Sierra Leone’s Livestock Director, Saidu Bamayange, has called for stronger One Health measures to combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) while boosting livestock production. Speaking on World Food Day, he brought together farmers, veterinary professionals, and development partners to address the vital issues surrounding food security and responsible antimicrobial use.
Bamayange emphasised the connection between human, animal, plant, and environmental health. He warned that environmental degradation and increased human-animal interaction, combined with the misuse of antimicrobials, threaten public health, animal welfare, and food systems.
He highlighted this year’s World AMR Awareness Week theme, “One Health, one action: Prevent AMR now,” which urges collective responsibility for the proper use and disposal of antimicrobials. The theme for World Food Day 2026, “Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow,” focuses on innovation and sustainable food systems.
Bamayange reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to enhancing veterinary services and disease surveillance. Ongoing initiatives include the Integrated Animal Disease Surveillance and Reporting System and para-veterinary training, alongside plans to increase veterinary presence at markets, slaughterhouses, and border entry points.
Chernor Abubakarr Barrie, President of the Sierra Leone Cattle Traders Union, highlighted the event’s role in showcasing local livestock breeds and the contributions of farmers and traders to food security and economic growth. He believes Sierra Leone’s livestock sector can rival leading producers like South Africa and Kenya, given the right investments and policies.
Barrie pointed out that access to affordable animal feed is a significant barrier, as many farmers depend on open grazing while commercial feed, primarily imported from Nigeria, is costly. This situation raises production costs, which subsequently affects consumer prices.
He called for increased land access, investment, and collaboration between crop farmers and herders to minimise conflicts and boost productivity. The Union is open to partnerships with the government, development partners, and private investors to strengthen the livestock value chain.
Barrie encouraged Sierra Leoneans to view livestock farming as a profitable pathway to food security, urging farmers to persist despite their challenges and advocating for greater agricultural engagement to achieve food self-sufficiency and advance the Feed Salone agenda.
