By Josephine Sesay

Sierra Leone has taken a bold step toward achieving food security and agricultural self-reliance with the official launch of its Strategic Grain Reserve (SGR) in Kobia, Kambia District, stocking 10,000 bags of locally milled rice.

milestone, supported by the World Bank’s Food Systems Resilience Program, which aims to provide a critical buffer during food crises and strengthen the domestic rice market.

The initial phase stores 1,200 metric tons of rice, sourced from local farmers in Kambia and surrounding districts, showcasing a procurement model that is already yielding results. This approach has curbed informal cross-border trade leakages, stabilized local rice prices, and ensured consistent demand for farmers’ harvests, fostering economic stability.

A Ministry of Agriculture official highlighted the broader impact, stating, this initiative transcends mere food storage; it’s an investment in our farmers, a boost to our economy, and a shield against future shocks. We are building a foundation for a food-secure Sierra Leone.

The SGR is designed to serve as a lifeline during emergencies like floods, droughts, or global supply chain disruptions, offering support to vulnerable households and price stabilization during market volatility.

This project marks a transformative shift in Sierra Leone’s agricultural policy, aligning with the government’s Feed Salone vision to reduce food import dependency and enhance national self-reliance. Construction of larger silo complexes and processing hubs is underway to expand capacity, while a dedicated Food Reserve Authority is being established to ensure transparent and sustainable management.

The sight of neatly stacked rice bags in Kobia symbolizes Sierra Leone’s resolve to nourish its people with homegrown resources and reaffirms its commitment to empowering farmers as key players in the nation’s future.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 1st October 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)