By: Saidu Jalloh
In a significant move to combat hunger and poverty in Sierra Leone, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Ministry of Defence, including the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize their collaboration on national agricultural production.
The signing ceremony, held at the Myohaung Officers’ Mess, brought together senior military and government officials. The initiative supports President Julius Maada Bio’s Feed Salone campaign, which aims to mobilize national institutions to achieve food self-sufficiency across the country.
Under the terms of the agreement, the Armed Forces will actively contribute to enhancing national food production through structured initiatives involving rice cultivation, cash crop farming, livestock rearing, and fish farming. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security will, in turn, provide technical and logistical support to large-scale farming projects led by the military. These projects are designed to feed military personnel and generate income to support national development.
Speaking at the ceremony as Guest of Honour, Minister of Agriculture Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka described the partnership as both “strategic and timely.” He emphasized that the collaboration directly responds to President Bio’s call for inter-institutional cooperation to improve the nation’s food systems. Dr. Kpaka reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to ensuring the success of this vital initiative.
The MoU outlines a comprehensive framework for technical cooperation, including training programs, input support, and joint planning in key areas such as mechanization, irrigation, sustainable farming practices, and agricultural extension services. Significantly, the agreement also promotes the active inclusion of women and youth in agriculture, aligning with Sierra Leone’s broader development and gender equity goals.
Ultimately, this agreement reflects a growing recognition that food security is a shared responsibility. It positions the military not only as a defender of national sovereignty but also as a key stakeholder in securing Sierra Leone’s agricultural and economic resilience.
