CEO of Sierra Bo Advocates for Increased Cassava Production to Bolster Food Security in Sierra Leone

 

In a compelling interview with Radio Democracy, Garie Rashid A. Conteh, the Chief Executive Officer of Sierra Bo, underscored the critical need to ramp up cassava production in Sierra Leone as part of a broader strategy to enhance the nation's food security. This appeal is in alignment with President Julius Maada Bio's ambitious **Feed Salone Program**, which is designed to reduce dependency on imported food staples, particularly rice, and promote self-sufficiency.

Cassava, a staple in Sierra Leonean diets, plays a pivotal role in the country's food ecosystem. Conteh highlighted its potential in reducing the nation's reliance on imported rice, a goal central to the government's agricultural policy. He pointed to the garie production facility at Mano River Union in Bo District, which stands as the largest of its kind in the region. This factory processes cassava into garie using state-of-the-art technology and is responsible for producing 10% of the garie available in the market. Notably, the facility's products are distinguished by superior packaging that proudly represents Sierra Leone on both local and international stages.

Despite the impressive strides made, Conteh did not shy away from discussing the significant challenges that persist within the cassava industry. He cited inconsistent electricity supply, limited access to raw materials, and financial constraints as major obstacles hindering the industry's full potential. However, he expressed a strong sense of optimism, emphasizing cassava's capacity to mitigate post-harvest losses and contribute significantly to the agricultural sector's growth.

Conteh issued a call to action for the government to increase investments in local agricultural products. He advocated for improved access to necessary machinery and sustainable financing mechanisms to support farmers and processors. He urged the government to prioritize cassava as a strategic crop that could play a crucial role in decreasing rice imports and securing the nation's food supply.

In his closing remarks, Conteh, who also serves as the head of the Sierra Leone Association of Cassava Producers and Processors, reaffirmed his commitment to training farmers on best practices and introducing new technologies. His vision is to elevate local production and create more opportunities for exporting Sierra Leone's garie products, thereby positioning cassava as a key driver of the country's economic and agricultural transformation.