By: Aminata Sesay
The Sierra Leone Agribusiness and Value Chain Support (SLARIS) Project has been hailed as a vital initiative driving agricultural modernization and youth empowerment in the country. This recognition follows a two-day oversight visit by the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture and Food Security, chaired by Hon. Salieu Osman Sesay, which concluded on Thursday, July 17, 2025.
The visit revealed substantial progress across SLARIS project components and affirmed the initiative’s critical role in advancing the Government’s flagship Feed Salone Programme.
Jointly funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Sierra Leone, SLARIS is a five-year, \$11.9 million investment currently being implemented in Kambia, Moyamba, and Kenema districts. The project targets 32,000 household farmers and collaborates with institutions such as: Sierra Leone Seeds Certification Agency (SLeSCA), Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARi), Njala University and Private seed enterprises.
A highlight of the oversight visit was the Committee’s inspection of Component 2 the Njala Enable Youth Program, which focuses on preparing young people to lead in agribusiness.
Project Manager Tamba Jumu revealed that 1,000 youths were competitively selected for the program. Of these, 974 youths have already completed six months of hands-on training across various agricultural value chains. They are being supported with startup grants to launch agribusiness ventures.
At Njala University, the Committee toured the construction site of a modern middle-level agricultural training center, now more than 85% complete. This facility is expected to become a hub for technical skill development and entrepreneurship in agriculture.
SLARIS is also addressing critical infrastructure needs. In Konta Line, the project is constructing a 4,000–5,000 metric ton seed storage facility with integrated WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) features to support farming groups such as the 2020 Consortium and Tivamya in Blama Town. This facility will help eliminate seed storage challenges that have traditionally disrupted planting cycles.
At Mile 91, the Committee visited a newly constructed seed testing laboratory for SLeSCA. This state-of-the-art facility not only ensures national seed quality but is also attracting seed samples from other West African countries, establishing Sierra Leone as a regional hub for seed certification.
Progress has also been made under Component 1, which supports research and development. SLARIS has strengthened partnerships with Njala University and SLARi to develop improved seed varieties and boost the productivity of smallholder farmers a critical step toward achieving food self-sufficiency.
Members of the Committee praised SLARIS for its efficiency, relevance, and alignment with the Government’s broader agricultural and food security agenda. They described it as a model project that effectively leverages donor support to empower communities particularly young people and promote sustainable agricultural growth.
With major infrastructure nearing completion and key components well underway, SLARIS is well-positioned to become a flagship success under the Feed Salone Agenda, contributing to both economic empowerment and national food sovereignty.