Grand Opening of SLARI Technology and Innovation Park Marks Milestone in Agricultural Development in Sierra Leone

On Thursday, 9th May 2024, in Komrabai Village, Maforki Chiefdom, Port Loko District, witnessed a historic event as the SLARI Technology and Innovation Park was officially launched in partnership with CORAF (West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development). The grand opening ceremony was a significant milestone in Sierra Leone's agricultural development, where various stakeholders came together to celebrate the transformation of the nation's agricultural landscape.

The establishment of the Technology and Innovation Park is a collaborative initiative funded by two key programs: the Food Systems and Resilience Program (FSRP), which is a World Bank initiative, and iREACH, a five-year project. The main objective is to enhance food and nutrition security in the region. The event garnered participation from diverse stakeholders, including representatives from farmer organizations, government officials, private sector actors, development partners, and other state institutions.

SLARI Technology and Innovation Park is a hub for showcasing proven innovations to revolutionize agricultural value chains in line with Feed Salone program goals. Its primary objective is to enhance food and nutrition security by facilitating knowledge transfer to stakeholders and promoting the adoption of advanced agricultural technologies, thereby improving local production systems.

During the ceremony, several speakers addressed the significance of the initiative and its potential impact on Sierra Leone's agricultural sector. Dr. Abdul R. Conteh, the Acting Director General of SLARI, commended the work of SLARI scientists and announced plans to extend similar initiatives to two other locations, ensuring broader access to cutting-edge agricultural technologies for farmers across the country.

Prof. Abdulai Jalloh, the Chief Agricultural Officer for the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), reiterated the Ministry's commitment to supporting the park initiative as part of the Feed Salone government initiative. Dr. Alfred O. Dixon, Chairman of the SLARI council, emphasized how the Technology and Innovation Park aligns with the objectives of the Feed Salone Initiative by developing viable technologies for farmers.

The paramount chief assured SLARI management of the community's commitment and the availability of land for the park, while the District Agriculture Officer pledged to ensure the dissemination of technologies to farmers through extension workers.

Dr. Caroline Makamto Sobgui, who is the Senior Scaling Specialist and Technical Manager of the iREACH initiative at CORAF in Dakar, Senegal, commended the project team for their efforts and ensured continued support for timely funding. She also expressed her admiration for the work done in the park, especially for establishing it during the off-season. She explained how the initiative came to be and described the role played by CORAF in ensuring that the National Agricultural Research Stations (NARS) receive the necessary support for the success of the technology and innovation parks in Nine West African Countries, including Sierra Leone.

The Nutrition Component of the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI), led by Dr. Martha S. E. Ngegba-Williams, baked a cake and other recipes using Orange Flesh Sweet Potato flour. This demonstration aimed to show agribusinesses how these varieties can be transformed into healthy and nourishing foods with all the necessary nutrients required for the body.

Private sector representatives have pledged to collaborate with SLARI to disseminate the developed and improved technologies to farmers nationwide.

The presence of media outlets, including Radio Democracy, African Young Voices Television (AYV TV), Standard-Times newspaper, and others, highlighted the significance of the event, ensuring widespread coverage and awareness of the park's objectives and achievements.

The ceremony concluded with a tour of the park, where the park manager introduced the technologies to farmers and stakeholders. Success stories were shared, demonstrating the tangible benefits farmers have derived from the park since its inception in 2023.

In summary, the grand opening of the SLARI Technology and Innovation Park represents a pivotal moment in Sierra Leone's agricultural development journey. Collaborative efforts from various stakeholders will significantly contribute to food and nutrition security in the region by driving innovation and improving productivity in the park.