By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a vibrant celebration marking the second anniversary of the Feed Salone initiative, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio on Friday, 31st October 2025, joined farmers, traditional leaders and development partners at the Kambia Mini Stadium to commemorate Sierra Leone’s ongoing agricultural transformation. The event coincided with the global observance of World Food Day under the theme: “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future.”
The occasion served as both a reflection on progress and a renewed call to action in achieving national food security. President Bio launched the Two-Year Feed Salone Progress Report, applauding farmers, paramount chiefs and international partners for their dedication and partnership in advancing the country’s agricultural vision.
“Agriculture is the heartbeat of our nation,” President Bio declared. “Through Feed Salone, we are transforming farming from subsistence to prosperity, making it a source of dignity, innovation and wealth creation for our people.”
Drawing from personal experience, the President reflected on his deep connection to farming, recalling how agriculture sustained his family and community during his early years. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to turning agriculture into a vehicle for inclusive growth and national pride.
“Two years ago, we launched Feed Salone with a simple but powerful message: Grow What We Eat and Eat What We Grow. Today, we can see the impact, rice production is rising, food imports are declining and local produce is becoming more accessible and affordable,” he stated.
In a major announcement, President Bio unveiled the $105 million Livestock and Livelihood Development Project, jointly supported by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the OPEC Fund. The project aims to enhance poultry and cattle production, improve animal feed systems and expand income opportunities for rural households across Kambia, Port Loko and Bombali Districts.
Complementing this initiative, the President also launched Rural Farmers Radio 98.9 FM, a new communication platform designed to empower farmers with real-time agricultural information, market updates and community dialogue.
“Here in Kambia, blessed with fertile soil and resilient people, we are laying the foundation for a food-secure Sierra Leone,” President Bio said. “No one should stand aside while others feed the nation. Every Sierra Leonean has a role to play in Feed Salone.”
Representing the Islamic Development Bank, Country Operations Manager, Omar Davis commended Sierra Leone’s remarkable progress and the Government’s strong leadership in the agricultural sector.
“Our partnership with Sierra Leone now exceeds $500 million in cumulative approvals, with $255 million currently active,” Omar Davis revealed. “The approvals recorded in the past five years alone surpass what was achieved in nearly six decades before 2020. This is a testament to confidence in Sierra Leone’s reforms and leadership.”
The ceremony concluded with the official presentation of the Feed Salone Two-Year Progress Report and special recognition of exemplary farmers and local leaders whose contributions continue to drive the country’s agricultural revolution.
President Bio’s visit to Kambia underscored his administration’s unwavering focus on Feed Salone as one of the Big Five Game Changers, positioning agriculture at the heart of Sierra Leone’s quest for sustainable growth, food sovereignty and prosperity for all.
