On 10th October 2024, representatives from Abanga Farms & Food Systems Ltd., accompanied by a Board member of Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA), met with the Sierra Leone Minister of Agriculture, Honorable Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, to discuss the progress of the groundbreaking Mano River Rice Initiative.
The shareholders and partner of Abanga Farms & Food Systems were also present, underscoring the importance of this high-level meeting aimed at reviewing key project developments and next steps.
During the meeting, the delegation reported on the significant strides made since the project’s inception. A critical highlight was the signing of the land lease agreement with local authorities, village representatives, and the Paramount Chief in the Mambolo Chiefdom, Kambia District. This agreement secures a significant portion of land for the large-scale cultivation of rice, marking a key milestone in the ambitious initiative to revolutionize rice production in Sierra Leone and beyond.
The project team also briefed the Minister on the imminent arrival of high-quality rice seeds, sourced specifically for this initiative. These seeds are expected to arrive shortly, laying the foundation for the first planting season under this collaboration. Additionally, the team informed the Minister about the forthcoming delivery of cutting-edge agricultural machinery, which will play a pivotal role in preparing the land for cultivation. With a 60% increase in mechanization planned, the equipment will ensure more efficient land preparation, planting, and harvesting, accelerating the transformation of rice farming in the region.
The Minister of Agriculture expressed strong support for the initiative, recognizing its potential to significantly boost local rice production, reduce imports, and foster socio-economic growth. The job creation aspect of the project, which aims to provide 250,000 employment opportunities over the next five years, was particularly lauded, especially its focus on youth and women.
This visit underscores the deep collaboration between Abanga Farms, MEDA, and the Sierra Leonean government, all of whom share a common goal of driving agricultural innovation, empowering local communities, and building a self-sustaining agricultural economy in the region.
With the project’s next phases already in motion, including the arrival of seeds and machinery, Abanga Farms & Food Systems is poised to lead a transformative era of rice cultivation that promises to shape the future of Sierra Leone’s agricultural landscape.
