In a pioneering move to enhance the agricultural sector, Leone Rock Metal Group has welcomed a team of international experts to Sierra Leone. The initiative aims to leverage advanced agricultural practices and technologies to significantly improve productivity, sustainability, and food security in the region.
The growth of the agricultural sector growth is expected to contribute to broader economic development. As farming becomes more profitable and efficient, it will create employment opportunities, stimulate rural economies, and support the overall economic resilience of the country.
The Delegation comprising Songheng Chen, Ren Hongbo, First Secretary, Mission of China to the African Union; Mr. Anselme Vodounhessi, Coordinator of the Common African Agro-Parks Programme (CAAPs) and the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), and Mr. Ayason Mukulia Kennedy, Policy Officer – Rural Infrastructure & Marketing, Directorate of Agriculture and Rural Development at the AUC, arrived in Sierra Leone on July 15, 2024 and departed on July 19, 2024.
The objective of the mission is to foster dialogue and collaboration between the African Union Commission (AUC), the CAAPs-Secretariat (FARA), and the Government of Sierra Leone, with a specific focus on exploring China’s involvement in establishing a rice Common African Agro-Parks Programme for the West African region. This includes deliberations on the introduction and cultivation of Perennial Rice (PR), a pioneering agricultural technology developed by Chinese agronomists.
Leone Rock Metal Group’s initiative is poised to have a significant impact on food security in Sierra Leone. Increased crop yields and better market access will ensure a more stable food supply, reduce dependency on imports, and boost the livelihoods of local farmers. Moreover, the growth of the agricultural sector is expected to contribute to broader economic development.
As farming becomes more profitable and efficient, it will create employment opportunities, stimulate rural economies, and support the overall economic resilience of the country.
Future Prospects
Leone Rock Metal Group plans to scale up the initiative, integrating additional technologies such as precision agriculture and digital farming solutions. These advancements will further enhance productivity and sustainability, positioning Sierra Leone as a leader in modern agriculture within the region.
As a company that has the interest of the country at heart, Leone Rock Metal Group’s collaboration with international agricultural experts marks a significant step towards revitalizing Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector. Through strategic interventions, capacity building, and sustainable practices, the initiative promises to drive substantial improvements in food security and economic growth through this perennial rice farming which will benefit the nation for years to come. This partnership underscores Leone Rock Metal Group’s commitment to fostering development and resilience in Sierra Leone, ensuring that the agricultural sector can thrive and support the nation’s future.