SLeRO & ECOWAS ERO Push for Rice Self-Sufficiency

The Sierra Leone Rice Observatory (SLeRO), in collaboration with the ECOWAS Rice Observatory (ERO), recently orchestrated a pivotal two-day consultation aimed at fortifying rice self-sufficiency through the development of a comprehensive Regional Rice Roadmap.

Hosted at the esteemed Atlantic Hotel in Freetown on Friday, May 3rd, 2024, the event congregated a diverse array of stakeholders from across the rice value chain spectrum.

The primary objective of the consultation was to rejuvenate existing strategies and validate them, with a resolute aim to harmonize national strategies with the all-encompassing regional rice roadmap.

Representatives from various sectors, including government officials, rice farmers, processors, traders, and development partners, convened to chart the way forward for Sierra Leone’s National Rice Development Strategy (NRDS) in alignment with the ERO’s Regional Rice Roadmap.

Throughout the two-day discourse, participants engaged in robust discussions and deliberations aimed at updating current strategies to effectively address food insecurity in the region. Government officials reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to bolstering rice production in Sierra Leone.

The Deputy Chief Agricultural Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Aiah Thorlie, underscored the government’s investment in initiatives such as the Feed Salone Strategy, designed to amplify rice production through irrigation schemes, mechanization, and modern machinery deployment across the country.

These efforts underscored the government’s dedication to increasing productivity and achieving rice self-sufficiency.

Abdulai Bun Wai, Chairman of SLeRO, emphasized the pivotal role of rice value chain actors in shaping the trajectory of rice production in Sierra Leone.

He stressed the imperative of collaboration and concerted efforts among stakeholders to finalize the roadmap and implement interventions aimed at enhancing rice quality, meeting consumer preferences, and mitigating food insecurity.

The meeting culminated in the delineation of key strategies, including productivity enhancement, adoption of sustainable production practices, improved access to finance, and policy implementation to catalyze investments in the rice sector.

These insights are poised to guide stakeholders in formulating effective interventions and policies to fortify rice self-sufficiency.

The consultation marked a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s pursuit of rice self-sufficiency. With unwavering commitments from government officials, rice value chain actors, and support from regional initiatives like ERO, the country is poised to make tangible strides in augmenting rice production and ensuring food security for its citizens.

The outcomes of the consultation are anticipated to inform actionable strategies and pave the way for sustainable development in Sierra Leone’s rice sector.