By Joseph Momoh
MAGBURAKA — The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has warned that Sierra Leone’s food security, as well as human and animal health, is under serious threat from the rising spread of drug-resistant diseases.
The warning was issued in Magburaka during the commemoration of World Food Day by the Director of Livestock and Veterinary Services Division, Saidu Bamayange, who called for urgent and coordinated action to combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
According to Bamayange, AMR is being fuelled by environmental pressures, close contact between humans and animals, and the indiscriminate use of antimicrobial medicines in both human health and livestock farming.
He said the 2026 World AMR Awareness Week theme — “One Health, One Action: Prevent AMR Now” — and the World Food Day theme — “Innovate Today. Nourish Tomorrow” — underscore the urgent need for innovation and collective action to build safer and sustainable food systems.
The Director reaffirmed Government’s commitment to strengthening veterinary services, enhancing disease surveillance and improving frontline animal health delivery nationwide.
He disclosed that Government is rolling out key interventions including the Integrated Animal Disease Surveillance and Reporting System (IADRS), training of para-veterinary officers, and intensified veterinary inspections at livestock markets, slaughter points, quarantine stations and border crossings.
In a related development, the President of the Sierra Leone Cattle Traders Union, Chernor Abubakarr Barrie, showcased cattle at the event and highlighted the contribution of livestock traders and farmers to national food security.
Barrie said Sierra Leone has the potential to rival leading livestock-producing countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Senegal and Mali if adequate support is provided to the sector.
He however cited high cost of animal feed, mostly imported from Nigeria, and dependence on open grazing as major challenges driving up production costs and market prices.
He called for improved access to land, greater investment in livestock production and stronger collaboration between herders and crop farmers, and expressed the union’s readiness to partner with Government, NGOs and private investors to develop the livestock value chain.
Barrie described livestock farming as a lucrative business and urged Sierra Leoneans to invest in agriculture and livestock production in support of the Government’s Feed Salone Agenda.
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