The Role of Public-Private Partnership in Strengthening the Rice Value Chain in Sierra Leone

Introduction

Rice is a staple food in Sierra Leone; it is consumed on a daily basis and the country is one of the highest consumers of rice within the sub region with an annual per consumption capita of 131kg (NRDS II), yet the country remains heavily dependent on rice imports to meet local demand. Strengthening the domestic rice value chain is crucial for achieving food security, reducing import dependency, and boosting economic development. One of the most effective strategies for achieving this goal is through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), which leverage the strengths of both government institutions and private sector players.

Challenges in the Sierra Leone Rice Value Chain

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Sierra Leone produces approximately 1.3 million metric tons of rice annually, but the country still imports about 500,000 metric tons to bridge the supply gap (FAO, 2023).

Sierra Leone's rice production grapples with climate challenges, including erratic rainfall and extreme weather events. Insufficient infrastructure, such as inadequate irrigation and rural roads, hampers efficient farming and transportation. Land degradation from soil erosion, deforestation, and poor management diminishes fertility. Pests and diseases threaten crops, and inadequate management leads to yield losses. Small-scale farmers struggle with limited access to credit, quality inputs, and inadequate storage, impacting overall production and income. The absence of mechanization increases labour demands, contributing to low productivity in the rice sector.  

Role of Public-Private Partnership

Public-Private Partnership (PPP) can play pivotal role in revitalizing the rice sector in the country. The roles of PPP are key and are not limited to;

·         Production Enhancement:

Low productivity has been the major constrain in rice production, this is a result of limited access to quality inputs, seeds and fertilizers and improved farming techniques. PPP can provide that space where financial institutions can extend credit facilities to farmers, while agro businesses provide improved seeds, fertilizers, and mechanization services. This boosts productivity and farmer incomes. Through collaborative research and extension services, farmers can adopt climate-smart agricultural practices that enhance yields and resilience to environmental challenges. Through collaborative research and extension services, farmers can adopt climate-smart agricultural practices that enhance yields and resilience to environmental challenges.

·         Development of Infrastructure and farm Mechanization:

A well-developed infrastructure is essential for a competitive rice value chain.

The private sector can partner with the government to invest in irrigation systems, storage facilities, and transportation networks to reduce post-harvest losses and enhance market accessibility. Additionally, mechanization programs supported by PPPs can increase efficiency in land preparation, planting, and harvesting, reducing labour intensity and production costs.

·         Access to Finance

This being a major hurdle for smallholder farmers and agribusinesses in Sierra Leone, PPP initiatives can help establish microfinance programs, credit facilities, and insurance schemes tailored to the needs of rice farmers. The initiative can also help in vitalizing the already existing ones that are not functioning by leveraging both public and private sector resources, innovative financing models such as blended finance and agricultural loan guarantees can be introduced to support investment in the rice value chain.

·         Processing and Value Addition

As of now, Sierra Leone have one standard rice mill that is fully functioning - Mountain Lion, and it is a private owned business. Though the establishment of other processing mills are currently in progress, post-harvest processing remains a critical bottleneck in the rice value chain. Many smallholder farmers lack access to modern milling facilities, leading to poor-quality rice that struggles to compete with imported varieties. By fostering PPPs, investments in high-capacity rice mills and processing centres can be realized, ensuring better quality control and value addition. Private sector involvement also promotes packaging, branding, and marketing strategies that enhance the competitiveness of locally produced rice.

·         Capacity Building and Market Linkages

Public-private collaboration can facilitate training programs for farmers on best agricultural practices, Sustainable Rice Production, post-harvest handling, and value addition for other actors in the value chain and at the same time facilitate concrete agreements like contract farming for the various actors in the value chain. The impact of such moves is massive and can greatly contribute to the development of the rice sector.

Case Studies

A significant approach introduced in Sierra Leone by GIZ Market Oriented Value Chains for Jobs and Growth in the ECOWAS Region (MOVE), the Sustainable Rice Production (SRP) that promotes resource efficiency and sustainability in the global rice sector, it looks at the Economic, Social and the Environmental impact in rice production and guide accordingly. The implementation of this great initiative will help producers produce effective and sustainably at the same time with no negative impact on the environment.

There has also been series of effort to improve and boost the rice value chain through strategic public-private partnerships (PPPs). A notable initiative is the Rice Value Chain Development Project (RRVCP), launched in June 2021. This $34.12 million, five-year project is jointly funded by the Government of Sierra Leone, the Islamic Development Bank, and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA). It aims to support 7,000 smallholder farmers: 5,000 in Bonthe District and 2,000 in Kambia District by providing access to agricultural machinery, quality seeds, and training programs to enhance productivity. Ministry of Information

Complementing this, the Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (AVDP) focuses on increasing production and improving the marketing of rice, palm oil, cocoa, and vegetables. With a total project cost of $97.16 million, including $52.61 million financed by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the project invests in agricultural mechanization, irrigation, and climate-resilient infrastructure. It also builds the capacity of smallholder farmers through farmer field schools and provides credit for farm investments, targeting approximately 34,000 vulnerable rural households, with at least 40% participation from women and youth. IFAD

Also in June 2023, a tripartite agreement was signed between the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Vietnam, and Sierra Leone under the South-South and Triangular Cooperation framework. Over four years, Vietnamese experts will provide technical assistance in rice production, irrigation, breeding, mechanization, and post-harvest management. This initiative includes deploying skilled experts to national sites and implementing capacity-building activities such as study tours and field training. FAOHome

These concerted efforts have yielded tangible results. In 2023, Sierra Leone achieved a 60% reduction in rice imports and a 35% increase in domestic rice production SL Monitor. Over 600,000 hectares of land were cultivated for rice production through collaborative efforts between the government and private sector stakeholders.

These advancements underscore the pivotal role of public-private partnerships in revitalizing Sierra Leone's rice value chain. By leveraging both public resources and private sector expertise, the country is making significant strides toward achieving rice self-sufficiency, enhancing food security, and fostering economic growth. APNews