Sierra Leone's Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Henry Musa Kpaka, led a high-level delegation to Tonkolili District to inspect key agricultural venues and engage local stakeholders. The visit aimed to ensure readiness for the upcoming World Food Day celebrations and the 3rd anniversary of the government's flagship "Feed Salone" initiative. The delegation included Deputy Minister II, Ing. Bryan Smart-Kanu, senior ministry officials, and representatives from the National Federation of Farmers Associations of Sierra Leone (NaFFSL).
The delegation visited several agricultural facilities in Magburaka and Makeni, focusing on assessing and boosting local poultry production. During interactions with farm operators, discussions centered on core operational challenges, including feed and input costs, production limits, market distribution, and limited access to affordable financing. The minister highlighted financing solutions available through loan and grant facilities offered by the Ministry in partnership with the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF).
Minister Kpaka emphasized the importance of the poultry sector, citing its critical role in nutrition security, job creation, and reducing dependence on imports. He urged local producers to leverage available government support schemes to scale up output. The minister's visit also included meetings with district authorities and leadership at the Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology (EBKUST).
The Feed Salone initiative, launched three years ago, aims to enhance agricultural productivity and food security in Sierra Leone. The program has been instrumental in supporting local farmers and improving the country's agricultural sector. The 3rd anniversary celebrations will take place in Magburaka-Tonkolili District, which will also host this year's national World Food Day celebrations.
During the tour, the delegation engaged with farm operators and discussed ways to address the challenges facing the poultry sector. The minister's team also visited additional poultry and agricultural sites across Kambia District on October 3. The visits aimed to assess the current state of agricultural production and identify areas for improvement.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has been working to support local farmers through various initiatives, including the provision of financing solutions and technical assistance. The Feed Salone initiative has been a key component of the government's efforts to enhance agricultural productivity and food security. The program has received support from international partners, including the UNCDF.
The visit by Minister Kpaka and his delegation demonstrates the government's commitment to supporting the agricultural sector and enhancing food security in Sierra Leone. The Feed Salone initiative has made significant progress since its launch three years ago, and the government is expected to continue its support for local farmers and agricultural development.
Key points
- The Feed Salone initiative aims to enhance agricultural productivity and food security in Sierra Leone.
- The poultry sector plays a critical role in nutrition security, job creation, and reducing dependence on imports.
- The government has been working to support local farmers through various initiatives, including financing solutions and technical assistance.
