By: Saidu Jalloh
In a strong appeal for international support, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Henry Musa Kpaka, called on global partners to invest in the country’s agricultural transformation during the 6th Members Meeting of the Alliance of Champions for Food Systems Transformation (ACF), held this week in Brasília, Brazil.
As the global community prepares for COP30, the ACF meeting brought together key stakeholders in food systems reform. Representing Sierra Leone, Minister Kpaka delivered a compelling address, highlighting the country’s significant progress through its flagship “Feed Salone” initiative, while stressing the need for sustained international investment.
“Our government has taken a bold and deliberate step toward transforming our agricultural sector,” Minister Kpaka stated. “But this journey cannot succeed without critical investment from both our partners and the global community.”
The Feed Salone initiative, launched to increase agricultural productivity, reduce reliance on food imports, and empower local farmers, has already made notable gains. Minister Kpaka outlined several achievements, including improved access to seeds and fertilizers, enhanced mechanization, and strengthened agricultural extension services.
Kpaka urged ACF members to leverage COP30 as a pivotal opportunity to push for actionable commitments linking climate action to food security, particularly for vulnerable nations like Sierra Leone.
“COP30 must not be just another conference,” he emphasized. “It should be a defining moment where nations commit to aligning climate action with food security goals.”
Ongoing discussions at the ACF meeting are focused on how countries can collaboratively advocate for policy changes at COP30 that prioritize sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and inclusive food systems.
Minister Kpaka’s participation in the meeting highlights Sierra Leone’s growing role in regional and global dialogues on food systems transformation, as well as the government’s firm commitment to making agriculture a central pillar of national development.
With COP30 on the horizon, Sierra Leone’s call for targeted investment serves as a timely reminder of the urgent need to support agricultural innovations that can drive both food security and climate resilience across developing nations.