MEDA Representatives Explore Collaborative Opportunities with SLARI for Agricultural Development in Sierra Leone

In a bid to bolster agricultural research and foster collaboration, representatives from MEDA in Kenya and Ghana, alongside their local private sector partners paid a visit to Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute - SLARI which sparked discussions on the vital role of research in advancing agriculture in Sierra Leone. The delegation, comprising esteemed organizations such as Farmer Line, SEND Sierra Leone, Abanga Group, GIZ, and Mountain Lion Agric.

In their opening statement, the MEDA representatives emphasized the indispensable role of research as the foundation of agricultural development. They highlighted that Africa's journey towards achieving food security hinges significantly on robust research initiatives. Recognizing SLARI's pivotal role in agricultural research within Sierra Leone, the delegation expressed their eagerness to forge partnerships aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Welcoming the delegation, Dr. Abdul R. Conteh, the Acting Director-General of the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI), extended a warm embrace to both local and international partners. Dr. Conteh outlined SLARI's commitment to supporting the government's flagship program, "Feed Salone," through strategic partnerships. He provided insights into SLARI's mandate and ongoing initiatives across various research centres throughout the country.

Dr. Conteh showcased Njala University's recent accomplishments in which SLARI participated in the implementation of the National Comprehensive Soil Survey report, funded by the EU-BAFS Project. This report, a testament to SLARI's active engagement in soil health assessment, underlines the institute's dedication to understanding and improving agricultural practices. Additionally, he presented the Seed Roadmap document, a collaborative effort supported by international and local partners, aimed at enhancing seed production and distribution in Sierra Leone.

Highlighting SLARI's contributions to rice cultivation in Sierra Leone, Dr. Isata Kamanda, Project Development and Management Officer at SLARI, elaborated on the institute's contributions to agricultural innovation, citing the release of over 30 rice varieties tailored to different ecological zones across Sierra Leone. She stressed the significance of partnerships with research institutions like SLARI, highlighting the institute's willingness to collaborate across various domains.

During discussions, the issue of fertilizer application emerged as a focal point, with participants deliberating on its significance, challenges, and the absence of fertilizer-based trials in the country. This dialogue underscored the imperative of research-driven interventions to address agricultural challenges comprehensively.

The visit served as a platform for fruitful exchanges and laid the groundwork for potential collaborations between MEDA representatives, their private sector partners, and SLARI. By leveraging research expertise and fostering partnerships, stakeholders aim to catalyze agricultural transformation in Sierra Leone, ultimately contributing to food security, economic growth, and sustainable development across the region.

As Africa strives towards achieving food security and agricultural sustainability, partnerships forged through initiatives like this visit underscore the importance of collective action, knowledge exchange, and innovation in addressing complex agricultural challenges and unlocking the continent's agricultural potential.

In conclusion, the visit served as a testament to the shared commitment towards advancing agricultural research, innovation, and development for the benefit of Sierra Leone's farming communities and the broader economy. It laid the groundwork for sustained collaboration and mutual learning, paving the way for transformative impact in Sierra Leone's agricultural sector through the Feed Salone program.