WFP Now Buys 30% of Sierra Leone’s Rice from Local Farmers – President Bio Highlights Agricultural Milestones in State Opening Address

By Sulaiman T Jalloh

During the State Opening of the Third Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio delivered a wide-ranging speech, highlighting his government’s achievements across key sectors — most notably agriculture, education, and human capital development.
In a significant shift from previous years of heavy import dependence, President Bio proudly announced that the World Food Programme (WFP) now purchases 30% of its rice from Sierra Leonean farmers — a first in the country’s history.
“This marks a dramatic transformation in our agricultural sector,” the President told Parliament.
According to the President, Sierra Leone’s rice production increased by 8% last year, which contributed to a 13% reduction in rice imports and saved the country approximately $15 million in foreign exchange. Furthermore, the price of rice has fallen by over 20%, bringing much-needed relief to families.
President Bio also outlined systemic reforms in agricultural governance, including:
• Digital soil mapping across the country — a first in Sierra Leone’s history.
• Biometric registration of 300,000 farmers, enabling greater accountability and access to services.
• 420 km of feeder roads and new bridges under construction to connect rural farmers to markets more effectively.
The President noted that over $800 million has been pledged to support agricultural and rural development, with $205 million already committed toward:
• Livestock development
• Cassava production
• Rural road networks
Additionally, the government has launched:
• A $10 million credit facility to help farmers access modern equipment
• Sierra Leone’s first crop insurance scheme, aimed at protecting farmers from unforeseen losses
President Bio’s address presented a clear vision of food security rooted in local empowerment, investment in infrastructure, and modernization of agriculture. The shift from imports to local production, bolstered by WFP’s procurement shift, signals a turning point for the sector.

“We are building a modern, accountable, and resilient agricultural system,” he concluded.