By: Saidu Jalloh
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), through the African Development Bank-funded Sierra Leone Rice Agro-Industrial Cluster (SL RAIC) project, is making remarkable progress in revitalizing the nation’s rice sector.
As part of these efforts, modern rice production and processing infrastructures are being established in Gbondapi and Tormabum. These agro-industrial projects aim to process rice to meet international standards and achieve national rice self-sufficiency.
Last week, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, along with senior MAFS officials, handed over sites for the construction of large-scale rice production and processing facilities in Tormabum and Gbondapi under the Feed Salone initiative. The initiative seeks to advance rice self-sufficiency by introducing mechanization, reducing manual labor, and producing high-quality rice that competes with imported varieties. These efforts also aim to empower local farmers by boosting productivity and increasing their incomes.
Speaking at the site handover ceremonies, Dr. Kpaka emphasized the government’s commitment to revitalizing key rice production hubs, identifying Tormabum and Gbondapi as part of six hubs earmarked for infrastructure development. “We are determined to restore these hubs to their former glory the ‘Peter Bolt’ era when they served as the rice baskets of Sierra Leone and the sub-region,” he stated.
The Minister highlighted that achieving self-sufficiency in rice production requires significant infrastructure investment and effective private sector management. He also expressed gratitude to local authorities, landowners, and stakeholders for their cooperation and support in facilitating these projects
The development includes constructing 1,400 hectares of rice fields in Tormabum and 800 hectares in Gbondapi. The rice processing factory in Tormabum will be built by KOFA Construction, while IMCC will handle the Gbondapi facility. Pavifort Sebil JV and Fermak Construction JV have been contracted to manage the land development at the respective sites. All four projects are expected to be completed by December 2026 and will be operated under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, ensuring sustainability and efficiency.
Farmers, local authorities, and stakeholders applauded the government’s efforts and praised President Julius Maada Bio for appointing Dr. Kpaka to lead the charge against rice insufficiency. They commended the dedication of the Minister, the MAFS team, and the SL RAIC project team for their leadership in driving this transformative initiative.
The ceremonies concluded with vibrant traditional dances, symbolizing the community’s appreciation for the project and its anticipated impact on food security and economic growth.
These developments represent a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s journey toward rice self-sufficiency. With the potential to transform Tormabum and Gbondapi into major agricultural hubs, this initiative is expected to enhance local livelihoods, bolster food security, and catalyze economic development across the nation.
