Sierra Leone Partners With IITA to Transform Agriculture and Address Food Insecurity
The Government of Sierra Leone has partnered with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to transform agriculture and tackle food insecurity in the country.
This collaboration aims to revolutionize Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector by expanding research partnerships, adopting cutting-edge agricultural technologies, and mobilizing resources to drive sustainable food production.
The recent visit by President Bio underscored the strong collaboration between the Government of Sierra Leone and IITA/CGIAR, particularly in advancing agricultural transformation through the Feed Salone program.
The President’s visit is designed to strengthen the relationship between Sierra Leone and Nigeria, fostering regional agricultural cooperation and opening business opportunities in various value chains, including cassava, yam, banana/plantain, and rice.
During the visit, President Bio commended IITA for its consistent efforts in driving agricultural transformation across Africa and for being a reliable partner. “I am here because I think the political will exists in Sierra Leone to support the country’s food system transformation,” he stated.
President Bio further highlighted the complexity of food security, describing it as a systemic challenge that requires coordinated action across multiple sectors and strong political will at the highest levels to achieve lasting solutions.
“I firmly believe that research, innovation, and technology are the forces we must harness to drive Africa forward,” President Bio stated, underscoring the need for transformative approaches to agricultural development.
He called for stronger partnerships, strategic investments, and the rapid adoption of innovative solutions, noting that these are crucial not only for securing the success of individual nations but also for advancing the entire continent.