SLARI/IITA Shines at World Food Day Celebration in Kambia – President Bio Commends SLARI’s Outstanding Contribution to National Food Security

The Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI) has once again demonstrated its leadership in agricultural research and innovation during this year’s World Food Day Celebration, held in Kambia District from 31^st October to 1^st November 2025. The two-day national event, themed “Hand in Hand, for Better Food and a Better Future,” brought together farmers, researchers, development partners, and policymakers to display progress under the Feed Salone Initiative.

A defining highlight of the event was the visit of His Excellency, the President, Rtd. Brig. Dr. Julius Maada Bio, to the SLARI exhibition booth. Impressed by the institute’s remarkable display of improved crop varieties, soil management technologies, and innovative research outputs, the President publicly commended SLARI for its exceptional work in driving agricultural transformation. “I have a special thanks to SLARI,” His Excellency remarked, as he encouraged the audience to applaud the institute, adding, “Clap for SLARI, they have done well.”

The President’s statement met with loud applause and smiles from both SLARI staff and visitors, marking a proud moment that recognized the institute’s tireless efforts in supporting national food security and sustainable agricultural growth.

SLARI’s strong showing at this year’s World Food Day was made possible through a successful collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) team from Ibadan, Nigeria, led by Dr. Tahirou Abdoulaye, the newly appointed Deputy Director General for Partnership, Delivery, and Scaling. The joint effort between SLARI and IITA ensured that the exhibition was impactful, well-coordinated, and reflective of the ongoing regional partnership supporting the Feed Salone vision.

The exhibition displayed several cutting-edge technologies developed across SLARI’s research centres, including newly released crop varieties, value-added processing techniques, and innovations aimed at empowering farmers, women, and youth nationwide, as well as printed communication materials on Good Agronomic Practices (GAP). Visitors to the booth commended SLARI’s commitment to scientific excellence and its ongoing efforts to bridge research and real-world applications.

Speaking after the event, the Ag. Director General of SLARI, Dr. Abdul R. Conteh, expressed profound appreciation to all staff members who worked diligently to ensure a successful representation of the institute. He further extended gratitude to IITA for its continuous technical backstopping and partnership in advancing agricultural research in Sierra Leone.

The resounding success of SLARI’s participation at this year’s World Food Day celebration reaffirms its central role in transforming the nation’s agricultural landscape through innovation, collaboration, and research that delivers real impact.