Port Loko District, Sierra Leone In a contentious parliamentary debate on food security, Hon. Aminata Sesay, Member of Parliament for Port Loko District, took a stand against claims that the government’s “Feed Salone” initiative is behind the recent drop in rice prices. She attributed the price decline to market dynamics rather than the initiative itself.
“The decline in rice prices is due to increased supply and demand in the market, not because of the Feed Salone program,” Hon. Sesay stated. “If the initiative were truly effective, we’d see locally produced parboiled rice readily available.”
Her remarks add to growing concerns about the initiative’s tangible benefits, as many citizens express frustration over its perceived inefficacy. Hon. Sesay called for a thorough assessment of Feed Salone, describing it as currently unsuccessful in addressing the agricultural needs of the population.
In contrast, Hon. Alpha Kanu, the Presidential Spokesperson, defended the initiative, asserting that it has been instrumental in reducing rice prices from over Le1,000 to Le650. “Negotiations between the government and food importers are part of our strategy to stabilize prices,” Kanu explained, emphasizing Feed Salone’s goal of enhancing self-sufficiency in food production.
The war of words highlights the ongoing debate about the effectiveness of Sierra Leone’s agricultural policies. As the government strives to reinforce food security, the divergence in views serves as a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead.
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