Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute

16/08/2026

MAFS-LLDP and SLARI Advance Feed Salone Agenda with Foundation Seed Multiplication Initiative at Teko Livestock Research Centre

As Sierra Leone continues its drive toward greater food security under the Feed Salone Initiative, the Livestock and Livelihoods Development Project (LLDP), in partnership with the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI), has taken a significant step forward with the commencement of foundation seed site selection and land preparation exercise at the Teko Livestock Research Centre (TLRC).

This milestone marks the first field activity under the LLDP-SLARI collaboration and reflects a shared commitment to supporting Feed Salone's vision of increasing agricultural productivity through innovation, research, and sustainable farming practices.

At the heart of this initiative is the production of high-quality forage seeds and seedlings that will help address one of the biggest challenges facing livestock farmers: the availability of nutritious animal feed. By improving feed resources, the project will contribute to healthier livestock, increased productivity, and stronger livelihoods for farming communities across Sierra Leone.

To ensure the intervention is environmentally sustainable and socially responsible, LLDP's SECAP Specialist, Madam Cecelia Becker, conducted environmental and social safeguard assessments before approving the site for implementation.

The foundation seed multiplication programme will focus on key forage species, including: Brachiaria ruziziensis; Mucuna pruriens; Andropogon; gayanus; Lablab purpureus; Stylosanthes guianensis; Brachiaria mutica; and Chloris gayana.

These improved forage species will enhance feed availability throughout the year, support climate-smart livestock production, rehabilitate degraded pasturelands, and strengthen the resilience of rural communities.

Through this partnership, LLDP and SLARI are not only investing in livestock development but also contributing directly to the broader Feed Salone agenda by creating sustainable solutions that boost agricultural productivity, improve food systems, and support economic growth in Sierra Leone.

Together, we are sowing the seeds today for a more food-secure, resilient, and prosperous Sierra Leone.

Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security

11/08/2026

high-yielding yam varieties and quality seeds developed to enhance , strengthen resilience, and sustainable agriculture.

International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) CGIAR Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security

28/07/2026

IITA-FSRP/TAAT Rice Virtual Advocacy Session

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) under the Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP) in Sierra Leone is currently hosting the TAAT Rice Virtual Advocacy Session, bringing together youth, adult farmers, extension personnel, agripreneurs, farmer cooperatives, and key stakeholders across the rice value chain.

The session is equipping participants with practical knowledge on improved rice production and processing technologies, innovative farming practices, value addition, and enterprise development to enhance productivity, profitability, and resilience in Sierra Leone's rice sector.

Together with partners including Africa Rice, SLARI, MAFS, Njala University, TAAT Rice Compact, and SLeSCA, IITA remains committed to empowering farmers with research-driven innovations that support the Government of Sierra Leone's food security agenda.

Empowering Rice Farmers. Transforming Livelihoods.

23/07/2026

Some treasures are hidden beneath the earth. Cocoa is one of nature's finest gifts, bringing , opportunity, and hope. Every cocoa pod reflects the beauty of nature and the promise of a more future.

Contact SLARI today for cocoa variety seeds, developed to enhance , strengthen resilience, and support sustainable cocoa production. Together, let's cultivate a brighter future for cocoa.

Solidaridad West Africa Agriculture Value Chain Development Project Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security

16/07/2026

🎥 Now on YouTube!

The Target Product Profiles (TPPs) and Market Segmentation Workshop for Yam which brought together researchers, stakeholders, and agricultural experts to discuss strategies for developing yam varieties that meet market demands and strengthen food systems.

Watch the key moment on our YouTube channel and learn how collaborative research is contributing to the future of yam production and agricultural development.

The Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI) successful...

16/07/2026

Every sorghum variety developed by SLARI reflects our to agricultural , empowering farmers, and ensuring food for future generations.

14/07/2026

SLARI Hosts Stakeholders' Workshop to Strengthen Sierra Leone's Yam Value Chain

Today, SLARI successfully hosted a one-day Stakeholders' Workshop on "Target Product Profiles (TPPs) and Market Segment Workshop for Yam" at its Headquarters, Tower Hill, Freetown.

The workshop brought together representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), CORAF, Njala University in Sierra Leone, development partners, farmer organizations, the private sector, processors, marketers, extension services, and SLARI scientists to identify priority market segments and define the characteristics of improved yam varieties that best meet the needs of farmers and consumers.

The technical session, led by Dr. Prince E. Norman, Deputy Director General for Research, Technology and Innovation Development at SLARI, focused on developing Target Product Profiles (TPPs) that will guide future yam breeding programmes. Discussions highlighted priority traits such as high yield, early maturity, superior eating quality, disease resistance, improved shelf life, and market-preferred tuber characteristics.

The workshop reaffirmed the importance of collaboration in developing farmer-centred, market-driven technologies that contribute to increased productivity, food and nutrition security, and improved livelihoods.

The outcomes will guide future yam research and support Sierra Leone's agricultural transformation under the Feed Salone Initiative.

Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient yam value chain for Sierra Leone.

CORAF Njala University in Sierra Leone SLeCAD Sierra Leone

07/07/2026

Innovation Drives Agriculture.

01/07/2026

Good agronomic practices matter.

26/06/2026

Voices of Farmers during the Second training of groundnut and maize farmers on aflatoxin contamination and its management using Aflasafe biocontrol. - Component 1.

FSRP - SL International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security FSRP WA World Bank Group