President Julius Maada Bio addressed the 46th International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Governing Council in Rome on February 12, 2025, highlighting Sierra Leone’s progress in food security and rural development through the Feed Salone initiative.

The program aims to transform the nation’s food systems by empowering smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth, who play a crucial role in the economy.

“We have focused on increasing our own agricultural production and reducing our reliance on imports by over $10 million in 2024”

“The government has already facilitated over $28 million in agricultural financing, empowering women and youth to drive the transformation of our food system,” President Bio stated.

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With IFAD’s support, Sierra Leone has enhanced agricultural productivity, improved rural incomes, and increased access to resources—reducing dependence on food imports and promoting local production.

As one of the keynote speakers at the IFAD summit’s inaugural ceremony, President Bio urged global partners to increase investments in rural communities, emphasizing that food security starts at the grassroots level.

He stressed the importance of providing farmers with access to financing, technology, and markets to build resilient food systems. Through initiatives like capacity-building programs for women and youth in agribusiness, Feed Salone is breaking cycles of poverty and fostering economic prosperity.

President Bio’s speech underscored the need for global collaboration to achieve food sovereignty and rural transformation, emphasizing that investing in rural communities is essential for securing a sustainable future for Sierra Leone and strengthening global food security.