Sierra Leone’s Minister of Agriculture, Henry Musa Kpaka, has announced significant strides in the country’s efforts to reduce food importation through the Feed Salone project.

In an interview with AYV, he revealed that the initiative, launched on October 15, 2022, is beginning to yield tangible results, with a steady decline in the importation of staple food items.

Minister Kpaka emphasized that Africa has the potential not only to feed itself but also to contribute to global food security.

Reflecting on the achievements of the Feed Salone project, he noted that preparations are underway to celebrate its first anniversary, during which a detailed report on its accomplishments will be presented.

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Since its launch, the Feed Salone project has gained momentum in the quest for self-sufficiency in food production. The Minister expressed surprise at the promising data related to food importation, particularly in the rice sector.

He reported a notable decrease in rice imports from $1.97 billion in 2022 to $1.67 billion in 2023, with only $54 million worth of rice imported from January to August this year. He anticipates that this downward trend will continue as the year progresses.

The statistics shared by the Minister indicate similar positive trends for other food items. Onion imports decreased from $10.7 million in 2022 to $6.7 million in 2023, while egg imports remained stable at $2.47 million. Chicken imports also saw a decline, falling from $12.9 million in 2022 to $10.45 million in 2023.

Despite the encouraging progress, Minister Kpaka urged caution, stating that the Ministry is not celebrating yet. He emphasized that while reducing importation is a key objective, the ultimate goal is to ensure that more citizens have access to affordable and nutritious food.

The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuing efforts to enhance food security in Sierra Leone, aiming for a future where the nation can fully sustain its own food needs.