The outcome and major findings on the visit took place at the Agriculture Conference room on Tuesday November 12, 2019.
Director of Crops in the Ministry of Agriculture (MAF) Solomon John Kamara on the outcome and major findings said Brazil was chosen for their long standing experience in the management of FAW and EMBRAPA ( Brazil National Research Centre) was supporting FAO in Africa on the fight currently.
He said the main objective was to learn about the best techniques and affordable solutions to efficiently managed FAW in local conditions across Sierra Leone.
The director said the collection of information on how the Brazilian Agricultural sector is structured and operating, adding that the team also participated in field visits of various types of agricultural production, agro- processing facilities and research sites.
He said the visit established the ground for a long-term cooperation between MAF, Sierra Leone Agriculture Research Institution (SLARi) and Njala University with similar Brazilian structures.
Director said recommendations and action points suggested was training on how to set up a bio- factory , how to recognize natural enemies , production of bio- pesticide, use biological control on farm , alternative methods of control and management of FAW.
The findings further suggested that to support the Sierra Leone National Soil Survey andhelp with analysis and interpretation of data collected.
Director of MAF said exchange visit in West Africa to visit the nearest Bio- factory and collect Trichogramma egg (Trichogramma are tiny wasps that kill the eggs of Lepidoptera by laying one or more of their eggs inside the much larger eggs of Lepidoptera) and more.
He said MAF has started training of 160 staff on FAW targeting the maize belt in Moyamba District and other districts, adding that farmers are taken into cognizance as they are mostly affected.
He disclosed that the Bio- factory be situated at Njala University to train student on new curriculum that would suit the emerging trend of FAW.
The minister of MAF Joseph Ndanema commended the government of Brazil for giving the S/L team audience to get first- hand information in tackling FAW, adding that when the pest first attacked the country Brazil was the first point of call.
He said food sufficiency drive is of paramount to the government, noting that as a ministry they should also be focusing mitigation plans to combat the scourge.
He appealed for such recommendations to have the urgency it deserves and not put aside.
The Imprest Administrator of BAFS, Jemillatu Stober said the BAFS project has helped greatly in the fight against FAW in the country by sponsoring staff to Brazil on experience sharing and strengthening the MAF offices country wide with equipment.
She said one of the key objectives of the project is institutional capacity building of MAF and formulation of food security strategies and sector policies support.
