By: Saidu Jalloh
In an effort to strengthen Sierra Leone’s food data systems, the Food Systems Resilience Project – Sierra Leone (FSRP-SL), in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), has launched a two-day training session for enumerators. These enumerators will conduct a nationwide market survey focused on processed, packaged, and vendor-prepared foods.
The training, which began earlier this week, is designed to equip data collectors with the technical skills needed to accurately gather brand-level information on a wide range of food products available across the country. The sessions are being conducted under the technical leadership of IITA and in partnership with the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI).
Officials from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and the IITA Country Office were present at the opening ceremony, underscoring the collaborative and multi-institutional nature of the initiative. Their involvement also ensures that the training meets national standards and aligns with the project’s core objectives.
Speaking at the event, a representative from IITA highlighted the significance of reliable food data in shaping effective agricultural and nutritional policies. “This survey will not only enhance our understanding of food availability in Sierra Leone but also lay the groundwork for a comprehensive food composition database,” the representative stated.
FSRP-SL emphasized that the ultimate goal is to develop a robust and accurate food composition database that reflects the diverse range of foods consumed across the country. This database will serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, nutritionists, researchers, and stakeholders in the food industry.
The Director of Research at SLARI noted the critical role enumerators play in ensuring high-quality, credible data collection. “By gathering detailed, brand-specific information on packaged and prepared foods, we are making a major stride toward evidence-based planning and improved food security,” she said.
The training program also included practical sessions on the use of digital data collection tools, ethical field practices, and accurate product identification. These components are designed to ensure that enumerators are fully prepared to carry out their responsibilities professionally and effectively.
With food security and nutrition high on Sierra Leone’s development agenda, this training marks a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to build resilient, data-driven food systems.