FSRP/IITA Advances Aflatoxin Mitigation to Boost Food Safety and Trade in Sierra Leone
Freetown, Sierra Leone, 11 September 2025. The Food System Resilience Programme (FSRP), in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI), is advancing efforts to combat aflatoxin contamination in key value chains. These efforts are improving food safety, supporting agricultural trade, and contributing to the Government of Sierra Leone’s Feed Salone Strategy.
Aflatoxins, naturally occurring toxins produced by fungi, pose serious risks to public health, food security, and agricultural trade. They are commonly found in maize, groundnuts, sesame, and other staple crops. Despite their significant health and economic impacts, public awareness of aflatoxin dangers in Sierra Leone remains limited.
Since its launch in 2024, the project team led by Dr. Patrick Maada Ngegba has achieved the following milestones:
- Collected maize, groundnut, and sesame samples from major agroecological zones to establish baseline aflatoxin levels and identify beneficial biocontrol strains.
- Compiled native fungal isolates to develop a locally adapted biocontrol product.
- Conducted residue efficacy and decline studies in laboratories, greenhouses, and fields.
- Strengthened regulatory and policy frameworks, including compliance with Codex standards and maximum residue levels (MRLs), while launching targeted risk communication campaigns.
To sustain these gains, the project is upgrading and procuring state-of-the-art laboratory equipment that will provide reliable aflatoxin testing services. At the same time, students, technicians, and SLARI researchers are being trained to build long-term national expertise. Blueprint designs are finalized, procurement of laboratory equipment is underway, and civil works are set to commence shortly.
Dr. Ngegba emphasized: “These initiatives will enhance Sierra Leone’s capacity to meet international phytosanitary standards, protect public health, and open new market opportunities for farmers.”
The FSRP/IITA initiative is a key component of Sierra Leone’s Feed Salone Strategy, ensuring that agricultural production aligns with global food safety standards and contributes to the resilience of the national food system.
The Food System Resilience Programme (FSRP) is a World Bank supported initiative, aimed at strengthening agricultural productivity, food safety, and market access across West Africa. In Sierra Leone, FSRP collaborates closely with IITA and SLARI to develop resilient food systems and improve livelihoods.
Media Contact
Moses Sahr Fayiah
Communications Manager, FSRP/IITA Sierra Leone
Tel: +232 789 17649
FSRP, IITA, and SLARI Record Major Progress in Strengthening Sierra Leone’s Food Systems
Freetown, Sierra Leone, 11 September 2025. The Food System Resilience Programme (FSRP), in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI), has announced significant achievements across multiple project components aimed at enhancing food security, nutrition, and livelihoods nationwide.
Commercial Cassava Seed Systems (Component 2.1)
Work under Component 2.1 continues to focus on establishing a commercially sustainable cassava seed system to ensure year-round access to high-quality planting materials for farmers across the country. Key achievements include:
- Establishment of the SAH screen house facility.
- Introduction and multiplication of six improved cassava varieties.
- Training of four technicians to manage the SAH facility.
Advancing the Soybean Value Chain (Component 2.3)
Between April and September 2025, the project accelerated efforts to build a sustainable soybean value chain for improved income, nutrition, and health. Major milestones include:
- Signing of the Year 2 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between IITA and SLARI.
- Development of a Soybean Recipe Handbook and a training manual for cascading soybean-enriched products.
- Design of tools to measure consumer acceptability and willingness to pay for soybean-based foods.
- Hosting of regular virtual meetings to ensure coordinated progress.
Building a National Food Consumption Database (Component 2.4)
To strengthen nutrition policy and dietary assessment, the team has achieved the following:
- Conducted market surveys on processed and packaged foods in major supermarkets and stores in Freetown, as well as in border towns with Liberia and Guinea.
- Developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for market surveys and recipe standardization.
- Compiled a validated Food, Ingredients, and Recipes List.
- Trained field assistants, sensitized market vendors, and participated in international online training on food composition database generation.
Leadership Statement
Speaking on behalf of the project team, Dr. Martha S.E. Williams-Ngegba commended the collaborative efforts of SLARI, the Ministry of Agriculture, Njala University, and the Scaling Up Nutrition Secretariat, noting their dedication to improving Sierra Leone’s agricultural resilience.
About the Programme
The Food System Resilience Programme (FSRP) is a World Bank supported initiative, designed to strengthen West Africa’s food systems against climate shocks while improving nutrition and market opportunities.
Media Inquiries
Moses Sahr Fayiah
Communication Manager, SLARI
Email: moses@slari.gov.sl
Contact: +232 789 17649
FSRP/IITA Empowers Farmers through Training, Climate-Resilient Technologies, and Digital Innovation
Freetown, Sierra Leone, 23 September 2025. The Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP), funded by the World Bank and the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP), continues to record significant progress under Component 3: Scaling out Climate-Resilient Agricultural Technologies and Practices.
This component is implemented by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in partnership with the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI), the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), Njala University, and other stakeholders. Recent activities have focused on empowering farmers and strengthening Sierra Leone’s agricultural systems in support of the Government’s Feed Salone Programme.
Key Achievements under Component 3
- Cassava Weed Management Demonstration
Eight cassava weed management demonstration sites were established across seven districts. These sites are evaluating the effectiveness of different application rates of Pre-emergence herbicides to determine cost-effective, safe, and scalable practices for cassava production. The work is being carried out in collaboration with MAFS Crop and Extension Officers and weed scientists from Njala University. - Training of Extension Agents
In July 2025, fifty Extension Agents (EAs) received refresher training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and the Six Steps in Cassava Weed Management at Taiama Resort. The training, led by IITA experts, was participatory and hands-on, culminating in a practical field demonstration at SLARI’s Njala Agricultural Research Centre. These trained EAs are expected to cascade knowledge to over 1,000 farmers nationwide. - Youth Empowerment through Spray Service Providers
Sixty young people from across Sierra Leone were trained in July 2025 on safe and efficient herbicide application. This initiative not only equips youth with critical agricultural skills but also provides a pathway to employment while enhancing farmer productivity and national food security. - Seed Certification and Digital Innovation
In August 2025, the Sierra Leone Seed Certification Agency (SLeSCA), in collaboration with IITA, conducted a three-day training on seed certification and the Seed Tracker digital tool. Over 60 participants were trained, with 97% reporting improved understanding of certification processes and digital applications. The Seed Tracker will play a central role in ensuring transparency, credibility, and regional competitiveness in Sierra Leone’s seed system.
Challenges and Recommendations
Implementation has faced delays due to weather conditions, late fund disbursements, and limited access to herbicides. Stakeholders strongly recommend:
- Timely release of funds,
- Earlier implementation of activities to avoid unfavourable weather,
- Increased investments in equipment, laboratory setup, and long-term staff training.
Looking Ahead
Through strong collaboration among government, research institutions, and international partners, Component 3 of the FSRP is well-positioned to transform farming practices in Sierra Leone. By building farmer capacity, empowering youth, and embracing digital tools, the programme is laying the foundation for resilient food systems and long-term agricultural growth.
Media Inquiries
Moses Sahr Fayiah
Communication Manager, SLARI
Email: moses@slari.gov.sl
Contact: +232 78 917649