By: Precious Miracle Kargbo
His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio held a high-level meeting at State House with Donal F. Brown, Associate Vice-President of the Program Management Department at the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and Enock Chikava, Director of Agricultural Delivery Systems at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The meeting focused on increasing support for the Feed Salone Initiative, a flagship program launched by the government to transform Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector through sustainable practices, enhanced food security, and inclusive rural development.
President Bio emphasized the vital role that international collaborations play in driving national agricultural transformation. He called for innovative, technical solutions that can empower local farmers and accelerate the impact of Feed Salone across the country.
“We must work together to ensure that our agricultural sector thrives,” President Bio stated. “The success of our farmers depends on collaborative efforts, knowledge-sharing, and strategic investments.”
The discussions also explored modern strategies to improve agricultural delivery systems, ensuring that critical support reaches those who need it most particularly smallholder farmers.
The presence of IFAD and the Gates Foundation was seen as a significant step toward strengthening the Feed Salone Initiative. Their technical expertise, global experience, and funding capacities are expected to contribute meaningfully to the program’s successful implementation.
President Bio expressed strong optimism about the outcomes of these partnerships, noting that their involvement would help drive technological innovation, capacity building, and greater investment in agriculture.
As the meeting concluded, President Bio reiterated his government’s unwavering commitment to working with international stakeholders to meet the goals of Feed Salone.
“This engagement demonstrates Sierra Leone’s commitment to sustainable development, food self-sufficiency, and improved livelihoods for our people,” he affirmed.
The collaboration marks a proactive step toward realizing a more resilient and productive agricultural sector one that contributes to the broader national development agenda.
