Sierra Leone President, Makinde call for revolution in Africa’s agricultural sector
The drive to revolutionize Africa’s agricultural sector gained momentum as President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State emphasized the need for innovative agricultural strategies to boost food production. Speaking at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan, both leaders underscored the importance of harnessing the continent’s natural resources through modern technology and strategic public-private partnerships.
In his keynote address at the opening of a 3-day visit themed “The Power of Improved Technologies and Public-Private Partnership to Accelerate the Feed Salone Strategy,” President Bio called for dismantling barriers that hinder Africa’s agricultural progress. He stressed that beyond food transformation, agriculture must be leveraged for economic stability, food safety, and improved agronomic practices. He highlighted Sierra Leone’s untapped agricultural potential, calling for enhanced collaboration with institutions like IITA to drive scientific advancements in farming.
“We must empower our farmers with the best resources and knowledge available. Strategic partnerships are essential for ensuring food security and building a resilient agricultural sector that can withstand climate change and market fluctuations,” Bio stated.
The President emphasized the critical role of public-private partnerships in achieving sustainable agricultural growth. “By working closely with the private sector, we can introduce innovative solutions that significantly improve agricultural productivity and ensure our farmers are competitive in the global market,” he added.
Governor Seyi Makinde echoed similar sentiments, stressing the need for Africa to embrace modern agricultural technologies to maximize yield, minimize post-harvest losses, and strengthen value chains. Both leaders agreed that investing in farmers’ training and providing access to cutting-edge agricultural tools would drive the sector’s transformation.
Their discussions at IITA signal a strong commitment to repositioning Africa’s agriculture as a key driver of economic prosperity. Stakeholders in the agri-food sector are now looking to see how these commitments translate into actionable policies and investments that will shape the continent’s food security landscape.
Source- Tribune
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
This high-level engagement at IITA marks a significant step towards achieving sustainable agricultural transformation in Africa. Several key takeaways emerge for agribusiness stakeholders:
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) as a Growth Engine
The emphasis on PPPs aligns with global best practices in agribusiness development. Stakeholders, including agribusiness investors, processors, and input suppliers, should explore collaboration opportunities with governments to scale up food production and distribution networks. - Technology Adoption for Increased Productivity
The call for modern agricultural technologies presents opportunities for agri-tech firms, mechanization service providers, and digital agriculture startups. Stakeholders must focus on deploying precision farming, improved seed varieties, and smart irrigation techniques to enhance productivity. - Value Chain Development & Market Access
Beyond primary production, stakeholders must push for improved storage, processing, and marketing strategies. The integration of value-adding activities such as agro-processing will reduce post-harvest losses and increase profitability for farmers and agribusinesses. - Climate Resilience & Sustainability
President Bio’s emphasis on sustainability and climate adaptation should prompt stakeholders to invest in climate-smart agriculture, regenerative farming, and sustainable soil management to ensure long-term food security. - Capacity Building & Knowledge Transfer
The discussion highlights the need for robust farmer training programs. Agribusiness organizations, development agencies, and financial institutions should prioritize farmer education to equip producers with the skills needed to thrive in a competitive market.
The renewed push for agricultural transformation in Africa, as highlighted by President Bio and Governor Makinde, signals a growing recognition of agriculture’s role in economic stability and food security. Stakeholders must now translate these insights into tangible actions, fostering innovation, investment, and policies that drive inclusive and sustainable growth in the sector.
