Sierra Leone Spotlights Rice Production and Food Security Gains – VP Juldeh Jalloh

-Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh cited encouraging progress in domestic rice production and food security, driven by the Government's flagship Feed Salone programme.

Speaking at the Sixth Market for Agricultural Innovations and Technologies (MITA 2026) in Freetown on 19 October, the Vice President disclosed rice self-sufficiency rose from 68 per cent in 2023 to 73 per cent in 2025, while severely food-insecure households declined 28 per cent to 13 per cent over the same period.

"We have made encouraging progress," he said, describing figures as evidence of improvements in the country's food production and security efforts.

Dr Juldeh Jalloh said Feed Salone remained central Government efforts increasing domestic food production, reducing import dependence, creating jobs and strengthening agriculture contribution economic growth.

He noted the programme would continue mechanisation and irrigation, improved seeds and inputs, market access, climate-smart agriculture and digitalisation. However, he cautioned gains must translate into tangible improvements in people's lives.

"These are important developments. But they do not mean our food-security challenges have been resolved," he stated, adding that more work is needed to make nutritious food affordable and protect households from rising prices and food supply disruptions.

Vice President stressed that sustaining agricultural progress would require investment beyond farm, including better infrastructure, accessible finance, agro-processing and stronger markets. He called for greater regional cooperation to help farmers and agricultural businesses access opportunities across national borders.

"Agriculture must be at the centre of that effort," he said, emphasising the sector's importance to regional integration, employment and economic resilience. He also welcomed MITA as a platform promoting proven agricultural technologies and connecting researchers, farmers, businesses and investors, accelerating innovation and improving productivity across West and Central Africa.