The Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute Act, no. 28 of 2023

ACT Supplement to the Sierra Leone Gazette Vot. CLXII4 No.62 dqted I2th 2423 THE SIERRA LEONE AGRICULTURALRESEARCH INSTITUTE ACT,2023, ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS Sections" PARII-PRELIMINARY l. Interpretation. PART tr T}{E SIERRALEONEAGRICWTURAL RESEARCH INSTMUTE Z Continuation of the Instutute. 3. Common Seal. 4. Headquater and other offrce. PARI TII TI{E SIERRA LEONE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH INSTT.IUTE co{-ll\iCIL 5. Council of Institute. 6. ChairmanofCouncil 7. Tenureofmember. 8. Meeting ofCouncil. 9. Disclosure of interest. 10. Immunityofmembers PART IV- COMMITTEES OF COUNCIL It. CommitteesofCouncil. 12. Scientific and Technical Committee. 13. Appointrnents, Promotion and perforurance committee. 14. Finance and compliance committee. 15. Knowledge and Innovation Committee. 16. Corffnerciali,ation and B usiness Development Committee. 17. StaffDisciplinaryCommittee. \ tr PART V- FUNCTIONS OF INSTITU1E 18. Functions of lnstitute. 19. Powers of Institute. PARTVI THEADIVIIMSTRATION OF T}IE SIERRA LEONE AGRICI.II-JII'RAL INSTITUTE 20. DirectorGeneral. 21. Functions ofDhector General. D- DeputyDirectorGenerals. 23. Removal of SeniorManagement Staff' 24. AdministrativeDirector. 25. FinanceDirector. 26. OtherStaff. h. Secondment ofPublic Officers 28. Appointment Contract. 29. Management Committees. N. ResearchCenter. 31. CenterDirector. 32. HeadofResearchProgramme. 33. Properfy in Research Findings' 34. Discoveries, Inventions, etc' 35. Access to Research Findings and Facilities. %. Powerto Charge Fees. 37. Power to Request. 38. ResearchCenterCommittees. PAKT VII FINANCIAL PROVISIONS 39. Funds of Institute. N. Accounts and Audit. 41. Annual Report. PAKI VItr MISCELLANEOUS 42. 43. Regulations. Repeal. Stcurn this 2nd day of October 2023. No.28 DR JULruS MAADA BIO, President. 2023 Short title. Sierra Leone TIIE SIERRA I.trONE AGRICT]LTURAL RESEARCH |NS'IITLITE ACT, 2023. Being an Act to repeai and replace the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute Act 2007 (Act No. 25 of 2007), to provide for stronger go{/ernance of agrieultural research, management, community outreach, innovation, business development and commercialisation filnctions of the Institute and to provide Xor other related matters. t I ""ffj;",:' @ 2 No.28 Tle Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute Act' 2023 Interpretation. PARTI-PRELIMINARY 1. In this Act unless the context otherwise requires "agriculture" means the practice of cultivatingthe soil, growing crops, or raising livestock for human use, including the production of food, feed, t-rbre, fuel, or other useful Products; "Appointments, Promotions and Periormance Committee" means the Appoinhnents, homotions and Performance Conmittee referred to in Section l3; "Commercialisation and Business Development Committee" means Commercialization and Business Development Committee referred to in Section 16; "Council" means the policy making authority ofthe Institute referred to in Section 5; "Director-Genera1" means the Director-General of the Institute appointed under section 20; "Finance and Compliance Cotnmittee" means Finance and Compliance Cornmittee referred to in Section l4; "Institute" means the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research lnstitute referred to in section 2; "Knowledge and Innovations Committee" means the Knowledge and lnnovations Committee referred to underSection 15; , "Managemerrt" the management of the Institute referred to in section 29; No.28 fre Sierra leohe Agricuhurdl Rerearchlt stiture Act, 2023 "Minister" tneaDs the Minister responsible for agriculture; 3 "National Council of Science and Technology,'/ Directorate of Science, Technolory and tnnovaiion means the National Council of Science and Techrto logv- established "research" tneans the firrtherance, accumulation and improvement of knowledge in the agricultural and related sciences tkough original and other investi gations and rnethods ofa scientific nature with the advarcement ofagriculture as its object; "Staff Disciplinary CoDmittee" means the Staff Disciplinary Committee referred to in Section I Z; "Scientific and Technical Committee" means the Scientific and Technical Committee refered to in section 12. PARIII-T}IE SIERRALEONEAGRICT'LT{IRAL RESEC,RCH INSTITUTE . 