By Foday Moriba Conteh
In a noteworthy event marking the first anniversary of the Feed Salone Initiative, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio joined the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, development partners and farmers from across Sierra Leone on Wednesday October 16, 2024 at Kailahun Town, Eastern Region. The celebration coincided with World Food Day, themed “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future.”
During his address, President Bio urged citizens to take charge of their food production, encouraging them to cultivate crops in their backyards. He highlighted the essential role of large-scale farming in achieving the goals of the Feed Salone initiative, asserting that national food self-sufficiency can only be realized if all Sierra Leoneans participate in agricultural activities.
“No nation can thrive without an agricultural revolution driven by its people,” President Bio stated, calling on the public to support the Feed Salone program for the benefit of the country.
Reflecting on his administration’s achievements, President Bio noted the positive impact of his education initiatives, particularly the increase in school attendance among girls. He expressed gratitude to First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio for her advocacy on behalf of girls’ rights in Sierra Leone.
The President also shared his personal commitment to agriculture, revealing that he has cultivated over 1,400 acres of rice and an additional 500 acres of oil palm on his farm. He emphasized that Feed Salone is focused on the welfare of all Sierra Leoneans, rather than personal or political gains.
Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security, expressed appreciation for the farmers who showcased their produce, commending their efforts since the initiative’s launch. He urged patience and support as the Government works to enhance the agricultural sector.
Saeed Abubakar Bancie, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) representative in Sierra Leone, thanked President Bio for his commitment to agriculture and emphasized the urgent need for food diversification in light of increasing global hunger. He assured ongoing FAO support for the Feed Salone initiative, including assistance in livestock provision, innovative practices and community empowerment.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, also acknowledged the farmers’ vital role in supporting the Feed Salone initiative. He noted that October 16 not only celebrates World Food Day but also marks the day the initiative was launched, urging farmers to maximize their resources to transform agriculture into the nation’s economic backbone.
Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka confirmed that farmers are responding positively to the President’s call for increased agricultural involvement, highlighting leading women farmers, including those in the diaspora. He reassured stakeholders that their contributions in rice, onion, seed production, poultry and egg production are crucial for conserving foreign reserves.
The Minister pledged that the Feed Salone initiative will persist until Sierra Leone can produce more affordable rice than imported varieties. He called for improved market access through better infrastructure, financial support for farmers and job creation within the sector. Emphasizing unity in agricultural efforts, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka reiterated, “Together, we can grow what we eat,” encouraging all citizens to engage actively in the Feed Salone initiative.
