IITA alumnus Dr Henry Musa Kpaka has been appointed by President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone to serve in his Cabinet as the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security. This enormous responsibility is a huge vote of confidence as President Bio has declared that agriculture transformation and food security is his flagship program for his second term. The President makes this call amidst global economic challenges and food price hikes.
Agriculture productivity in Sierra Leone has remained low for decades, and the effects of climate change have made the situation more uncertain. With 65% of the population employed in agriculture, low productivity in the sector translates to low income and high poverty levels. The multiple crises from COVID-19 and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have worsened the situation.
Dr Kpaka will lead the charge in executing the President’s vision to strengthen Sierra Leone’s food security and boost economic growth through agricultural transformation. As Minister, Kpaka will develop policies and design and implement an agriculture strategy that effectively addresses the challenges in the sector.
Dr Kpaka’s path to Minister includes a stint at IITA, where he worked as an economist and project coordinator in Uganda and Tanzania, supporting the governments there to implement novel technology adoption strategies among smallholder farmers. While at the Institute, he took on big challenges and embodied the values that will help him succeed in his new role.
Since leaving IITA, Kpaka received his PhD from the London School of Economics and has been working at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Changes as Deputy Country Director in Sierra Leone before his appointment.
Dr Kpaka takes on this responsibility with humility, understanding the enormity of the task. His experience working in the sector and his global network will give him a leg up as he starts this new role.
He believes it is possible for Sierra Leone to grow enough food to feed itself and its neighbors and that agriculture can be an engine of inclusive growth, poverty reduction, and resilience. Dr Kpaka believes partners like IITA can play a huge role in transforming the sector in Sierra Leone.
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