Agriculture Ministry Sets to Meet its Target

The Sierra Leone Ministry of Agriculture is actively engaged in several initiatives to boost agricultural production and food security, including the “Feed Salone” program and the Rice Agro Industrial Cluster project. Recent developments include a new $100 million grant fund to improve agricultural practices and the implementation of projects focused on livestock and crop diversification. Additionally, the Ministry is working with international partners like the FAO and IFAD to strengthen agricultural value chains and attract private sector investment. The Ministry, in collaboration with the FAO, is working to achieve self-sufficiency in rice production as part of the “Feed Salone” program.

A 3-day engagement on the Technical launch of the Rice Agro Industrial Cluster (SL RAIC) Project, aimed at boosting rice production, is underway. A new $100 million grant fund is available to support and improve agricultural practices, and the Ministry has already awarded machinery to farmers. A $105 million livestock project co-financed by OPEC and IsDB is underway to boost livestock production and reduce reliance on imports.
The European Union is funding projects focused on livestock and crop diversification, targeting smallholder farmers. The Ministry is working with the FAO to leverage expertise in climate-smart agriculture and attract private sector investment. IFAD is supporting the Rural Finance and Community Improvement Project, which is strengthening rural financial services. The Ministry is developing a digital monitoring and evaluation system to track progress and improve policy implementation.