About Us
ECO Rice Production Company Limited (ERPC), established in 2019, is an indigenous Sierra Leonean company on a mission to elevate rice self-sufficiency in the country and West African region. ERPC operates with a comprehensive value-added chain that includes farming, producing, processing, packaging, and distributing rice.
ERPC is unique in its dedication to harnessing agricultural mechanization to train and support farmers, making farming an appealing business opportunity, particularly for women and youth.
The company currently cultivates 1,000 acres (405 hectares) of Inland Valley Swamp (IVS) rice, with plans to expand this to 2,500 acres (1,012 hectares) by 2025. In addition, ERPC maintains a certified seed production area of 182 acres (74 hectares), crucial for subsistence agriculture.
The company’s operational facility is situated in Sierra Leone’s Eastern Province, in the Kenema district.
Rice is the staple food of Sierra Leone, and its production is of utmost economic and cultural importance.
In addition to rice cultivation, ERPC broadens its agricultural pursuits by growing other cash crops. The company recognizes the economic potential of these crops, both for the business and the wider community.
ERPC has integrated the cultivation of cacao, guava, pineapple, and palm oil into its farming activities. These crops not only provide additional revenue streams for the company, but also contribute to the diversity and sustainability of the local agricultural sector. Leveraging their experience with mechanized farming practices, ERPC ensures the optimal growth and yield of these crops, contributing to the country’s agricultural output and further solidifying its commitment to Sierra Leone’s economic development.
Our History
ECO Rice Production Company Ltd, under the visionary leadership of Professor David John Francis, is a testament to the potential of mechanized farming and agriculture in meeting food security goals and reducing youth unemployment in Sierra Leone. Founded by the former UK, Bradford University Professor and former Chief Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister of the Government of Sierra Leone, the company focuses on making rice, a staple food in Sierra Leone and Africa as a whole, accessible and affordable, thereby contributing to the country’s Sustainable Development Goals of ending hunger, achieving food security, reducing unemployment and promoting sustainable agriculture.
The mechanization of agriculture by ECO Rice Production is revolutionizing the lives of women involved in farming. Traditionally, women are tasked with labor-intensive farming work, but the introduction of machinery is alleviating this physical burden, thereby improving their quality of life. Mechanized farming makes tasks quicker and less physically demanding, enabling women to manage larger farms and increase productivity. This improvement in efficiency not only boosts their income, but also elevates their social status, giving them a stronger voice in their communities and households. The increased financial independence and empowerment serves as a catalyst for societal change, promoting gender equality and giving women the ability to contribute more significantly to the economic development of Sierra Leone.
ECO Rice Production Company Ltd is not just transforming agriculture in Sierra Leone but also actively shaping its social landscape. By focusing on the inclusion of women and youth in its workforce, it is directly addressing the significant issue of unemployment among these demographics. The company’s initiatives offer ample employment opportunities, enabling women and youth to become self-reliant and significantly contributing to the economic stability of their households. Moreover, these efforts are instrumental in breaking the cycle of poverty, fostering gender equality, and driving youth empowerment.
Since its inception on October 19, 2019, in Ngovokpahun village, Kenema District, the company has been making strides in rice production. The first harvest in March 2020 yielded 450 bags of 50kg milled rice, sold at a lower price than the prevailing market rate. With a significant increase in production each year, the company has been consistently supplying the public during December Sales, Ramadan Sales, and August “hard up” Sales. The company endeavors to increase production around these times to fulfill the heightened demand, ensuring that rice, a staple food, remains available and affordable for all. This move not only addresses immediate food security concerns during these periods but also reinforces ECO Rice’s commitment to contribute to the overall well-being and resilience of their community.
Leveraging his wealth of experience and knowledge, Professor David J. Francis has implemented a robust business model and management structure. The dedicated staff, trained in the field of agriculture, are instrumental in the successful operations of ECO Rice Production Company Ltd, while simultaneously polishing the image of the agricultural sector to attract more youth and women.
