The Sierra Leone Chamber for Agribusiness Development (SLeCAD), in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), successfully facilitated a three-day Food Safety Handbook Training Workshop held from 14th to 16th April 2026.
The workshop brought together agribusiness stakeholders, including farmers, processors, aggregators, and food system actors, with the objective of strengthening knowledge and practical understanding of food safety standards across agricultural value chains.
This training forms part of ongoing efforts to improve the quality, safety, and competitiveness of agricultural products in Sierra Leone, while aligning local agribusiness practices with international standards.
Participants were introduced to key principles outlined in the IFC Food Safety Handbook, focusing on:
- Food hygiene and safety practices
- Risk identification and mitigation
- Standardization and compliance
- Handling, processing, and storage requirements
- Improving market readiness and consumer confidence
The interactive nature of the training enabled participants to share experiences, identify challenges, and explore practical solutions to food safety issues within their respective operations.
The initiative is expected to enhance the capacity of agribusiness actors to meet both local and international market requirements, ultimately contributing to improved public health outcomes and increased economic opportunities within the sector.
SLeCAD remains committed to building the capacity of its members through continuous training and the provision of practical learning resources, including the IFC Food Safety Handbook, which serves as a key reference for strengthening food safety practices across the agribusiness sector.
Training materials, including the IFC Food Safety Handbook, are available at the SLeCAD Secretariat for members and stakeholders.
