His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio joined farmers, paramount chiefs, and international partners in Kambia to commemorate the second anniversary of the Feed Salone initiative and launch a significant new livestock and livelihoods project. The ceremony, held under the global World Food Day theme “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future,” also included the presentation of the Two-Year Feed Salone Progress Report.
President Bio addressed the gathering and praised farmers, traditional leaders, and development partners for their shared commitment to Sierra Leone’s food self-sufficiency. He referred to agriculture as “the heartbeat of our nation,” emphasising that Feed Salone is assisting in transforming farming “from subsistence to prosperity, making it a source of dignity, innovation, and wealth creation.” The President reflected on his own upbringing, stating that agriculture supported his family and community and is still a powerful symbol of sacrifice and love.
“Two years ago, we launched Feed Salone with a clear message: Grow What We Eat and Eat What We Grow,” Bio, the group’s president, said.
“Today, the results are visible: rice production is rising, imports are declining, and local food is becoming more available and affordable.” Today, the results are clear: rice production is increasing, imports are decreasing, and local food is becoming more accessible and affordable. He emphasised that the program is central to his government’s Big Five Game Changers and complements larger efforts to create a productive, competitive, and peaceful Sierra Leone. The project, which is supported by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the OPEC Fund, aims to increase poultry and cattle farming, strengthen feed production, and raise rural incomes.
The project will be implemented in the Kambia, Port Loko, and Bombali districts, to increase livestock productivity and improve market access for smallholder farmers.
The President also launched Rural Farmers Radio 98.9 FM, a new communications platform aimed at disseminating agricultural information and increasing community engagement across farming areas. The radio station will provide farmers with extension advice, weather updates, market information, and other resources to help them improve their productivity and livelihoods.
Mr Omar Davis, Country Operations Manager of the Islamic Development Bank, praised Sierra Leone for its agricultural progress and leadership. He stated that the partnership between IsDB and Sierra Leone now has over $500 million in cumulative approvals, with $255 million currently active. “The approvals recorded in the past five years alone surpass what the Bank approved in nearly six decades before 2020,” Mr Davis said, adding that this growth reflects increased confidence in Sierra Leone’s reforms and the partnership’s strength.
The event concluded with a formal presentation of the Feed Salone’s two-year progress report and recognition of contributions from farmers and local leaders across the country. President Bio emphasised that Kambia, with its fertile soil and resilient people, is helping to lay the groundwork for national food security and prosperity, and he encouraged all Sierra Leoneans to participate in the Feed Salone initiative.
