The Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI) in partnership with IITA–CGIAR demonstrated the impact of cutting-edge agricultural research and innovation in national food security during this year’s World Food Day celebration, held in Kambia District recently. The two-day national event, themed “Hand in hand for better food and a better future,” brought together farmers, researchers, development partners, and policymakers to display progress under the Feed Salone Initiative.
A defining highlight of the event was the visit of His Excellency, the President, Dr Julius Maada Bio, to the exhibition grounds. Impressed by the remarkable display of improved crop varieties, soil management technologies, and innovative research outputs, the President publicly commended the exceptional work in driving agricultural transformation. “I want to specially thank SLARI and all the partners,” he remarked, as he encouraged the audience to applaud their efforts, adding, “…they have done well.”
The President’s statement met with loud applause from participants at the event, marking a proud moment that recognized the tireless efforts of SLARI and all the partners in supporting national food security and sustainable agricultural growth in Sierra Leone.
SLARI’s strong highlight at this year’s World Food Day celebration was made possible through a successful collaboration with the IITA-CGIAR team from Ibadan, Nigeria, led by Dr Tahirou Abdoulaye, the Acting Deputy Director General for Partnership, Delivery, and Scaling. The joint effort between SLARI and IITA-CGIAR ensured that the exhibition was impactful, well-coordinated, and reflective of the ongoing regional partnership supporting the Feed Salone vision.
The exhibition featured several cutting-edge technologies developed across SLARI’s research centers, including newly released crop varieties, value-added processing techniques, and innovations aimed at empowering farmers, women, and youth nationwide, as well as printed communication materials on Good Agronomic Practices (GAP). Visitors to the booth commended SLARI’s commitment to scientific excellence and its ongoing efforts to bridge research and real-world applications.
Speaking after the event, the Acting Director General of SLARI, Dr Abdul Conteh, expressed profound appreciation to all staff members who worked diligently to ensure successful representation of the institute. He further extended gratitude to IITA-CGIAR for its continuous technical backstopping and partnership in advancing agricultural research in Sierra Leone. The resounding success of SLARI’s World Food Day celebration reaffirms its central role in transforming the nation’s agricultural landscape through innovation, collaboration, and research that delivers real impact.
Contributed by Moses Sahr Fayiah
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