Kambia District, 18th November 2024

The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), in collaboration with technical experts from key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), commenced a weeklong preliminary assessment of the Feed Salone Ecological Zones on Monday, 18th November 2024. The assessment, led by the Director of Public Investment Management at MoPED, Alpha K. Bangura, aims to evaluate key agricultural sites critical to the success of the Feed Salone Initiative. The team began their work at pivotal locations in Mambolo and Kychun (Kambia District) and will continue to sites in Tomabum and Gbondapi (Bonthe and Pujehun Districts).

The Feed Salone Initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, is a flagship government program designed to ensure food security, reduce hunger, and promote sustainable agriculture across Sierra Leone. The multi-sectoral exercise underscores the government’s commitment to evidence-based planning and collaborative efforts in implementing this transformative initiative.

On the first day of the assessment, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security evaluated the ecological fitness of the zones for large-scale rice production, focusing on soil quality and climatic conditions. The Ministry of Water Resources began assessing the irrigation systems needed to support year-round farming, while the Ministry of Energy initiated reviews of energy requirements for mechanized agriculture and irrigation systems. The Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) examined access roads to determine infrastructure improvements required for efficient transportation of produce.

The team’s initial visits to the Kobia Irrigation sites in Mambolo Chiefdom and Kychun in Samu Chiefdom, Kambia District, included productive engagements with community stakeholders. These interactions provided insights into local expectations and challenges while demonstrating strong community support for the Feed Salone Initiative. Stakeholders pledged their full cooperation in ensuring the program’s success, emphasizing the importance of grassroots involvement.

In addition to the irrigation sites, the team inspected agricultural facilities in Kobia, Mambolo, and Kychun to assess their current state and identify areas needing further investment. These evaluations will guide resource allocation and inform the phased implementation of the initiative.

The assessment is a critical step in Sierra Leone’s efforts to achieve food security through sustainable agricultural practices. By tailoring interventions to the specific conditions of each ecological zone, the Feed Salone Initiative aims to promote climate-smart agriculture, enhance irrigation systems, and strengthen rural infrastructure. These measures are expected to boost agricultural productivity, improve market access, and reduce post-harvest losses for farmers.

The Feed Salone Initiative is central to Sierra Leone’s development agenda, addressing pressing issues such as food insecurity, poverty, and environmental sustainability. Leveraging the country’s diverse ecological zones—from fertile lowlands to upland plateaus—the initiative has the potential to transform agriculture into a robust sector that supports livelihoods and strengthens the national economy.

Strategies under the program include promoting community-driven resource management, enhancing soil fertility, and encouraging market-oriented farming systems. These interventions aim to empower smallholder farmers, increase incomes, and create sustainable economic opportunities in rural communities.

As the weeklong assessment continues, the collaborative efforts of MoPED, technical MDAs, and local communities highlight a unified vision for a resilient and self-sufficient Sierra Leone. This exercise marks an important step in laying the foundation for sustainable food security, ensuring that the nutritional needs of the population are met while preserving the environment for future generations.

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