Fit to national policy

RIU Sierra Leone operates with the full support of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security (MAFFS)and contributes to policy discussion through two important national MAFFS committees:

• the RIU secretariat has a seat on the Agricultural Advisory Group
• PAID has a seat on the Agricultural Technical Team

RIU was involved in the development of the CAADP/NSADP compact process, linked to the national poverty reduction strategy, which led to the signing of the compact in September 2009.

RIU Memorandum of understanding
RIU operations in Sierra Leone have been legitimised through the signing of a formal memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security. This document commits both parties jointly to undertake activities that will enhance the Sierra Leone innovation system and thus contribute to the national vision and strategy for agriculture. The memorandum also recognises and endorses the role of the PAID as a partnership of existing Sierra Leone-based organizations committed to a shared vision and mission.

Leading Sierra Leone ministers, officials, agriculturalists and farmer and research institute representatives attended the high-profile launch of the Sierra Leone Coalition in January 2009. The event follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security and the RIU in October, and a successful implementation plan and validation workshop with PAID in November.