A collaborative venture among Vietnam, Sierra Leone, and FAO

On November 8 (local time), Vietnam, Sierra Leone and FAO signed an agreement on the Project “Strengthening the Rice Value Chain in Sierra Leone through South-South Cooperation.” This program embodies genuine collaborative commitment rather than mere documentation, focusing on driving agricultural development, enhancing food security, and combating poverty.

Vietnamese experts hope Sierra Leone will contribute alongside FAO officers to formulate a rice development project. Over the course of this four-year project, Viet Nam is expected to provide its expertise in rice value chain development to Sierra Leone. This project will support diverse actors in increasing the productivity and production of rice through increased access to improved technologies and the upscaling of best practices along the rice value chain in Sierra Leone.

At its core, this agreement signifies a strategic alliance and a beacon of hope for Sierra Leone’s agricultural development. It emphasizes shared responsibilities and mutual cooperation for a brighter agricultural landscape.

"In 2022, the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone visited the Mekong Delta to learn about the smallholder support model applied here. Through open exchange, we see the potential for agricultural cooperation between Africa and Vietnam in agricultural extension, scientific research, irrigation investment, and sustainable farming are all feasible", Vice President of Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences Dao The Anh, a member of the Vietnamese expert delegation to Sierra Leone, said.

The SSTC Team, a fusion of skilled experts from Vietnam, operates within the UTF project framework, focusing on implementation. As the Cooperating Country, Vietnam shoulders various responsibilities outlined in the agreement. The commitment is all-encompassing, from handpicking and dispatching experts and technicians to facilitating training, offering technology for demonstration, and providing an open door for Sierra Leonean nationals to learn and grow within Vietnam’s institutions.

On the other side, Sierra Leone, the Recipient Country, is tasked with approving candidates, providing comfortable accommodations, and ensuring a conducive environment for the experts and technicians. Sierra Leone’s role is crucial for a fruitful partnership, from ensuring their well-being to granting access to essential resources.

The FAO coordinates, offers financial support, and provides technical assistance, guiding the experts and technicians throughout their tenure. 

This agreement is not just about paperwork; it’s about putting plans into action. It places the agricultural progress of Sierra Leone under the guardianship of the Ministry responsible for agriculture. Through collaboration with the SSTC Team and the government counterparts in Sierra Leone, this joint effort aims to cultivate change and monitor progress through regular technical reports and reviews.

This Tripartite Agreement is a testament to the potential for transformative growth. By uniting forces, Vietnam, Sierra Leone, and FAO paint a picture of hope and opportunity for a thriving agricultural landscape in Sierra Leone. It is a narrative of collaboration, commitment, and a shared dream for a more prosperous future.