By Iyabo Adebisi
President of Sierra Leone, Dr Julius Maada Bio has said that research, innovation and technologies would help to drive Africa’s agriculture forward.
He stated this at the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture, IITA, Ibadan during a conference to explore strategies in the agricultural sector among the Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Oyo State government to boost agricultural production in their respective countries.
Speaking at the forum, President Maada Bio noted that Sierra Leone has immense agricultural potential which remained largely untapped, and must be harnessed through research and collaboration with renowned institutions like IITA.
The president emphasized the importance of leveraging scientific advancements to enhance agricultural practices in Sierra Leone, stating that farmers deserve access to the best resources and knowledge.
He said the country is committed to transforming its agricultural landscape to ensure food security and economic stability.
Speaking on the theme “The Power of Improved Technologies and Public-Private Partnership to Accelerate the Feed Salone Strategy,” the President maintained that “public-private partnerships are essential for the success of the nation’s agricultural initiatives.
President Maada Bio who stressed the need for improved technologies, said countries could not afford to rely on traditional methods of agriculture if truly they needed food sufficiency.
The Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, represented by Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi said Nigeria’s agricultural sector has undergone significant transformation in recent years with deliberate efforts to modernise farming input, food security and promote quality practices.
The minister said the country has launched 1.2billion dollars mechanization initiative across the country, calling for joint research stance for more food sufficiency in Nigeria and West Africa.
In a remark, the Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, seek to strengthen ties with the Sierra Leonean government to further enhance the capabilities of the established research-driven agricultural hub in the state.
The initiative, according to the governor, is aimed to significantly boost agricultural productivity and sustainability by leveraging innovative research and best practices.
Earlier, IITA Director General, Simeon Ehui, said partnerships with research institutions could enhance food sufficiency, especially when well funded by government.
President Maada Bio is scheduled to tour local agricultural research centres in the state like Fashola Farms in Oyo and engage with stakeholders, including farmers and agricultural organizations.
Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels and also join our Whatsapp Update Group
