By: Saidu Jalloh
In preparation for the upcoming Livestock and Livelihoods Development Project (LLDP) set to commence in 2025, Minister of Agriculture Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, alongside a delegation from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), from the 29 -30 November 2024 visited the Musaia and Teko Livestock Research Centers. These centres are pivotal to the project’s objectives.
Minister Kpaka emphasized the importance of restoring Musaia facility to enhance meat production and create employment opportunities for youth and women. He stated, “The Musaia Livestock Centre has the potential to contribute to the socio-economic development of the country by feeding the nation with sufficient meat and creating jobs for youth and women.”
The Minister acknowledged the dedication of the Musaia community in maintaining the center’s infrastructure. He highlighted President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s commitment to revitalizing the facility, ensuring it returns to full operational capacity next year.
As this marks his second visit to the Teko Livestock Research Centre in Makeni, Bombali District, Minister Kpaka described it as a “centre of excellence” with significant potential to transform Sierra Leone’s livestock sector.
He noted the presence of trained personnel at the centre, whose expertise will be instrumental in increasing production and productivity within the industry.
Mr. Omar Davis, the IsDB team lead expressed the bank’s longstanding commitment to Sierra Leone, stating, “IsDB and Sierra Leone have been friends for over 40 years; their challenges are our challenges.
As co-funder of the Livestock Project, we are here to assess the facilities and determine how we can revamp them into fully functional centres.”He assured stakeholders and farmers in Falaba of the bank’s full support for the project.
Paramount Chief Sorie Konko Jawara II of Musaia emphasized the centre’s historical significance, noting it was established in 1951 and closed during the civil war.
He expressed optimism about its revival, stating, “I am happy to hear that the Musaia Livestock Center is coming back into operation.” Chief Jawara assured the Ministry and IsDB team of the community’s commitment to the project’s success.
Amie Bangura, a livestock farmer and CEO of Mama Afri Investment, highlighted challenges faced by farmers, including inadequate slaughterhouses, fencing, water availability, and poor road networks. She assured the Minister that the livestock association is in good shape and ready to support Feed Salone livestock initiative.
The tour concluded with Minister Kpaka and the IsDB team expressing confidence in the potential of the Musaia and Teko Livestock Centres to significantly contribute to the nation’s agricultural development.