Kiptieu Debs: Cultivating a Greener Future with Sanctuary Farms
From Small Beginnings to Sustainable Impact
In the heart of Newton, Western Area Rural, Kiptieu Debs is leading a quiet revolution in sustainable agriculture. As the CEO of Sanctuary Farms and Resorts, she has transformed a modest farming operation into a pioneering organic and climate-smart agribusiness.
Before joining the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP), Sanctuary Farms operated on a small scale, with only three greenhouses and a limited open-field cultivation area. While this setup provided some level of production, it fell short of meeting the growing market demand.
Scaling Up with Innovation and Smart Agriculture
With the technical and financial support of SLEDP, Sanctuary Farms experienced a transformative expansion. The business grew from three to ten modern greenhouses, significantly increasing output and efficiency. Irrigation systems were upgraded with climate-smart techniques, reducing dependence on costly generators and ensuring a more sustainable and energy-efficient operation.
Today, Sanctuary Farms is not only meeting market demand but also creating opportunities to exceed it. Their organic produce, grown without synthetic fertilizers or chemicals, has a longer shelf life and superior nutritional value, making it highly sought after in supermarkets, direct farm sales, and even select restaurants.
A Business Rooted in Knowledge and Community Growth
SLEDP’s technical assistance helped Sanctuary Farms refine its business strategy, financial management, and marketing approach. Through this support, Kiptieu streamlined farm processes to reduce waste, improve productivity, and explore additional revenue streams such as crop processing, enhanced storage facilities, and knowledge-sharing initiatives with smallholder farmers.
A key pillar of Sanctuary Farms’ success is its commitment to training and capacity building. The business has successfully trained three cohorts of learners in essential agricultural skills, including:
• Small farm machinery operation
• Basic agronomy and sustainable farming techniques
• Natural pest management and water efficiency
Each training cohort, consisting of 12 learners, has been placed in partner farms for hands-on work experience, with more than half securing full-time employment—a testament to the farm’s role in empowering the next generation of agricultural professionals.
A Vision for the Future: Organic Farming and Learning Hub
Kiptieu envisions Sanctuary Farms evolving into a fully-fledged Organic Farm and Learning Centre, where sustainable, climate-smart agricultural practices can be replicated across Sierra Leone. Her dream is to set the standard for organic farming, not just as a profitable business but as a movement that enhances health, sustains the environment, and creates economic opportunities for local farmers.
A Message of Empowerment on International Women’s Day
“Farming is more than just planting seeds—it’s about growing futures, creating change, and nourishing communities. When I started Sanctuary Farms, I knew I wanted to do more than just cultivate crops; I wanted to cultivate knowledge, sustainability, and impact. Thanks to SLEDP’s support, my vision is taking root and flourishing.”
“To every young woman with a dream—whether in agriculture, business, or any other field—believe in your vision, embrace learning, and never be afraid to grow. Challenges will come, but they are opportunities in disguise. If we dare to plant, nurture, and persist, we can all reap a harvest of success.”
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, Kiptieu Debs stands as a true game-changer, proving that with the right support, dedication, and innovation, women can transform industries, uplift communities, and create lasting legacies.
