Team - People Centred Cashew Nut Initiative

Meet Our Management Team

From our founders in the field to our experts in cooperative management, every member of the PCCNI team is driven by a shared vision for a sustainable and equitable agricultural future.

The People Centred Cashew Nut Initiative is powered by a diverse team of passionate agriculturists, community developers, and business professionals, united by a common goal: to empower farmers and cultivate lasting prosperity in Sierra Leone. We are proud to be a cooperative built from the ground up, and our team is the heart that makes it all possible.

John Gbongitta

Founder & CEO PCCNI

John Gbongitta

Founder & CEO PCCNI

I am a visionary agriculturalist and social development advocate, committed to contributing to the transformation of Sierra Leone’s agricultural landscape through sustainable and inclusive practices. As the founder and CEO of the People Centred Cashew Nut Initiative, I lead a pioneering project based in the Northern region of Sierra Leone that empowers local communities through cashew cultivation, processing, and trade. I am driven by a vision for a more sustainable and people focused future. Growing up in the north of Sierra Leone, I saw firsthand how agriculture could be both a lifeline and a source of hope. That early connection inspired me to pursue a BSc in Agriculture Education from Njala University, University of Sierra Leone, where I began shaping my dream of empowering rural communities through farming. My passion for development led me to earn a Postgraduate Diploma in management and Implementation of Development Projects from the University of Reading, UK, equipping me with strategic tools to drive impactful change. I further expanded my understanding of community welfare and resilience through an MSc in Social Work from Royal Holloway, University of London. My multidisciplinary background fuels my mission: to build a sustainable agricultural sector in Sierra Leone that uplifts farmers, protects the environment, and fosters economic growth. Under my leadership, the People Centred cashew Nut initiative is not just a business, it’s a movement towards food security, rural empowerment, and long-term development. Our work is grounded in community, sustainable, and long-term impact. We are not just growing cashews, we’re growing opportunity, dignity and resilience.

Phone:+23275595979
Email:Info@peoplecentredcashewnut.co.uk

Yusifu Bangura

Project Coordinator PCCNI

Yusifu Bangura

Project Coordinator PCCNI

I am Yusifu Bangura. The current Project Coordinator, People Centred Cashew Nuts Initiative (PCCNI). I holds a Higher National Diploma in Business Administration and Management and has completed a Higher Teachers Certificate – Secondary in Integrated Science/Physics. I am now a final-year Honors student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Entrepreneurship. With a strong background in education, administration, and community development, I served in several leadership and technical roles that align with the mission of PCCNI. From 2015 to 2019, I worked with EducAid Sierra Leone as a Teacher and Teacher Trainer, contributing to the improvement of quality education and mentorship. Between 2019 and 2021, I served as a Cluster Mentor, where I provided guidance and support to teachers and schools to enhance teaching and learning outcomes. In 2021–2022, I worked as a Data Clerk for Cos-Canada, gaining valuable experience in data management and organizational reporting.

Phone:+23288139991
Email:Info@peoplecentredcashewnut.co.uk

Maligie Osman Kamara

Secretary General

Maligie Osman Kamara

Secretary General

I am the current Secretary General of the People Centred Cashew Nuts Initiative (PCCNI), I hold a Bachelor of Education in Biology and a Master’s degree in Educational Administration and Leadership. With extensive experience in organizational leadership, education, and community development, I have served in several key roles that align closely with PCCNI’s goals and objectives. From 2019 to 2025, I worked with the Kill Hunger Farmers Organization as Secretary General and Executive Director, I played a vital role in promoting agricultural productivity and food security. Between 2021 and 2022, I served as the Secretary General and Marketing and Media Manager for the Young Africans Alliance Academy, enhancing communication and stakeholder engagement. Additionally, my experience as a Cluster Mentor for EducAid Sierra Leone (2023–2024) strengthened my leadership and capacity-building skills in the education sector. My background demonstrates a strong commitment to empowering communities, promoting sustainable agriculture, and advancing educational and economic development, values that lie at the heart of PCCNI’s mission and objectives.

Phone:+23288416333
Email:Info@peoplecentredcashewnut.co.uk

Alimamy Bai Sesay

Deputy Financial Secretary PCCNI

I am the Deputy Financial Secretary at the People Centred Cashew Nuts Initiative (PCCNI), a farmer-owned cooperative dedicated to empowering rural communities in Sierra Leone through sustainable cashew production and inclusive economic growth.

