Mechanised food crops production in the Northern Province of Sierra Leone Since the civil war that devastated the country, Sierra Leone heavily depends on the import of all food products to feed its population. Currently, the production of food crops in Sierra Leone is largely based on slash and burn subsistence farming. Because of over exploitation of the soil the yields per hectare are continuously decreasing. The goal of this project is to introduce commercial and mechanised farming in Sierra Leone using low tillage precision farming techniques. This is a more sustainable farming practice as it needs less inputs, will increase the average yield per hectare and will prevent depletion and erosion of soils.Next to the farming activities the project will establish an agricultural centre where agricultural and computer training will be given to the surrounding farmers and inhabitants.The project will be located in the Port Loko district. The project partners aim to set up a total production area of 400 ha, divided over 2 different farms located in 2 different chiefdoms.The partners in this project are the Sierra Leonean registered company Genesis Farms Ltd and the Dutch company Drie Wilgen Development B.V.. A separate joint venture will not be established.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)This project will comply with international regulations in the field of labour and CSR, taking into account good working conditions, equal opportunities for men and women, safety conditions and employee participation in work councils.As for the environment, precision agriculture is an agricultural technique that respects the environment.A social fund will be set up to contribute financially to social events and social family obligations like marriages, baptisms and funerals. Medical costs school fees, school uniforms and the like will be paid for in total or partially for those connected to the project.Impact•	Employment and working conditionsThe joint venture will employ 85 permanent workers, as well as 50 casual labourers within the project period. Most of the permanent (55) jobs are manual labour jobs (farm workers). The remaining 30 permanent jobs concern medium / higher educated employees.The wages are at least 25% above the minimum wage in Sierra Leone for the least paid employees.•	Innovation / Transfer of knowledgeAt the moment there are no commercial large farming companies operational in Sierra Leone. The introduction of modern agricultural practises using low tillage precision farming techniques can be considered as new for the country. Next to training of the joint venture employees, knowledge will also be shared with neighbouring subsistence farmers through training and reflexive 2 monthly farmers’ meetings.•	Chain effectsThis project will be the first step to strengthen the agricultural sector. This will have a moderate influence on the related supply and service sector. Genesis Farms will attract suppliers of fertilizers, fuel, agro-chemicals, financial services etc.•	EnvironmentGenesis Farms will apply low tillage precision farming practises, which consumes less inputs in terms of fuel, chemicals and fertilizers compared to conventional farming. The (fossil) energy per kilogram of production is far lower than with conventional farming. No chemicals forbidden in the EU will be used in Sierra Leone as EU standards will be practised.•	Position of womenThis project will provide equal opportunities for men and women. However it is expected that only 30% of the employees will be female contracts. Women will mainly be employed for administrative and processing jobs. The goal of this project is to introduce commercial and mechanised farming on 2 different locations in Sierra Leone based on low tillage precision farming techniques for the production of rice, sorghum and sesame. In addition, an agricultural centre will be established for training purposes.