2: (D There is hereby contirrued in existenc€ rhe body which continuation immedialely before the commencement of this Act was lcio;; of hrritut . Sierra Leone Agricultual Research lnstitute as one of the national research institutes dealing with Science and Teclnologr whose activities shall be coordinated by the National Comcil #science and Technolos/ (2) The Insrit)le shall be a body corporate baving perpetual succession and capablt of acquiring, purchasing holdin! and disposing of propefl),, l\ireth€r movable or immovaile and o-f sutng alld being sued in il i c,.]lportle name and subject to this Acq ofperforming all such act. r : boJi, s corporate may by law perform. 4 No.28 The Siena Leone Agricultural Research lwtitute Act, 2023 seal Common Headquarters and othcr offrces of Institute. Council of Institute. 3. (l) The Institute shall have a common seal' the affixing of which shail'be authenticated by the signatures of (a) The Chairman or other member ofthe Council B"ffi:llr":,;ff ;1ff:ll authorised by the O) The Director-General or other officer ofthe tnstitute authorised by the Council for that purpose. Q) A documentpurportingto be an instrument executed or issued Uy o, on behalf oi tnl fottitot" and to be sealed with the common *.ut of tn" Institute authenticated in the manner stated in sulsection 1t) shall be deemed to be so executed' or issued without further proof, unless the conffary is proved' (3) In appropriate cases, the seal may be affixed to documents outside of Sierra Leone' A. (1) The Institute shall have its headquarters in the WesternAreq which shall be its principal offtce' A)The Institute may, with the approval of the Council' establish regional or district offices at any location in Sierra Leone' as it considers necessary. PART M - T}M SIERRALEONE AGRICI.'LTIJRAL RESEARCH INSTITUTECOIINCIL 5. 0) The Institute shall have a Council which shall be the higlrest policy making authority and shall supervise the lnstitute' t Q\ The Council shall consist of a Chairrnan and the following other members No.28 The Sierra Leone .Agricultural Resedrch lnttitute Act, 2023 5 (a) the Chief Agriculture Offrcer, Ministry of . Agricultue and Food Security; . (b) the Senior Permanent Secretaxy, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Secwity; (c) the Development Secretary, Ministry of Planning and Economic Development; (d) the Chairman, Sierra Leone Chamber on Agribusiness Development; (e) the hesident, National Federation ofFamrers ofSierra Leone; (f) the Dean, Faculty ofAgricultue or related natural sciences at an accredited university in Sierra Leone; G) the Director-General, Ministry of Environment and Climare Charye; (h) a representative ofthe Non- Goverrunental Agencies; O the Chairman, National Science Council o f Science and Technolory of Siena Leone; f) theDirector-Geneml; (k) the Deputy Director-General for Research and Innovation: and () the Deputy Director-General for Commer-' cialisation and Business Development. 6 No.28 The Sierra LeoneAgriculturoiResetn'chlnstitute Act, 2023 Chairman of Council 6. (1) The Chairman shall be appointed by the Fresident on the recommendation of the Minister subject to the approval of Parliament, butno person shall be appointed Chairman, if he has a financial interest, whether directly or indirectly, in a business or undertaking of the institute. @ A person shall not be appointed Chairman of the Council unless he has proved knorvledge and professional experience in the field of agriculture orrelated discipline. (3) The Chairman ofCouncil shall be the Head of Council and principal authority of the Institute, responsible for strategic oversight and guidance of Council and the Institute, including (a) presiding over all meetings and decisions of Council and overseeing the implementation of Council decisions by management; (b) facilitating the development and adoption of policies and guidelines to enhance the quality of work done by the lnstitute; (c) delegating assignments to and coordinating the work and output ofall Committees ofthe Cormcil; (d) authorising, on the advice of the Director General, the execution of partnership agreements and other major contracts that require the approval of Council; and (e) supporting Management with local and international stakeholder engagement for resource mobilisation for the promotion of the objects ofthe Institute. No.28 The Sierra Leone ,4gritultural Research