By: Aminata Sesay
Agricultural transformation has been identified as a key pathway to job creation, food security, and economic resilience following the successful conclusion of a learning mission to the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture by stakeholders from Sierra Leone.
The mission, organized under the Islamic Development Bank-funded Cassava Value Chain Project, brought together representatives from UNDP in Sierra Leone, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute.
The visit was aimed at strengthening knowledge and technical capacity in cassava production, mechanization, agribusiness development, and value chain management, with a strong focus on empowering women and young people through sustainable agricultural opportunities.
During the mission, delegates toured major agricultural facilities and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), where they gained practical insights into in-grower and out-grower management systems, technology transfer mechanisms, and market-driven agricultural practices.
Officials noted that the experience provided valuable lessons that could help transform Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector by increasing productivity, improving food systems, and expanding employment opportunities for women and youth.
According to UNDP, the initiative forms part of broader efforts to support the Government of Sierra Leone in strengthening institutions, building local capacity, and promoting inclusive and sustainable economic development through agriculture and private-sector transformation.
Stakeholders also emphasized the importance of adopting innovative agricultural technologies and modern farming systems to improve competitiveness and strengthen the cassava value chain in Sierra Leone.
The Cassava Value Chain Project is expected to contribute significantly to Sierra Leone’s national development goals by promoting agribusiness growth, increasing rural incomes, and enhancing food security across the country.