FAO DG & Sierra Leone Agric Minister Dialogue

During a high-level meeting with Sierra Leone’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Honorable Henry Musa Kpaka, The Director-General (DG) of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) expressed his long-standing aspiration to visit Sierra Leone – a country rich in resources and potential. The Minister warmly welcomed the DG and his delegation, expressing his pleasure in receiving such a significant figure in the agricultural development landscape.
The DG reaffirmed FAO’s continued commitment to supporting Sierra Leone in various areas, especially in professional capacity building, job creation, and food processing initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods across the country. He emphasized that Sierra Leone has the essential elements required to build a thriving agro-based economy, and FAO is dedicated to unlocking that potential.
The Minister provided insights into the country’s strategic vision, detailing the government’s efforts under Pillars 4 and 5 of its national development agenda, which focus on food self-sufficiency and agricultural transformation. He also mentioned key reforms, including the introduction of a comprehensive cattle policy aimed at strengthening legal frameworks and facilitating structured growth in the livestock sector.
Highlighting South-South cooperation, the Minister explained that Sierra Leone has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster collaborative development with partner countries. He assured the DG that Sierra Leone is actively implementing FAO-backed projects, reinforcing the country’s longstanding partnership with the organization.
The Minister underscored the role of local expertise, particularly that of the Chief Agricultural Officer, in driving progress. He appealed for enhanced technical support and the development of digital platforms that could better serve farmers and agri-stakeholders across the nation.
In response, the DG acknowledged the effectiveness of FAO’s ongoing contributions, reiterating that the organization remains a reliable partner even after six years of steady cooperation. He also referenced the support provided by World Bank funding, which strengthens Sierra Leone’s economic resilience, and emphasized that technical assistance is essential to ensure optimal use of these resources.
Looking ahead to October 16th World Food Day the DG noted its significance in celebrating agricultural achievements and sharing success stories. He pledged FAO’s unwavering support to help Sierra Leone amplify its progress and transform its technical systems to better serve citizens.
The Director-General (DG) urged the Minister to prioritize investment in local products, particularly garie and rice, emphasizing their potential for transformation into various value-added forms and export to international markets. With the right platforms in place, he stressed, such efforts could significantly boost the nation’s economy.
He cautioned the Minister to ensure that farms receive the necessary support to start small, highlighting that these grassroots initiatives could evolve into nationally and globally recognized enterprises. According to the DG, even major economies began with modest agricultural programs before expanding into international supply chains.
The DG spotlighted diverse agricultural sectors, noting that many areas remain underdeveloped due to insufficient support and lack of strategic funding. He particularly emphasized the importance of the “floor aspect” a key area often neglected despite its potential.
Further, the DG of the FAO recommended exploring investment in the country’s pharmaceutical sector to build capacity across multiple development fronts.
In response, the Agricultural Minister assured the FAO DG that the President is actively working on initiatives aimed at advancing both agriculture and other critical sectors to drive national growth and development.