Sierra Leone Paves the Way to Food Sovereignty with Bold New Agricultural Vision
In an inspiring shift toward self-reliance, Sierra Leone is setting a new standard in agriculture and food security through its "Feed Salone" initiative, launched on World Food Day in 2023. Led by Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, this program aims to elevate Sierra Leone’s agriculture from subsistence to sovereignty, transforming the country’s food production and bolstering rural resilience. Kpaka, who grew up in one of the nation’s poorest areas, brings a deeply personal passion to his role. His journey has spanned the globe, from studying at Harvard and the London School of Economics to impactful work with major development organizations. But his mission has always led him back home to Sierra Leone, with a vision of empowering the nation through sustainable agriculture.
Feed Salone was born of the need for self-sufficiency in food and reduced reliance on imported staples like rice. Currently, even though agriculture employs nearly two-thirds of Sierra Leone’s population, the country imports much of its food, which has left it vulnerable to price swings and global supply chain issues. Feed Salone, backed by $1 billion in international funding, seeks to change this dependency by promoting local production and strengthening infrastructure to improve market access for farmers. Remarkably, Sierra Leone has increased its agricultural budget allocation from 2% to 7% in just a year, aiming for 10% by 2025, a leap forward in agricultural investment.
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One of the initiative’s core components is enhancing infrastructure—roads, energy, and transport—essential for connecting remote agricultural hubs to the country’s larger economy. Kpaka believes that with these foundations in place, agricultural investments will have far-reaching impact. His strategic approach emphasizes not just increased crop yields but also a renewed pride in agriculture. Under Feed Salone, Sierra Leone aims to revive its historic role as a rice exporter, reduce foreign dependency, and boost its economy through the export of cocoa, coffee, and cashews.
To make this vision a reality, Feed Salone is implementing innovative agricultural practices, including promoting locally sourced, nutrient-rich food alternatives like cassava and rice flour as substitutes for imported wheat. Kpaka sees these choices as part of a larger cultural shift toward food sovereignty, where control over food systems remains within Sierra Leone’s borders. This effort extends beyond just food supply; it’s about restoring the pride that the nation once held in its ability to provide for itself and creating a legacy for future generations.
In October 2024, on the one-year anniversary of Feed Salone, the country gathered to celebrate its progress. Farmers and agro-processors from across Sierra Leone came together in Kailahun to showcase their products and donate food to local institutions. For Kpaka, this milestone was a testament to the resilience of Sierra Leone’s people and the government’s commitment to building a sustainable agricultural future.
Through Feed Salone, Sierra Leone is transforming itself from a food-importing country to one on the path to self-sufficiency and food security. Kpaka’s dedication to this transformation stands as a testament to his belief in the potential of agriculture to reshape Sierra Leone’s future.
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