The Sierra Leone Seed Certification Agency (SLeSCA) is set to release 33 new varieties of seed, including rice, cassava, and maize, aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity under the government’s Feed Salone program. Dr. Robert Chakanda, Executive Director of SLeSCA, made this announcement during a presentation at the agency’s conference hall on September 11, 2025. The announcement follows a successful ten-year research effort carried out by Sierra Leonean researchers and seed breeders at the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI).
According to Dr. Chakanda, 19 of the new seed varieties have been sourced from other West African countries, while 14 have been developed by Sierra Leonean breeders. These varieties were selected through extensive research aimed at identifying high-yield, adaptable seeds that can thrive across the country’s diverse agroecological zones.
The release of these varieties is part of an ongoing effort to support Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector and contribute to the national Feed Salone program, which aims to boost local food production and reduce reliance on imported food. Dr. Chakanda emphasized that SLeSCA has been working closely with SLARI and seed breeders to conduct scientific research and evaluations to identify the most promising seed varieties.
Dr. Chakanda further explained that after the completion of the research, a team of experts from various agricultural fields evaluated the potential of the 33 seed varieties. This evaluation considered factors such as yield capacity, adaptability, comparative advantage, and trade quantity control. The experts also assessed breeding methods and the suitability of the seeds for different agricultural zones in Sierra Leone.
Dr. Nabieu Kamara, the lead breeder for rice at SLARI, stated that the Rokupr Rice Research Centre has been conducting research on 16 rice varieties over the past four years. These varieties were tested nationwide, and farmers participated in field days to select the best-performing rice varieties. The varieties, which have been proven to perform well across different fields, will now be considered for release to farmers.
Raymond Massaquoi, a Research Officer at SLARI and cassava breeder, shared that research on cassava has been ongoing since the 2015/16 period, with nine new cassava varieties being developed using both mutational and conventional breeding methods. The varieties underwent stabilization trials and tests to ensure they are adaptable to all agroecological zones in Sierra Leone, and farmers’ feedback on the varieties has been largely positive.
In the maize sector, both Sierra Leonean and West African agricultural scientists have worked together to develop new varieties, and eight maize varieties are being introduced for potential release. These varieties were tested for adaptability, yield capacity, and quality in Sierra Leonean farming conditions.
The approval and release of these new seed varieties would mark a significant achievement for Sierra Leonean farmers, as they would have access to high-quality, high-yielding seeds. For rice, 13 varieties will be imported from other West African countries, while three will be locally developed. For cassava, nine varieties will be released, including six from West Africa and three from Sierra Leone. The maize sector will see the introduction of eight new varieties developed by Sierra Leonean researchers.
Dr. Kamara, Dr. Sesay, and Massaquoi all emphasized that if these varieties are approved and adopted, they will significantly contribute to the success of Feed Salone, boosting food security and farmer livelihoods across Sierra Leone. Furthermore, the research outcomes will motivate further studies and improvements in agricultural practices in the country.
