Freetown, 8 October 2024 – The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), through its Public Investment Management Directorate, convened a technical meeting with key ministries, including Energy, Agriculture, Works, and Water Resources, to enhance coordination and accelerate the implementation of the Feed Salone programme. This initiative is a vital component of President Julius Maada Bio’s “Big Five” agenda, aimed at achieving food security and reducing the country’s reliance on food imports.

The Feed Salone programme is a cornerstone of the government’s efforts to ensure that every Sierra Leonean has access to sufficient food, while also addressing critical infrastructure needs such as energy, road construction, and water systems to support agricultural production. The engagement, therefore, focused on aligning the roles of various ministries to ensure the success of this national initiative.

Alpha Bangura, Director of Public Investment Management at MoPED, emphasized the importance of collaboration between ministries, noting that Feed Salone’s success depends on a concerted, multi-sectoral approach. He highlighted several key areas for project implementation, including Gbondapi in Pujehun, Tormabum, Manbolo in Kambia, and Mabgass in Tonkolili. These communities are already active in agricultural production and will play a central role in the programme’s efforts to boost food availability across the country.

“As a coordinating ministry, MoPED is committed to working closely with all relevant MDAs to ensure the effective implementation of the Feed Salone programme,” Bangura stated. He also urged participants to demonstrate strong leadership and provide the necessary information and support to propel the initiative forward.

Dr. Sankoh, a representative from the Ministry of Agriculture, expressed appreciation for the collaborative approach and reaffirmed the ministry’s readiness to drive the Feed Salone agenda. He outlined plans to secure additional land, deploy advanced agricultural machinery, and implement innovative land development techniques to maximize food production.

Representatives from the Ministries of Works, Energy, and Water Resources also reiterated their commitment to the programme. They assured stakeholders that efforts to improve rural infrastructure—such as road development, irrigation systems, and energy transmission lines—are underway in key agricultural areas to support the broader goals of Feed Salone.

The engagement underscored the importance of ongoing consultation and coordination among the MDAs to sustain the programme. By focusing on rural development, empowering women in farming, and improving food production and value chains, the Feed Salone programme aims to create lasting benefits for communities across Sierra Leone.

Initiated shortly after the 2023 elections, the Feed Salone programme is designed to enhance food sustainability through improved infrastructure, clean water access, and abundant food production, aligning with President Bio’s vision for a prosperous and self-reliant nation.

For further information, please contact the Alfred Kabia on +23279174027 or visit the Ministry’s official social media handles: Twitter-@moped2024, on Facebook and website: moped.gov.sl  
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