Minister Kpaka Says Feed Salone Central to Food Security at MITA 2026 Opening

Agriculture and Food Security Minister Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka declared President Julius Maada Bio's flagship Feed Salone initiative central to Sierra Leone's drive to increase local production, improve food security, and create economic opportunities.

Speaking at the opening of the sixth edition of the Market for Agricultural Innovations and Technologies (MITA 2026) at Bintumani Hotel, Freetown, Dr. Kpaka said recent global crises exposed food supply chain vulnerabilities, making stronger domestic food production urgent. He urged Sierra Leoneans "to grow what they eat and export what they grow," stressing that private-sector participation, technology, investment, and partnerships are critical to unlocking full agricultural potential.

Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh officially opened the event, calling for proven agricultural technologies reaching farmers and translating into measurable productivity and food security gains. He emphasised scaling successful innovations and strengthening regional technology-sharing networks and partnerships among governments, the private sector, and development partners.

MITA 2026 gathered over 500 participants from eight countries implementing the Food System Resilience Programme, showcasing over 100 technologies and innovations in livestock and aquaculture.

Conference organised by CORAF and hosted by the Government of Sierra Leone through MAFS and Sth the Sierraone Agricultural Research Institute, financed by the World Bank through FSRP. The event brings together agriculture ministers, policymakers, researchers, farmers, technology developers and private-sector representatives.

World Bank Task Team Leader Adetunji Oredipe said farmers must access ther ight seeds and appropriate agricultural technologies driving transformation, especially amid climate change. He noted stronger partnerships and regional networks can accelerate adoption.

Dr. Kalifa Traore of the ORAF Board of Directors said MITA 2026 offers an important platform showcasing agricultural technologies and accelerating transfer and adoption across participating countries.