Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh Launches “Strengthening Resilience in Food Systems Transformation” Workshop

 


On September 12, 2024, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh officially launched the “Strengthening Resilience in Food Systems Transformation” workshop at the Bintumani Hotel in Freetown. The event was a significant step towards addressing Sierra Leone's food security challenges and transforming its agricultural sector.


In his keynote address, Dr. Jalloh emphasized the critical need for coordinated efforts among various stakeholders, including Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), development partners, and civil society. He underlined that collaboration is vital to reducing the country's dependence on food imports, particularly rice, which not only drives up the cost of living but also stifles local agricultural growth.


The Vice President noted that the most vulnerable to food insecurity are rural households, especially in remote areas like Falaba, which suffer from poor road infrastructure. He reiterated the government’s focus on transforming food systems as a national priority, a core objective of President Julius Maada Bio’s administration. Central to this agenda is the "Feed Salone" initiative, which aims to increase agricultural productivity, drive economic growth, and improve food security, all while reducing food imports.

Dr. Jalloh highlighted key achievements under this initiative, including the government’s decision to increase the agricultural budget from 2% to 7%, a 33% reduction in rice imports, and progress in the local production of various crops, particularly onions. He also stressed the need for climate-sensitive food production, urging investments in renewable energy to support sustainable agriculture.


Additionally, the Vice President underscored the role of the private sector, emphasizing the need for affordable loans and improved infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and irrigation to support agricultural development and market access for farmers.


Minister of Agriculture Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka also spoke at the event, reiterating the importance of not just food production, but also enhancing children's knowledge about agriculture. He stressed that infrastructural improvements, including roads, electricity, and irrigation systems, are essential for the success of the “Feed Salone” program.


The workshop represents a crucial milestone in Sierra Leone’s journey toward sustainable agricultural development, improved food security, and economic resilience.



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