Sierra Leone’s efforts to strengthen rice production received a major boost as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) presented a comprehensive progress report to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security on the ongoing Rice Productivity Improvement Project.
The update was delivered during the 3rd Joint Coordinating Committee Meeting, where officials reviewed progress made under the initiative aimed at improving rice yields and strengthening the capacity of farmers and agricultural institutions across the country.
The meeting took place on March 6, 2026, at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in Freetown, bringing together senior government officials, agricultural experts, and representatives from JICA to assess the second-year results of the project and discuss the next phase of implementation.
Deputy Minister One, Theresa T. Dick, officially opened the session by commending JICA for its continued support to Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector. She particularly highlighted the agency’s assistance toward inland valley swamp development, which remains a key priority of the government’s agricultural transformation agenda. Dr. Dick also praised District Agriculture Officers for their dedication in implementing programmes that are already transforming farming practices across several districts.
Senior Permanent Secretary Nancy Tengbeh acknowledged the longstanding partnership between Sierra Leone and JICA, noting that the ministry recently secured the top position with a perfect score in the 2025 Ministerial Performance Contract Report. She emphasized the ministry’s commitment to transparency and accountability while urging stakeholders to work collectively toward achieving the government’s flagship agricultural programme, Feed Salone, which aims to make Sierra Leone self-sufficient in food production and potentially support neighboring countries.
During the technical presentation, JICA Chief Advisor Takashi Kimijima outlined the project’s five-year implementation period from 2024 to 2029. He explained that the initiative focuses on improving rice productivity through the Technical Package for Rice production and targets Farmer-Based Organizations in eight districts including Moyamba, Bo, Kenema, Kailahun, Kambia, Port Loko, Bombali, and Karene. The project is being implemented in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute and the Ministry of Agriculture.
Chief Agriculture Officer Abdulai Jalloh also recognized JICA’s long-standing relationship with Sierra Leone, describing the partnership as vital for advancing rice productivity and strengthening national food security.
JICA Project Formulation Advisor Ken Awano described the Joint Coordinating Committee Meeting as an important platform for reviewing progress, addressing implementation challenges, and aligning future activities. He explained that the project aims to increase productivity in inland valley swamps through capacity building for extension workers and Farmer-Based Organizations, while promoting the practical application of the Technical Package for Rice production.
Mr. Awano further praised the leadership of the Minister of Agriculture, Henry Musa Kpaka, and commended District Agriculture Officers for their hard work in the field. He recalled that JICA provided 22 motorbikes and a Toyota Land Cruiser to support field operations in 2025, noting that 2026 marks the midpoint of the project when tangible results are expected to become more visible.
He reaffirmed JICA’s commitment to continue supporting Sierra Leone’s agricultural transformation and ensuring the successful implementation of the rice productivity initiative.