming," Lilian said.
The journey, however, was not easy. Achieving higher yields was difficult because agriculture is a science that requires knowledge and experience, which Lilian had little.
"I had no background in agriculture, so everything was new to me. After two years, I started seeking knowledge from extension officers, and that helped me a lot," she explained.
Initially, Lilian cultivated about 50 hectares of land.
Her breakthrough came when she met the Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP), funded by the World Bank through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
Recognizing her hard work and determination, FSRP supported Tivamya to expand production.
"I remember when the project asked if I had enough land to expand to 300 hectares. I smiled and said yes. The project met Tivamya at 40 percent and has now taken us to 60 percent. We are confident this will increase to 80 percent in the coming years."
Through FSRP's Matching Grant support, Tivamya has received improved seeds, fertilizers, and mechanization services.
"With the $96,000 grant I received, I was able to purchase input, tractors, combine harvesters and build a training center for young people interested in agriculture."
Today, Tivamya employs more than 200 people, of whom 60 percent are women. The company has also sponsored three staff members to attend university.
"I enjoy seeing young people grow and take on responsibility. They are valuable resources that this country can use to feed itself and reduce poverty."
Tivamya rice is now available in major supermarkets across Sierra Leone, providing consumers with fresh and nutritious locally produced rice.
“My goal is to feed our people and generate income for them. I strongly believe that locally produced rice is healthier than imported rice. We can only achieve rice self-sufficiency in the country by implementing crucial policies and programmes that will expand production, modernize processing and marketing, and encourage public and private sector investment in the rice sector. Through this approach, we can reduce imports, create jobs, and achieve the goals of Feed Salone,” Lilian said.
