Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, accompanied by Deputy Minister II, Ing. Bryan Smart-Kanu, senior Ministry officials and representatives of the National Federation of Farmers Associations of Sierra Leone (NaFFSL), on Friday, 2 October 2026, inspected key venues and agricultural facilities as preparations intensify for this year’s World Food Day celebration and the third anniversary of the Feed Salone initiative.
The inspection formed part of efforts by the Ministry to assess Magburaka’s readiness to host the celebrations and engage stakeholders involved in the country’s drive towards increased food production and food security.
During the visit, the delegation held discussions with district stakeholders and officials of the Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology (EBKUST), one of the institutions involved in preparations for the event.
Beyond preparations for the celebrations, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka and his delegation also toured poultry farms in Magburaka and Makeni to assess production, identify challenges facing farmers and explore opportunities to strengthen the poultry industry.
The Minister visited Big Things Poultry Farm, Edimat Poultry Farm, Leecon Hatchery and Grace Organic Poultry Farm, where he interacted directly with farmers and operators on issues affecting their businesses.
Discussions centred on access to finance, the rising cost of inputs, production capacity, market opportunities and financing schemes available to poultry farmers. Particular attention was given to loan and grant programmes being promoted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in partnership with the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF).
Dr. Henry Kpaka told the farmers that President Julius Maada Bio remains committed to supporting the growth of Sierra Leone’s poultry industry because of its importance to nutrition, employment and the country’s efforts to reduce dependence on imported poultry products.
“This sector is close to President Bio’s heart because of its critical role in nutrition security, creating jobs and reducing dependence on imports,” the Minister told the farmers.
He encouraged poultry farmers and other agricultural entrepreneurs to take advantage of available financing opportunities and support mechanisms to increase production, expand their businesses and contribute to the country’s broader food security objectives.
The engagement with poultry farmers also provided the Ministry with an opportunity to hear directly from producers about constraints affecting the sector and areas where further Government and development partner support could help improve productivity.
The inspection comes as preparations gather pace for the World Food Day celebration and the third anniversary of Feed Salone, the Government’s flagship agricultural initiative aimed at increasing domestic food production, creating employment and strengthening Sierra Leone’s food systems.
The Ministry’s inspection exercise continued on Saturday, 3 October 2026, with visits to additional poultry farms in Kambia District as part of its wider engagement with farmers and agricultural businesses.
