Sierra Leone is making remarkable progress toward achieving rice self-sufficiency, with local production now meeting approximately 72% of the national demand. This significant milestone highlights the government’s dedicated efforts over the past six years to revitalize the country’s rice sector through targeted investments and structural reforms.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, this success results from a comprehensive approach that includes increased mechanization, the development and distribution of improved seed varieties, and the implementation of a nationwide e-voucher system that streamlines the delivery of agricultural inputs to smallholder farmers.
Additionally, the government has expanded access to finance for agribusinesses and rural cooperatives, encouraging greater private sector participation in the rice value chain. Consequently, productivity has steadily increased, and post-harvest losses have been significantly reduced.
Under the flagship Feed Salone program, efforts to close the remaining import gap have intensified. Launched as a national food security initiative, Feed Salone focuses on boosting local food production, especially rice, which is a staple for most Sierra Leoneans.
Furthermore, officials report that the Ministry is scaling up irrigation infrastructure, farmer training programs, and market linkages to ensure sustainability and reduce reliance on rice imports. These initiatives are helping to stabilize food prices and build resilience against global supply shocks.
Looking ahead, the government projects that with continued support from development partners and full implementation of Feed Salone, Sierra Leone could attain full rice self-sufficiency within the next three years a milestone that would mark a historic achievement for national food security.