Magburaka:His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio emphasized the importance of agricultural transformation in Sierra Leone during the World Food Day celebration and the launch of the third-year report of the Feed Salone initiative at Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology. He highlighted the need for modern technology, increased local production, and agro-processing to enhance national security, create jobs, and reduce reliance on imports.
According to Sierra Leone News Agency, President Bio reaffirmed his government’s commitment to a productive, resilient, and self-reliant agricultural sector. He stressed that food security is crucial for national security and dignity and called for investments in improved seeds, irrigation, mechanization, research, financing, and emerging technologies. The President urged stronger links between education, technical training, and agribusiness to make agriculture a profitable enterprise for young people and women.
Highlighting the progress of the Feed Salone initiative, President Bio reported a decline in severe household food insecurity from 28% in September 2023 to 13% in July 2025. The initiative supported over 22,000 direct and indirect jobs during its third year. He noted that nearly 75% of rice consumed in the country now comes from local production, calling for ongoing efforts to boost domestic production and food self-sufficiency.
Traditional leaders, government officials, and representatives from the FAO and other organizations expressed support for the initiative. They emphasized the importance of climate-smart agriculture, modern technology, and opportunities for women and young people. The Agriculture and Food Security Minister, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, reported improvements in rice self-sufficiency, reduced onion imports, and expanded domestic poultry production.
The celebration concluded with awards to ten individuals for their contributions to food production, innovation, and the Feed Salone initiative. The event underscored the government’s ambition to make agriculture a cornerstone of food security, job creation, and industrialization in Sierra Leone.