By: Saidu Jalloh
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), through the Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP), has signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). The agreement was finalized during a ceremony at the Ministry of Agriculture’s headquarters
This partnership will facilitate the construction of a 4,000-metric-ton silo powered by solar energy from the EU-funded energy program under the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Food Security.
Additionally, it will establish a 100-hectare irrigation system to support vegetable farmers at 20 locations across Sierra Leone. This initiative aims to #enhance rice storage capacity, #boost smallholder farmers’ incomes, enable year-round farming, and #strengthen #resilience in the country’s local food production systems.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Agriculture Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka commended UNOPS for its outstanding track record in implementing high-quality development projects. “UNOPS’ credibility and expertise have earned them the government’s trust. We are confident they will deliver these projects swiftly, enabling Sierra Leone to begin reaping the benefits.
This milestone underscores Feed Salone’s commitment to addressing the root causes of #hunger and #poverty in our country,” he stated. “These collaborative efforts with partners like UNOPS are essential to achieving food sovereignty and fostering inclusive economic growth in Sierra Leone.”
The UNOPS Sierra Leone team expressed gratitude for recognizing their contributions to the country. In a message conveyed through her team, Ana Sofia Ferreira Goinhas, Country Manager, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting President Julius Maada Bio’s Feed Salone initiative. “We are dedicated to providing the expertise and services needed to help the government achieve its food security and economic growth goals,” the Manager stated.
This partnership represents a critical step toward building a resilient agricultural sector in Sierra Leone. It aligns with the government’s efforts to ensure sustainable development and improve the livelihoods of its people.
