President Bio appoints IITA alum Dr Henry Musa Kpaka to lead Sierra Leone’s agricultural transformation

IITA alumnus Dr Henry Musa Kpaka has been appointed by President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone to serve in his Cabinet as the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security. This enormous responsibility is a huge vote of confidence as President Bio has declared that agriculture transformation and food security is his flagship program for his second term. The President makes this call amidst global economic challenges and food price hikes.

Agriculture productivity in Sierra Leone has remained low for decades, and the effects of climate change have made the situation more uncertain. With 65% of the population employed in agriculture, low productivity in the sector translates to low income and high poverty levels. The multiple crises from COVID-19 and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have worsened the situation.