Sierra Leone has taken a major step in strengthening national food security with the stocking of 10,000 bags of locally milled rice at the Strategic Grain Reserve store in Kobia, Kambia District. The facility, established under the World Bank–supported Food Systems Resilience Program, is designed to provide a reliable buffer in times of crisis while also creating secure markets for farmers.
The reserve begins with 1,200 metric tons of rice purchased directly from local producers in Kambia and surrounding districts. By sourcing domestically, the initiative is already reducing informal cross-border leakages, stabilising rice prices in local markets, and ensuring that farmers are rewarded with consistent demand for their harvests.
The Strategic Grain Reserve is expected to play a vital role during shocks such as floods, droughts, or global supply chain disruptions, providing a cushion for households and a mechanism for price stabilisation. Beyond emergency response, it also represents a shift toward building long-term resilience by prioritising Sierra Leonean rice in national food systems.
This development marks the first phase of a larger vision. Construction is underway for bigger silo complexes and processing hubs that will expand capacity, while a dedicated Food Reserve Authority is being established to manage the system transparently and sustainably.
The presence of thousands of neatly stacked rice bags in Kobia today is a visible sign of Sierra Leone’s determination to rely on its own farmers, reduce dependence on imports, and advance the Feed Salone vision.
