Sierra Leone

As part of the West Africa Food System Resilience Program (FSRP), the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has provided essential support to the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI) for the effective implementation of the Feed Salone initiative.

A key aspect of this collaboration is to address the challenges faced by local farmers, with weed management emerging as one of the most pressing issues. Weeds are a major threat to agricultural production, competing for vital resources such as light, water and nutrients. Recognising this challenge, IITA and SLARI, with the support of the FSRP and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, organised a two-day capacity-building workshop aimed at empowering Spray Service Providers (SSPs). Held at Taiama Resort in Moyamba District from 18 to 19 September 2024, the training workshop targeted 75 participants from the Eastern, Southern and Northern regions of Sierra Leone.

The training focused on equipping PHCs with the skills, knowledge and technologies needed for effective weed management and other agricultural practices. Key topics included good agronomic practices, weed management in cassava, use of the IITA herbicide calculator and herbicide safety and use. These tools are essential for improving productivity, creating jobs in rural communities and strengthening food security throughout the country.

The workshop has been designed not only to provide theoretical knowledge, but also to ensure that participants can apply these techniques directly in the field. By using advanced herbicide management strategies and adhering to best agronomic practices, farmers should see a significant increase in their crop yields this season.

Through the intervention of IITA and SLARI, local farmers are expected to benefit greatly from this partnership. The continued support of the Feed Salone initiative continues to demonstrate how international collaboration can meet the needs of Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector, ensuring sustainable growth and resilience in the face of challenges.

This initiative promises a brighter future for Sierra Leone’s farmers and the communities that depend on their success.

Thirteen (13) PhD students from the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI) have been awarded scholarships to pursue advanced studies in Nigeria, marking an important step in strengthening Sierra Leone's agricultural research capacity. This initiative, supported by the Government of Sierra Leone through the West African Food System Resilience Programme (PRSA/FSRP), aligns with the Feed Salone initiative's objective to build resilience and advance agricultural development in the country.

The official ceremony, held in the conference room of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, was attended by key stakeholders, including the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Henry Musa Kpaka, who presented the certificates to the fellows. This event marks an important step in the government's efforts to strengthen the research system in Sierra Leone, particularly through capacity building and the development of agricultural infrastructure.

Mr Kepifri Lakoh, National Coordinator of the Food System Resilience Programme, underlined the importance of the event, describing it as a pivotal moment in the FSRP's mission. "Strengthening the resilience of the food system requires significant investment in research infrastructure", said Mr Lakoh. "But the heart of research lies in the presence of smart thinkers and innovative minds who can develop cutting-edge technologies essential to the advancement of Sierra Leone's agricultural systems."

The FSRP is supporting these 13 SLARI doctoral students in various specialist fields over a period of three years. Mr. Lakoh expressed his confidence that once they have completed their studies, these fellows will return to make a significant contribution to Sierra Leone's agricultural development.

Mr Abdul R. Conteh, Acting Director General of SLARI, acknowledged the difficulties faced in retaining trained scientists within the research system. Referring to past experiences where researchers left research for the private sector, Dr. Conteh expressed optimism that this new cohort of PhD candidates would commit to SLARI upon their return.

Henry Musa Kpaka, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, reiterated the government's commitment to the Feed Salone initiative, saying that the support given to these PhD candidates demonstrates the President's vision for strengthening Sierra Leone's research capacity. "Research is a key component of the Feed Salone initiative," said Mr Kpaka. "This programme not only strengthens SLARI as an institution, but also ensures that the technologies developed are effectively transferred to our farmers."

During the ceremony, researchers were invited to focus on high-impact research that addresses critical challenges such as reducing rice imports and improving food security in Sierra Leone. 

On Thursday 9 May 2024, in the village of Komrabai, in the chiefdom of Maforki, in the district of Port Loko, the official launch of the technology and innovation park of the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI) with the support of CORAF took place as part of the implementation of the West African Food System Resilience Programme (FSRP).

The creation of the technology and innovation park is a collaborative initiative whose main objective is to strengthen food and nutritional security in the region. The event was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives of farmers' organisations, government officials, private sector players, development partners and other public institutions.

The SLARI Technology and Innovation Park is a centre for showcasing proven innovations aimed at revolutionising agricultural value chains, in line with the objectives of the Feed Salone programme. Its main objective is to enhance food and nutritional security by facilitating the transfer of knowledge to stakeholders and encouraging the adoption of advanced agricultural technologies, thereby improving local production systems.

During the ceremony, several speakers emphasised the importance of the initiative and its potential impact on Sierra Leone's agricultural sector. The private sector representatives pledged to work with SLARI to disseminate the technologies developed and improved to the country's farmers.

The ceremony concluded with a tour of the park, during which the park manager presented the technologies to farmers and stakeholders. Success stories were shared, demonstrating the tangible benefits farmers have reaped from the park since its inception in 2023.

The opening of the SLARI technology and innovation park represents a crucial moment in Sierra Leone's agricultural development journey. The collaborative efforts of the various stakeholders will make a significant contribution to food and nutrition security in the region by stimulating innovation and improving productivity in the park.

On 6 December 2023, in Freetown, Sierra Leone, the main stakeholders of the national component of the West African Food System Resilience Programme (FSRP) officially launched the programme.

All the authorities have stressed the importance of the PRSF for Sierra Leone in order to boost agricultural productivity and increase the incomes of farmers, mainly rice producers, which will it possible to improve rice mechanisation and transform Sierra Leone's food landscape.  The PRSF Sierra Leone is also an opportunity youth employment and the empowerment of women.

The Minister for Agriculture, Mr Kpaka, announced that the FSRP is a flagship programme of the government, which strongly supports rice producers and is committed to supporting the mechanisation of rice production.

The FSRP Sierra Leone also focuses on training and equipping researchers and practitioners with the skills and knowledge needed to meet the multifaceted challenges of the food system. Knowledge exchange will promote collaboration and partnerships between regional institutions, enabling the sharing of best practices and innovations. In addition, the development of a sustainable business model aims to ensure the long-term viability and success of the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI) as a centre excellence.

Dr Dixon, Chairman of SLARI's Board of Directors, revealed that SLARI is preparing to play a central role in transforming Sierra Leone's food landscape through the Feed Salone programme.

The Country Director of the World Bank emphasised the crucial need to open up spaces for agriculture, and stressed the key role played by young people in building a sustainable future.