By Mackie M. Jalloh
Sierra Leone’s agricultural landscape is entering a transformative phase as Pee Cee Holdings (PCH), one of the country’s most prominent importers, moves decisively into large-scale food production. A new assessment by the World Bank suggests that this shift could mark a turning point in the nation’s pursuit of food security—particularly through the company’s expansive onion cultivation project in Lungi, Port Loko District.
For decades, Sierra Leone has relied heavily on imported onions to meet domestic demand, exposing consumers to frequent price shocks and foreign exchange pressure. Pee Cee Holdings, long known primarily for importing rice, flour, poultry, and onions, has begun repositioning itself from importer to producer. This strategic evolution is driven not only by the global rise in food costs but also by the company’s recognition that Sierra Leone’s agricultural potential remains largely untapped.
Instead of expanding its traditional import network, PCH opted to build a new agricultural subsidiary—Pee Cee Agriculture—with the goal of modernizing the production of essential food items. Their flagship investment is a 646-hectare onion farm in Lungi, designed using advanced mechanized systems and full irrigation technology rarely seen in the country’s farming sector.
Although the company had little prior experience in agriculture, its leadership pursued a partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), believing that private-sector farming could thrive with the right technical support. The IFC agreed, providing guidance and co-developing a vision for a commercial farm that would introduce new farming standards, improve yields, and expand employment opportunities.
After more than three years of groundwork—including soil testing, irrigation installation, staff training, and pilot harvests—Pee Cee Agriculture secured $12 million in financing from the IFC. The investment is earmarked for high-capacity farm machinery, post-harvest storage systems, and climate-resilient technologies that allow onions to be grown year-round.
The World Bank report highlights that the project’s results have already exceeded expectations. During its initial production cycle between 2023 and 2024, the farm achieved yields of 45 tonnes per hectare—astonishingly ten times higher than yields previously recorded in the same region. This spike in productivity signals the potential for large-scale food production when modern technology, management, and consistent irrigation are in place.
Beyond agricultural output, the farm has also become a growing source of rural employment. Pee Cee Agriculture currently maintains 60 full-time workers and hires an additional 150 seasonal laborers during peak periods. For many residents of Lungi and surrounding communities, the farm represents one of the first reliable sources of industrial agricultural work.
According to the World Bank, once the farm reaches full operational capacity, Sierra Leone could finally achieve annual onion self-sufficiency. The projected yearly output—over 40,000 tonnes—is enough to meet the country’s total consumption needs. This would dramatically cut reliance on imports and reduce the millions of dollars spent annually on foreign onion supplies. Lower production costs also translate into cheaper market prices, offering relief to consumers frequently affected by rising food inflation.
The World Bank argues that the Pee Cee model demonstrates how private-sector initiative, when paired with international development partnerships, can build strong agricultural value chains. It also points to broader national benefits: stabilizing food prices, improving nutrition, boosting rural economies, and expanding modern farming practices that can be replicated for other crops.
In an era where global supply chains are unpredictable and import dependency is increasingly risky, Sierra Leone’s move toward locally produced essential foods marks a strategic shift. Pee Cee Agriculture’s onion project offers a compelling example of how innovation, investment, and collaboration can redefine the future of food security in the country—one harvest at a time.
