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The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) on Tuesday received a consignment of 16 vehicles and 45 motorbikes from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to strengthen agricultural field operations across Sierra Leone.
The assets are expected to enhance surveillance under the One Health approach and improve coordination, supervision, and service delivery in farming communities nationwide.
The equipment was procured through the One Health Pandemic Fund Programme, implemented by FAO with financial support from the World Bank and other partners. Saeed A. Bancie, FAO Country Representative, said the intervention is part of broader efforts to reinforce national systems for agricultural monitoring and livestock disease preparedness.
Receiving the assets on behalf of the Ministry, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, welcomed the support and highlighted its impact on frontline staff. He said the vehicles and motorbikes will significantly improve the mobility and efficiency of District Agriculture Officers and Veterinary Officers, enabling more effective surveillance and faster response to animal and crop health issues.
“Our field staff are constrained by limited mobility, and addressing this challenge will enhance their efficiency, ultimately translating into better yields for farmers,” Dr. Kpaka said. He described the new assets as essential tools for strengthening agricultural administration, increasing productivity, and boosting national food production.
Officials noted that the donation complements recent investments in veterinary infrastructure, including the establishment of the Central Veterinary Laboratory in Makeni, which has already improved the country’s capacity to detect and respond to livestock diseases.
The delivery marks a step forward in Sierra Leone’s efforts to modernize agricultural services and reinforce preparedness against zoonotic threats through integrated One Health strategies.
With improved transport and field access, authorities expect enhanced surveillance coverage, quicker disease containment, and stronger support for rural farming communities.
