Exploring Collaborative Agricultural Ventures: A Visit by Egyptian Military Experts to SLARI at Rokupr Agricultural Research Centre

In a groundbreaking effort to foster collaboration in the agricultural sector, a delegation of foreign experts from the Egyptian Ministry of Defense today Sunday 21st of January 2024 visited the Rokupr Agricultural Research Centre (RARC), one of the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI) Research Centres. This visit aimed to identify areas of mutual interest and potential investment opportunities in Sierra Leone's agricultural landscape. This momentous occasion brought together key stakeholders, including the Egyptian Ambassador to Sierra Leone, the Sierra Leone Ambassador to Egypt, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, the Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, and the Acting Director-General of the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI).

Dr. Abdul R. Conteh, the Acting Director-General of SLARI, began the event by providing a comprehensive overview of SLARI and its constituent centres. He detailed the mandated research crops assigned to each centre, offering valuable insights into the diverse agricultural activities conducted at SLARI. This presentation set the stage for the Egyptian experts to gain a deeper understanding of Sierra Leone's agricultural landscape.

Following the presentation, the delegation was led by Dr. Adam S. Kanu, the Officer-in-Charge of the Rokupr Agricultural Research Centre, on a tour of the facilities. The visit included an exploration of the seed storage facility, where 220 bags of breeder seeds and 600 bags of foundation seeds are meticulously preserved. The delegation also familiarized themselves with other facilities within the center, gaining a firsthand look at the research infrastructure available to scientists and researchers.

The Sierra Leonean Ambassador to Egypt, leading the delegation, highlighted that the visiting Egyptian experts were trained military professionals from the Ministry of Defense. Their mission was to explore potential areas for investment in Sierra Leone, with a specific focus on agriculture. He emphasized the collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, underscoring their joint commitment to identifying and nurturing opportunities for mutual growth.

The Sierra Leonean Ambassador emphasized the expertise of the Egyptian delegation in irrigation systems. A key highlight of the visit was the announcement of exchange programs between SLARI and the Egyptian experts. The Sierra Leonean Ambassador highlighted the Egyptians' expertise in irrigation systems and unveiled plans for reciprocal training programs. SLARI scientists would have the opportunity to undergo specialized training in Egypt, focusing on irrigation systems. In return, Egyptian experts would visit SLARI to train local staff members, fostering a knowledge exchange that benefits both nations.

The Sierra Leonean government and the Egyptian delegation formalized their commitment through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This partnership aims to support Sierra Leone in the implementation of the Feed Salon program, a flagship initiative of the government focusing on agricultural development.

Furthermore, it was revealed that the governments of Sierra Leone and Egypt have solidified their commitment to collaboration through a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support Sierra Leone's implementation of the Feed Salone program—a flagship initiative aimed at enhancing food security and agricultural productivity. This collaborative effort signifies a commitment to leveraging expertise and resources for the mutual benefit of both countries.

The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Dr. Theresa T. Dick expressed gratitude for the willingness of the Egyptian experts to visit Sierra Leone. She acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the Sierra Leonean Ambassador to Egypt, the Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, and the SLARI management in orchestrating the successful meeting. She acknowledged the willingness of the Egyptian business community to explore collaboration opportunities with the Sierra Leonean government.

The visit by the Egyptian military experts to SLARI at Rokupr Agricultural Research Centre today marks a crucial step in strengthening ties between the two nations in the realm of agriculture. The exchange of knowledge, training programs, and the signed MoU are promising indicators of a fruitful partnership that will contribute significantly to Sierra Leone's agricultural development and the realization of its flagship Feed Salone program.