Alimamy Bai Sesay

Deputy Financial Secretary PCCNI

I'm the Deputy Financial Secretary at the People Centred Cashew Nuts Initiative (PCCNI), a farmer-owned cooperative dedicated to empowering rural communities in Sierra Leone through sustainable cashew production and inclusive economic growth. In this role, I oversees financial management, accountability systems, and strategic planning to ensure transparency and investor confidence in PCCNI’s operations. Beyond PCCNI, I serves as the President of the *Contrivers of an Absolute Negotiation Organisation (CaAN), a social impact initiative that supports children, women, and underprivileged communities across Sierra Leone. I'm also the Financial Secretary of **GAK Company Limited*, which facilitates the importation of essential foreign goods into the country, contributing to local market stability and development. I have a background on Agricultural Engineering at the University level and l hold a Higher National Diploma as a Pharmacy Technician reflecting my multidisciplinary background and commitment to community advancement. My leadership combines financial expertise, social responsibility, and a deep passion for improving livelihoods — driving forward PCCNI’s mission to restore dignity and prosperity to agricultural communities in Sierra Leone.

Phone:+23275595979
Email:Info@peoplecentredcashewnut.co.uk

Pa Alimamy Bangura ll

Principal advisor to PCCNI

Section chief, Mambiama Section) Principal advisor to People Centred Cashew nut Initiative PCCNI. Pa Alimamy Bangura is a highly respected Section Chief and seasoned agricultural leader in Mambiama Section, where the people centred cashew nut initiative is proudly rooted.

Pa Alimamy Bangura ll

Principal advisor to PCCNI

Pa Alimamy Bangura is a highly respected Section Chief and seasoned agricultural leader in Mambiama Section, where the people centred cashew nut initiative is proudly rooted. With decades of hands -on experience in large-scale rice family, Pa Alimamy is widely recognised as a master farmer, bringing a wealth of indigenous knowledge, practical expertise, and community leadership to the forefront of sustainable agriculture. Pa Alimamy Bangura brought a great enthusiasm to PCCNI, recognising the long-term economic and ecological benefits of cashew cultivation. His involvement marks a significant milestone for the project, as he brings: • Strategic Guidance – leveraging his farming experience to advise on land preparation, planning schedules, and pest management strategies tailored to cashew trees. • Community Mobilisation – as Section chief, Pa Alimamy plays a pivotal role in engaging local farmers, fostering trust, and encouraging participation in the initiative. • Knowledge transfer – He actively mentors younger farmers, sharing best practice and promoting agricultural innovation rooted in local wisdom. Pa Alimamy’s leadership is instrumental in aligning the cashew project with the broader goals of rural development, economic empowerment, and climate resilience. His vision is to see the region become a hub for high – quality cashew production, creating sustainable livelihoods and strengthening food systems. Quote from Pa Alimamy Bangura II. “Farming is not just about crops – it’s about people, land, and legacy. With cashew, we are planting more than trees; we are planting hope for future generations” (quote to be in italics, please)

Phone:+23275595979
Email:Info@peoplecentredcashewnut.co.uk

Theresa Kpaka-Gbongitta

Financial Secretary

Theresa Kpaka-Gbongitta, is the Financial secretary for people centred cashew nut initiative. her involvement in the initiative is primarily with a project focused on the cashew nut value chain. her specific contributions to the cashew nut initiative involve financial management, accounting, and resource allocation for people centred cashew nut initiative.

Theresa Kpaka-Gbongitta

Financial Secretary

I am Theresa Kpaka-Gbongitta, the Financial secretary for people centred cashew nut initiative. My involvement in the initiative is primarily with a project focused on the cashew nut value chain. My specific contributions to the cashew nut initiative involve financial management, accounting, and resource allocation for people centred cashew nut initiative. My role involves overseeing financial planning, budgeting, and accountability mechanisms to ensure transparency and efficiency in project execution. My academic foundation includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in Account and Finance ( University of West London, Uk), equipping me with the analytical and managerial skills necessary to support complex agricultural development initiatives, particularly those involving multi-stakeholder partnerships and international funding. As a financial secretary, I play a pivotal role in: • Managing donor funds and ensuring compliance with international financial reporting standards. • Monitoring expenditures to align with sustainability goals and community development benchmarks. • Supporting financial literacy among local farmer cooperatives. • Facilitating audits and evaluations to maintain transparency and build trust among stakeholders. My aim is to create development impact in the live of farmers in the local communities, by: • Empowering the rural communities through income generation and agricultural training. • Enhancing gender inclusion, as Financial literacy and cooperative management often involve women-led groups. • Strengthening local economies by linking farmers to local and global markets through certified sustainable products. “ In a people centred initiative, finance is not just about counting dollars; it’s about making every cents deliver maximum impact, ensuring transparency, Empowering our smallholder farmers, and cultivating a resilient future for the entire cashew community”

Phone:+23275595979
Email:Info@peoplecentredcashewnut.co.uk