Sierra Leone Aims for Rice Independence Amid Rising Prices – Africa.com
In Sierra Leone, rice is a staple food and many people cannot go a day without it. However, the country is grappling with soaring rice prices, which has led to increased food insecurity. Experts say the price rise is the result of over-reliance on imports, which accounts for about 35% of rice consumption and requires about $200 million in foreign exchange every year. The government of Sierra Leone intends to change this and has announced plans to work towards food self-sufficiency. To this end, it has raised more than $620 million (estimated at $1.8 billion) to revitalize local rice production. While experts hailed the project as “ambitious”, challenges remain, including inadequate infrastructure and climate change. Critics also say the plan could benefit large agribusiness at the expense of small-scale farmers, similar to failed projects in other West African countries.
source: Voice of America News
