AYV News, June 4, 2026
Sierra Leone has showcased its growing use of digital technology in agriculture at a high-level global dialogue on climate-resilient food systems organised by the World Food Programme (WFP) China Centre of Excellence for Rural Transformation.
Representing the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), Director of Extension, Alpha YayahMansaray, joined policymakers, development partners, and agricultural experts from various countries at the forum held in China from June 2 to 5, 2026.
During a panel discussion, Mr. Mansaray highlighted the government’s flagship agricultural programme, Feed Salone, outlining its key objectives and strategic pillars while emphasizing investments in digital technologies designed to improve productivity, transparency, and access to agricultural services.
He noted that Sierra Leone has successfully digitalized the distribution of agricultural inputs through the E-Voucher System, which facilitates the subsidized delivery of seeds and fertilisers to farmers across the country.
According to Mr. Mansaray, the initiative has enhanced efficiency, accountability, and transparency in the allocation of agricultural resources.
He also highlighted the establishment of a national Farmers Registry, a geo-tagged database that supports targeted planning and service delivery. The registry is complemented by an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) platform and a dedicated call centre that provides farmers with agricultural information and advisory services in local languages.
“Under Feed Salone, we are using agricultural technology to make farming more productive, transparent, and climate-smart. These digital tools connect farmers directly to inputs, information, and decisions that build resilience,” he stated.
The dialogue focused on promoting green innovations and digital solutions capable of strengthening food systems against the effects of climate change. Participants explored practical approaches to improving agricultural productivity through the integration of farmer data, digital payments, weather information, and advisory services.
Mr. Mansaray said the discussions reinforced the importance of South-South cooperation in scaling up proven digital and environmentally sustainable technologies across Africa.
He further observed that China’s experience demonstrated how combining digital innovation with green technologies can improve agricultural outcomes when solutions are practical, locally adapted, and centred on farmers’ needs.
“Feed Salone is building a digital backbone for agriculture. The Extension Division stands ready to collaborate with partners to scale the e-voucher system, farmer registry, IVR platform, and weather data systems that make farming more efficient and climate-resilient,” he concluded.
The participation of Sierra Leone at the international forum reflects the country’s ongoing efforts to modernize agriculture through technology-driven solutions aimed at boosting food security, increasing productivity, and strengthening resilience to climate change.
