AYV News, June 26, 2026
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), through the Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP), has concluded a two-day Joint Monitoring Report (JMR) Workshop aimed at strengthening Sierra Leone’s capacity to monitor, anticipate, and respond to food and nutrition security crises.
The workshop, funded by the World Bank and held from 22 to 23 June at the FSRP Office in Mile 91, brought together approximately 60 participants from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), development partners, and other institutions involved in food security and nutrition.
Participants included representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Ministry of Finance, National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency (SLMet), Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI), World Food Programme (WFP), and the Food Systems Resilience Program.
The training focused on the use of the Joint Monitoring Report framework, a collaborative tool designed to facilitate the collection, analysis, and sharing of information on structural, environmental, health, and socio-economic risks that could affect food and nutrition security.
According to Julius Babatunde Adewopo, a World Bank Group Consultant, the workshop sought to introduce the JMR approach to decision-making in Sierra Leone by equipping experts with the skills required to develop timely and reliable monitoring reports.
He noted that accurate and up-to-date information on emerging crises would enable the Government and its development partners to mobilize resources more effectively and take informed actions before, during, and after emergencies affecting food and nutrition security.
Speaking during the workshop, Dr. Adetunji Oredipe, Task Team Leader for the FSRP in Sierra Leone, said the country’s recently developed Food Security Crisis Preparedness Plan demonstrates the commitment of both Government and development partners to addressing shocks that threaten agriculture, livelihoods, and economic stability.
He emphasized the importance of coordinated monitoring and reporting mechanisms in strengthening resilience and improving preparedness for future crises.
FSRP Project Manager, Dr. Kepifri Lakoh, encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained during the training and ensure the prompt reporting of emerging threats that could trigger food and nutrition crises.
He stressed that early warning, timely reporting, and coordinated responses are essential for safeguarding livelihoods and strengthening national resilience against food insecurity.
The workshop forms part of ongoing efforts to support the Government’s Feed Salone Agenda and enhance the country’s ability to respond effectively to food and nutrition challenges through evidence-based planning and decision-making.
A Joint Monitoring Report is a collaborative, cross-sectoral mechanism used by governments, international organisations, and development partners to monitor and assess potential crises through shared data collection and analysis, enabling timely interventions and improved preparedness.
