Freetown: Senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), including the Minister, recently convened with a team from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) at the Youyi Building in Freetown. This meeting marked the conclusion of a two-week implementation support mission for the Livestock and Livelihoods Development Project (LLDP), aimed at boosting livestock development in Kenema and Bombali Districts. According to Sierra Leone News Agency, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, acknowledged the significance of the IFAD-supported project. He recounted that following a recent visit to Nairobi, Kenya, President Bio communicated to the IFAD President that the initiative is a cornerstone of the Government's 'Feed Salone Programme', which focuses on enhancing food productivity and sufficiency. The Minister also highlighted challenges related to counterpart funding and underscored the importance of sustaining investments with smallholder farmers beyond the project's duration. Madam Pascaline Barankeba, IFAD Country Director for Liberia and Sierra Leone, praised the Government of Sierra Leone for its warm reception. She remarked that the mission, initially planned for ten days, was successful. She expressed contentment with the project team's dedication and detailed that IFAD experts concentrated on capacity building in areas such as animal health, production, productivity, and marketing. Mr. Saidu Bamayange, Director of the Livestock and Veterinary Services Division at MAFS, stressed the necessity for stronger legislation, a concern that arose during field visits. He drew attention to this issue, particularly in light of the recent influx of Malian cattle herders and the unregulated movement of animals. Professor Abdulai Jalloh, Chief Agriculture Officer at MAFS, conveyed appreciation for the project and acknowledged the formation of a robust team that led to the project's successful outcomes.