The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has officially partnered with the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) to enhance food security through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The agreement was formalized during a ceremony at the Myohaung Officers’ Mess, attended by senior military and government officials.
The collaboration notably supports President Bio’s Feed Salone initiative, which aims to mobilize national institutions towards achieving food self-sufficiency. The MoU enables the Armed Forces to engage in agricultural production, focusing on rice cultivation, cash crops, livestock, and fish farming.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, asserted the importance of the partnership, stating, “This collaboration is both strategic and timely, especially in light of President Bio’s call for institutional collaboration to nourish Sierra Leone.” He expressed his Ministry’s commitment to assisting the Armed Forces in this vital endeavor.
The MoU outlines a framework for technical cooperation, training, and support for large-scale farming initiatives. It emphasizes joint planning in critical areas such as mechanization, irrigation, and sustainable farming practices. Furthermore, the agreement aims to promote the involvement of women and youth in agriculture, aligning with national development objectives.
This partnership notably reflects a growing recognition that food security is a shared responsibility among government entities and positions the military as a key player in addressing the country’s food challenges. The collaboration is expected to not only feed the military but also contribute to the nation’s economic growth.