By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is seeking NLe110.56 million in recurrent funding for the 2027 financial year, raising questions about what ordinary Sierra Leoneans can expect to see from the increased investment in agriculture at a time when food prices remain a major concern for households.
The Ministry presented its priorities during the ongoing Bilateral Budget Discussions at the Miatta Civic Centre, outlining plans to support agricultural production, mechanisation, irrigation, climate smart agriculture, financing and programmes targeting women and young people.
Officials also highlighted achievements, including the development of 5,000 hectares of Inland Valley Swamps, production of 2,000 metric tonnes of certified seeds, construction of 420 kilometres of feeder roads and the establishment of 10 new rice mills.
Agriculture Minister Dr Musa Kpaka stressed the need for adequate resources to advance the Government’s Feed Salone agenda.
However, the size of the proposed allocation has prompted questions about the impact of government spending on the daily lives of citizens. While the Ministry continues to receive substantial resources for agriculture, many households say the cost of basic food commodities remains beyond their reach.
Across communities, consumers continue to complain about the rising prices of rice, vegetables, onions, cassava, potatoes and other locally produced food items. For families already struggling with income, the increase means difficult choices between food, rent, transportation, school expenses and healthcare.
The central question is whether the money being allocated to agriculture is producing enough visible results for ordinary citizens.
If government investment is increasing agricultural production, citizens want to understand why affordable locally produced food remains difficult to access. They also want greater transparency on how agricultural funds are being spent, what projects have been completed and how those projects are affecting food availability and prices.
Some residents have expressed frustration that government announcements often focus on hectares developed, equipment provided, roads constructed and funds allocated, while the ordinary consumer is more concerned about the price of food in the market.
Their concern is straightforward: if agriculture is receiving significant public resources, when will households begin to feel the benefit through increased food production and more affordable prices?
The issue is particularly serious for low income families who say they are struggling to maintain three meals a day. For such households, statistics about agricultural projects mean little if food remains unaffordable.
The Ministry therefore faces pressure not only to secure funding but also to demonstrate measurable results. The public needs clear information on how much has been spent, where projects are located, how many farmers have benefited and whether production has increased sufficiently to influence market prices.
Government must also address whether challenges such as high transportation costs, limited storage, market access, imported agricultural inputs and post harvest losses are undermining the impact of its investment.
The proposed NLe110.56 million allocation should therefore trigger a wider discussion about accountability and results.
Citizens are not simply asking for more money to be placed into agriculture. They are asking what previous investments have delivered and how the next allocation will translate into affordable food, stronger farmers and improved household food security.
For a government pursuing Feed Salone, the ultimate test will be whether ordinary Sierra Leoneans can see and feel the difference in their markets and on their dining tables.
