Freetown, September 23, 2026 (SLENA) -The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), in partnership with the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and other stakeholders, validated the National Agricultural Insurance Policy during a ceremony held at the Bintumani Hotel in Freetown.
The policy seeks to expand insurance coverage for farmers, mitigate agricultural risks and strengthening resilience aligned with the Feed Salone Agenda.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka disclosed policy, once finalised, will be submitted for Cabinet approval and subsequently rolled out in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. He noted priority agricultural value chains identified for piloting during the implementation phase.
Dr. Kpaka described the Agricultural Insurance Policy and Agricultural Finance Policy as twin instruments transforming the sector. Effective agricultural insurance reduces risks for farmers and financial institutions, increasing bank confidence and extending financing to farmers. This supports greater investment, productivity, and sustainable agricultural growth.
Lead Consultant policy development process Ayandev Saaha, K.M. Dastur & Company Limited, said the process is inclusive, involving key stakeholders across agricultural financial sectors. Agricultural insurance helps farmers manage production risks, enhancing confidence sustaining expanding farming activities, improving finance access ability.
Stakeholders’ validation meeting welcomed policy development, calling for effective implementation upon approval. They emphasised the need for government support, including a possible insurance premium subsidy for farmers, particularly in the initial stages, encouraging wider adoption of coverage.
Correspondent-Musa Kamara, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS)
