By: Aminata Sesay
In a landmark initiative aimed at enhancing school feeding and revitalizing interest in agriculture among students, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), in collaboration with the World Bank-funded Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP), has officially handed over four modern greenhouses and 300 bags of locally produced rice to Bo Government Secondary School.
The handover ceremony, held on the school’s campus in Bo City, is part of a broader mission to promote sustainable agriculture, improve student nutrition, and position farming as a viable path to national development.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting boarding schools with homegrown food. He emphasized that the initiative aligns with President Julius Maada Bio’s vision of achieving food self-sufficiency across Sierra Leone.
“We are here this morning to fulfill our promise by handing over 300 bags of 50kg rice and four greenhouses to Bo School,” Dr. Kpaka said. “Our goal is to reintroduce agriculture in schools not merely as an academic subject, but as a transformative tool to inspire mindset change and foster national development through practical engagement.”
Dr. Kpaka also revealed that four other government boarding schools across the country are receiving similar support under the FSRP, highlighting a nationwide effort to integrate local food systems into educational institutions.
Dr. Kepifri Larkoh, Project Manager for FSRP, reflected on the origins of the initiative, explaining that the idea to link school feeding programs with local agricultural production was conceived a year ago, motivated by a desire to build sustainable, community-based food systems.
“This is not just a donation; it is a deliberate investment in education, nutrition, and long-term sustainability,” he said. “By empowering students and schools with the means to grow their own food, we are building both resilience and opportunity.”
Bo School’s Acting Principal, Emmanuel Gbory, expressed deep gratitude to the government and the World Bank for what he called a revival of practical agricultural education.
“This support brings agriculture back into the classroom in a modern and hands-on way,” Mr. Gbory said. “The rice donation is a timely reminder that with the right policies and partnerships, Sierra Leone can indeed feed itself.”
He further assured that the greenhouses would be put to immediate use—not only as production units to supply food, but also as training centers where students can learn about climate-smart agriculture and develop entrepreneurial skills.
“Healthy meals fuel academic excellence, and agriculture can instill leadership and innovation in our pupils,” he added.
In conclusion, this handover marks a critical intersection of agriculture, education, and nutrition policy in Sierra Leone. As the country advances toward a more self-reliant food system, initiatives like this demonstrate that national resilience may well begin in the schoolyard.