By Sallieu S. Kanu
Freetown, August 7, 2025 — In a powerful address to Parliament, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to food sovereignty through the transformative “Feed Salone” initiative, the first of his Big Five Game Changers launched in 2023.
Speaking at the State Opening of the Third Session of the Sixth Parliament, President Bio emphasized that Sierra Leone must “stand on its own feet” and break free from dependence on food imports.
“We cannot truly prosper if we depend on ships sailing to our shores for our daily bread,” he declared.
Agriculture Gains Momentum
The President outlined major strides in agricultural productivity and food security including rice production increased by 8%, leading to a 13% drop in imports and saving $15 million in foreign exchange; rice prices fell by over 20%, easing pressure on household budgets; and three new rice mills have been commissioned to reduce post-harvest losses and improve local processing.
In a landmark shift, the World Food Programme now sources 30% of its rice from Sierra Leonean farmers, reversing years of near-total reliance on imports.
Other notable achievements include: 21% reduction in egg imports; local onions now cheaper than imported varieties, and first-ever exports of vegetable oil
President Bio revealed that over $800 million has been pledged to agricultural development, with $205 million already committed to livestock, cassava cultivation, and rural road construction.
Key innovations include: a $10 million credit facility for modern farming equipment; Sierra Leone’s first crop insurance scheme; digital soil mapping and biometric registration of 300,000 farmers; and creating a transparent and accountable farming system.
To improve market access, 420 kilometers of feeder roads and new bridges are under construction across farming communities.
In response to climate change, the government is embedding resilience into food systems in line with the Paris Agreement. These efforts aim to protect livelihoods while ensuring long-term sustainability.
“Feed Salone is a promise — that Sierra Leone can feed itself, create jobs, and give farmers and young people a future worth staying for,” President Bio concluded.
The address marks a turning point in Sierra Leone’s agricultural journey, signaling a future where food security is not just a policy goal, but a national achievement.