View of speakers at the official launch ceremony of FSRP-Sierra Leone

On December 6, 2023, in Freetown, Sierra Leone, the key stakeholders of the West Africa Food System Resilience Program (FSRP) national component officially launched the program.

All the Authorities underscored the importance of FSRP for Sierra Leone to boost agricultural productivity and increase farmers income mainly the rice producers and will help improve rice mechanization and transform Sierra Leone’s food landscape.  FSRP Sierra Leone is also an opportunity for youth employment and women’s empowerment.

The Minister of Agriculture Dr. Kpaka announced that FSRP is a flagship program for the government which stands firmly behind rice producers and pledged support for mechanization of rice production.

FSRP Sierra Leone also emphasizes training and equipping researchers and practitioners with the necessary skills and knowledge to address the multifaceted challenges of the food system. Knowledge exchange programs will foster collaboration and partnerships among regional institutions, enabling the sharing of best practices and innovations. Furthermore, the development of a sustainable business model aims to ensure the long-term viability and success of Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI) as a center of excellence.

Dr. Dixon, SLARI’s Council Chairman of SLARI revealed that SLARI is gearing up to play a pivotal role in transforming Sierra Leone’s food landscape through the Feed Salone program.

The Country Manager for the WorldBank emphasized the critical need to open space for agriculture, he highlighted the key role youths play in shaping a sustainable future.