Food Security Minister of Sierra Leone emphasizes importance of food and nutrition in agricultural investment
In an effort to address food insecurity and global food price volatility, the government of Sierra Leone developed a Smallholder Commercialization Programme (SCP), a five year flagship programme to transform agriculture from subsistence to a commercial. Joseph Sam Sesay, Sierra Leone’s Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security, recently spoke about the programme in the context of the upcoming ICN2, noting that the SCP will help the country manage its high rates of malnutrition and undernourishment. By coordinating the efforts of several relevant ministries, including agriculture, health and education, Sierra Leone has created a comprehensive strategy and policy framework for addressing food insecurity in the country. ICN2, which Sesay called “a very important initiative”, will similarly take a multisectoral approach to addressing major nutrition challenges worldwide.