Chairman of the Presidential Initiative for Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security in Sierra Leone, Hon. Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella has said Sierra Leone can feed itself.

He was addressing the “Alliance of Champions for Food Systems Transformation Consultation Forum” where he shed light on His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s endeavors to attain food self-sufficiency within the next five years and his ambitious plan to mitigate climate change.

Sierra Leone is among 134 signatory nations to the Leaders Declaration on Agriculture, Food, and Climate and is committed to fortifying food systems, bolstering climate resilience and combating hunger.

Dr. Yumkella stressed President Bio’s commitment to achieving food self-sufficiency within five years, aiming to create employment opportunities for women and youth while boosting economic growth.

He emphasised Sierra Leone’s readiness with strategic plans and technical capabilities to realise this goal, integrating energy solutions tailored to the food system’s needs to enhance resilience in the face of climate change.

He also spoke about President Bio’s resilient stance in mitigating climate change across the world and in Africa in particularly.

Hon. Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella’s support to President Bio in achieving his goals in food self- sufficiency as outlined for agriculture, climate change and in other areas has made him a darling of the SLPP and even the First Lady Dr. Fatima Bio is reportedly commending Hon. Dr. Yumkella for his massive support and loyalty to her husband.

What should be noted is the fact that the issue about food self-sufficiency should not be a rhetorical issue. It must and should be an issue of national concern wherein every Sierra Leonean irrespective of who you are or where you come from does not matter.