Claudia Redwood-Sawyerr
Makeni, Sierra Leone — September 16, 2025: The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, has commended Bombali District for its outstanding contribution to President Julius Maada Bio’s flagship Feed Salone initiative, aimed at achieving national food self-sufficiency.
Speaking at the Civic Day Series held at the University of Makeni campus, Dr. Kpaka emphasized the strategic importance of Bombali in Sierra Leone’s agricultural transformation. “When President Bio declared Feed Salone, he envisioned a nation that could feed itself. Without food self-sufficiency, we are not truly independent,” the Minister stated.
Dr. Kpaka highlighted several key achievements from the district, noting that Makeni hosts the country’s only premier rice milling facility and the only commercial hatchery. Bombali also ranks as the second-highest producer of eggs nationwide.
“In the past two years alone, Bombali has cultivated over 5,000 hectares of rice and is producing at least 5,000 eggs daily—at prices more affordable than in other regions,” he revealed.
The Minister attributed these successes to the government’s supportive policies, including the creation of a $10 million flexible credit line for farmers and agri-preneurs. These low-interest loans have enabled local producers to scale operations and supply food to the World Food Program for school feeding programs across Sierra Leone.
While celebrating the district’s achievements, Dr. Kpaka also acknowledged ongoing challenges in the agricultural sector and pledged continued support for farmers and private investors to ensure sustainable growth.
The event drew stakeholders from academia, government, and the private sector, reinforcing Bombali’s growing reputation as a powerhouse in Sierra Leone’s agricultural landscape.