By: Saidu Jalloh
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka on the 4th October, 2024, held an hard-talk engagement with project managers at the Bo District Agriculture Office to reinforce the government’s commitment to the Feed Salone initiative. The purpose of the meeting was to ensure that all ongoing ministry projects are aligned with the national strategy to boost food production and achieve food security across Sierra Leone.
During the discussion, the Minister stressed the importance of collaboration and maintaining focus. He urged project managers to integrate their work with the ministry’s objectives. “The Feed Salone initiative is central to our agricultural development agenda, and every project must contribute towards achieving this goal,” Dr. Kpaka stated.
Kpaka followed up the visit by inspecting several farm sites where he interacted with farmers to gain firsthand insight into their preparedness for World Food Day and the upcoming first anniversary of Feed ‘Salon.’
The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to providing essential resources such as modern farming tools, improved seed varieties, and technical support to boost productivity.
“This visit is part of our ongoing effort to position agriculture as a key driver of economic growth and to achieve the goals of the Feed Salone initiative,” Dr. Kpaka stated during the tour.
Senior Permanent Secretary Mr. Prince Cole highlighted Sierra Leone’s potential for self-sufficiency in food production, pointing to the country’s favorable conditions for agriculture. “With the right approach, we can achieve food security and reduce our reliance on imports,” he remarked, urging all projects to work toward this vision.
Project managers provided updates on their ongoing efforts, including support for farmers through resources, training, and improved farming techniques. They also discussed strategies to enhance project delivery and strengthen the Feed Salone initiative.
The engagement underscores the government’s dedication to supporting farmers and enhancing agricultural output as part of the broader agenda to ensure food security and sustainable economic development.
The meeting concluded with project managers’ renewed commitment to align their efforts with the government’s broader vision of using agriculture as a key driver of economic growth and food security. The ministry currently has seven active projects, all playing a critical role in this national effort.
