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The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) held its three-day West Africa & Sahel Hubs (WASH) Retreat at the Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel.
Centered on the theme “Climate Change,” the event gathered experts to address the evolving environmental challenges facing the region.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Henry Musa Kpaka, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Feed Salone Strategy.
He highlighted the critical need for a long-term partnership with IITA and its allies to accelerate the transformation of Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector.
The retreat brings together IITA scientists, policymakers, and development partners with key objectives that include enhancing climate resilience, sharing research innovations, and aligning regional agricultural efforts with national priorities. Through these collaborative sessions, participants work to scale climate-smart technologies and strengthen food systems, ensuring that research directly addresses the urgent needs of African farmers.
Dr Alfred O. Dixon, Head of IITA Sierra Leone, described the gathering as timely, noting that the President has declared this year a “Year of Delivery” to ensure the effective implementation of the Feed Salone initiative aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and food security.
He added that the retreat goes beyond a routine meeting, serving as a platform for action, innovation, and the development of sustainable food systems across West Africa and the Sahel.
