By Mariama Bundu
President Julius Maada Bio has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to transforming Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector through the Feed Salone initiative, highlighting the importance of private sector partnerships in reducing reliance on food imports and strengthening national food security.
During a visit to the Pee Cee Agriculture onion farm in Lungi, President Bio described the project as a clear demonstration of how private investment can complement government efforts to modernize agriculture, create jobs, and empower local communities. The farm, which has rapidly expanded production, is already contributing to a reduction in onion imports, a staple commodity that Sierra Leone has traditionally sourced from abroad.
The President emphasized that the Feed Salone initiative is not only about increasing food production but also about building resilience in the agricultural sector. By encouraging private sector participation, the government aims to foster innovation, improve productivity, and ensure that Sierra Leoneans benefit directly from locally grown produce. He noted that the Pee Cee Agriculture project is a model of how collaboration between government and private enterprises can yield tangible results.
“We are scaling up rapidly and eager to team up with more partners to feed Salone,” President Bio said, stressing that the success of the onion farm illustrates the potential for similar ventures across the country. He added that the initiative is designed to reduce dependency on imports, stabilize food prices, and enhance livelihoods by creating employment opportunities in farming, processing, and distribution.
The Pee Cee Agriculture onion farm has become a symbol of progress under the Feed Salone programme. Its operations demonstrate how targeted investments in agriculture can address critical challenges such as food insecurity, rural unemployment, and economic vulnerability. By producing onions locally, the farm not only saves foreign exchange but also ensures that Sierra Leoneans have access to fresh, affordable produce.
President Bio’s visit also highlighted the broader vision of Feed Salone, which seeks to transform agriculture into a driver of inclusive growth. The initiative prioritizes crops that are widely consumed, ensuring that investments directly impact household food security. It also encourages partnerships with farmers, cooperatives, and agribusinesses to build a sustainable agricultural ecosystem.
Observers note that the Pee Cee Agriculture project is a practical example of how private sector engagement can accelerate national development goals. By aligning with government priorities, businesses can contribute to reducing poverty, improving nutrition, and strengthening Sierra Leone’s economic independence.
The President’s remarks underscore the government’s determination to replicate such successes across different regions and crop categories. With continued collaboration between public institutions and private investors, Sierra Leone is poised to make significant strides in achieving food self-sufficiency.
In conclusion, the onion farm visit serves as a reminder that food security is not solely a government responsibility but a shared national mission. The Feed Salone initiative, backed by private sector partnerships, is laying the foundation for a more resilient, self-reliant Sierra Leone where agriculture becomes a cornerstone of prosperity and stability.
