By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), with support from the Regional Rice Value Chain Project (RRVCP), has hosted a seed policy dialogue in Bo aimed at strengthening rice seed development in Sierra Leone.
The dialogue focused on key aspects of the rice seed system, including seed release, production, marketing, and adoption strategies. Stakeholders agreed that improving access to quality rice seeds is central to enhancing yields, boosting farmer incomes, and achieving food self-sufficiency.
The event brought together agricultural researchers, policymakers, seed regulators, and farmer representatives, creating a platform for collaboration and policy alignment.
In his address, Dr. Adams Kanu, Director of the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI), emphasized the role of research in advancing food security, explaining that high-quality seeds are the foundation for improved productivity, as they directly influence yields and resilience. “Without quality seeds, our farmers cannot achieve the desired harvests. Research institutions have a duty to ensure that the seeds we develop respond to the climate, soil conditions, and needs of farmers,” he said.
Dr. Momoh Turay, a seed system consultant at MAFS, underlined the importance of establishing clear policies to guide seed production and distribution. He noted that while farmers often struggle with access to certified seeds, strong regulatory frameworks and affordable pricing can close the gap. “If farmers are to improve their harvests, they must have reliable access to certified seeds. Policy clarity will ensure quality assurance, affordability, and accessibility across the country,” Turay stressed.
Adding to the discussion, Dr. Robert Chakanda, Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Seed Certification Agency (SLESCA), spoke about the critical role of monitoring and regulation. He said effective oversight ensures that only high-quality and certified seeds reach farmers. “Regulation is key. Without it, we risk having fake or substandard seeds in the system, which undermines productivity and farmer confidence,” Chakanda cautioned.
All the speakers agreed that collaboration among government, research institutions, and farmers is essential for developing a sustainable seed system. They further highlighted the need to integrate private sector players and development partners into the process to expand adoption and strengthen value chains.
Representing the RRVCP, Project Coordinator Mr. Abdulai Bun Wai reaffirmed the project’s commitment to supporting MAFS in reforming the seed sector. He described the dialogue as timely and forward-looking, noting that the recommendations from the discussions would directly benefit farmers. “The outcomes of this dialogue will help farmers and support Sierra Leone’s broader goal of achieving food self-sufficiency,” Wai said.
Stakeholders welcomed the initiative, stressing that rice remains a staple food for most Sierra Leoneans; and improving its production is vital for national food security. They expressed optimism that the dialogue would lead to actionable policies and practical measures to ensure that farmers across the country gain access to certified seeds at the right time and in the right quantities.
The Bo dialogue concluded with a renewed call for stronger partnerships, policy enforcement, and sustained investment in seed research and certification. Participants pledged to work collectively towards building a resilient rice sector capable of feeding the nation.
