The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), through its Public Investment Management Directorate, has engaged key technical teams from the Ministries of Energy, Agriculture, Works, and Water Resources to enhance coordination and strengthen the implementation of the Feed Salone Program.
Feed Salone is a cornerstone initiative under President Julius Maada Bio’s “Big Five Game Changers” agenda. It aims to achieve food security for all Sierra Leoneans while reducing reliance on imported food. Recognizing the critical roles of energy, road infrastructure, and water resources in realizing this vision, MoPED has prioritized a collaborative approach to ensure the program’s success.
Alpha Bangura, Director of Public Investment Management at MoPED, emphasized the importance of inter-ministerial coordination, stating that the engagement aimed to review development projects related to the Feed Salone Program in key agricultural communities, including Gbondapi in Pujehun, Tormabum, Manbolo in Kambia, and
Mabgass in Tonkolili. He stressed that these communities are already in the implementation phase and are vital to supporting the government’s food security agenda. “As a coordinating ministry, MoPED is committed to collaborating with other MDAs to ensure the success of Feed Salone,” Bangura stated, encouraging participants to exercise strong leadership and provide the necessary information to drive the program forward.
Dr. Sankoh, a representative from the Ministry of Agriculture, expressed gratitude for the cooperation among ministries, noting that the Ministry of Agriculture is fully prepared to activate the Feed Salone Program through their framework. He highlighted plans to acquire more land, deploy advanced machinery, and introduce innovative land development strategies to enhance food production.
Representatives from the Ministries of Works, Energy, and Water Resources reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring road improvements, irrigation systems, and energy transmission lines in the designated agricul
tural communities. Their unwavering dedication to these infrastructure developments, which are crucial for the success of Feed Salone, will facilitate farm productivity and rural development, providing reassurance to the public and stakeholders.
All participants, united by a spirit of collaboration, agreed to work within a consultation and coordination mechanism. This collective effort aims to ensure the sustainability of the Feed Salone Program, a vital step towards achieving President Bio’s vision for food security in Sierra Leone.
Since its launch after the 2023 elections, the Feed Salone Program has progressed on improving rural communities, particularly empowering women in farming, ensuring sustainable food supply chains, and enhancing food availability through better access to water, roads, and agricultural technology.
Source: Sierra Leone News Agency