Islamic Development Bank Launches $40M Livestock Project in Sierra Leone
The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) is set to roll out a $40 million Livestock Project in Sierra Leone, aiming to strengthen agriculture and food security. This follows a nationwide feasibility study conducted with the Ministry of Finance (MoF) and the Ministry of Agriculture. The project is part of efforts to reduce reliance on imported livestock products like chicken and eggs.
At a recent briefing, Deputy Finance Minister I, Mrs. Kadiatu Allie, expressed appreciation for the IsDB’s support, highlighting the project’s alignment with the government’s Feed Salone Programme. This initiative, one of the government’s BIG FIVE projects, focuses on enhancing local food production. Minister of Agriculture Henry Musa Kpaka noted that this will be the first significant funding directed towards livestock under the program, emphasizing its role in reducing imports and boosting local production.
The $40 million project is part of a larger plan that may attract additional funding from OPEC, with a potential $100 million target. It seeks to establish medium-sized enterprises, improve animal health services, train farmers, and upgrade market infrastructure such as slaughterhouses and storage facilities.
Sabiu Auwal, the IsDB’s Operation Team Leader, outlined the bank’s commitment to finalizing the project in line with the government’s priorities. Key components include women and youth empowerment in livestock farming, health programs, and capacity-building efforts.
The initiative is designed to generate sustainable economic returns by fostering medium-sized enterprises and encouraging communities to repay loans through revenues. This approach aims to create a growth cycle that benefits rural areas while reducing food imports.
With strong government backing and international collaboration, the Livestock Project is poised to transform Sierra Leone’s agriculture sector, promoting food self-sufficiency and economic development.