lnslitule Act, 2023 7 7. (l) The Chainnan shall hold office for atermof3 years and shall be eligible for re-appointment for a firther term of3 years only. Tenure of ,1€mborc. (2) A person shal) cease to bc a member ofthe Board on any of the following grounds (a) inabiliry to perform the fi.mctions ofhis office by reason ofinfirmity ofmind or body (b) fbr proven rnisconduct; (c) if he becornes bankrupt or insolvent; (d) if he is convicted and sentenced for an offence involving taud or dishonesty; (e) irh.e fails to attend 3 consecutive meetiogs ol rhe Clouncil without reasonable cause; (D ii he resigns his ofrce by written notice to the N,Iinister. (g) ir'he ceases to be an employee of the rrst;tution which he represents, 8. (1) The Corurcil shall meet for the dispatch ofits business, Mectings at least, trvice ayear at -rLrch rine and place as determined by Cormcil of council at previous meeting. @) Thc Cliairmarl shail preside at every m€eting ofthe Council, and in his absence, the members present shall appoint a member from among themselves to preside at that meeting. 8 No.28 The Sierra Leone Agriaitural Research Institute Act, 2023 (3) Amajority of members ofthe Council may, by notice in writing signed by them, request the Chairman to summon a special meeting of the Board for such purposes as may be stated in the notice. (4) The Chaiman or, in his absence, the member appointed to act on his behalf shall sumrnon a special meeting within 5 days of his receipt ofthe notice referred to in subsection (3). (5) The quorum at a meeting of the Council shall not be less than half of all the members. (6) The Chairman or other person presiding shall have a casting vote where there is an equaliry of votes. (7) A proposal circulated among all members and agreed to in writing by a nro-thh'ds majority of all mernbers shall be of the same force or effect as a decision made at a duly constituted meeting of the Council and shall be ilcorporated in the minutes of the next succeeding meeting of the Council: Provided that, if a member requires that such proposal be placed before a meeting of the Council, this subsection shall not apply to such proposal. (8) The Council may co-opt any person to attend and participate in its deliberations on ary matter but such person shall not vote on any issue for the decision by the Council. (9) The Council shall cause minutes ofall its meetings to be taken and signed by the Chairman and kept in proper fonn. (10) Subject to this Act, the Board shall regulate its own procedure. No. 28 The Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute Act, 2023 9 9. (1) AmernberoftheCouncilwhohasaninterest,whether Disclosurc of direct or indirect, in a matter being considered or to be considered by inter€st. the Council, shall disclose the nature of his interest to the Council and the disclosure shall be recorded in the minutes of the Council and such member shall not take part in a deliberation.or decision of the Council relating to that-matter. @ A member ofthe Council who contravenes subsection (l) shall be guitty of misconduct and shall be removed from the Council. 10. (l) An action or other proceedings shall not lie s1 b€ Immunity of instituted against a member ofthe Council or member ofa committe" members' of the Council for or in respect of an act or thing done or omifted to be done in good faith in the exercise of his functions under this Act. @ A member ofthe Council shall not be personally liable for any debt or obligation ofthe Agency. PART IV.COMMITTEES OF TFIE COLINCIL 11. (l) The Council may, for the discharge of its functionr c^ommittees under this Ac! appoint committees and sub-comirittees to perform of council' such functions as the Cormcil shall determine (l), shall (2) A committee of Comcil appointed under subsection (a) meet at least 2 times a year for the discharge of their resiective functions under this Act,' and present reports of their deliberations, recommendations and proposals for new policies, guidelines, research progfiilnme! and other plans to Council for approval; 10 No.28 The Sierra Leone Agricultural ResearchlwtituteAct, 2023 The Scientific and Teohnical Committee (b) co-opt members or norr-members of Council and set up sub-committees in carrying out its functions under this Act; and (c) cease to exist at the end of the tenure of Council' (4) Council may' upon the approval of majority of its members uiu g.rr"*t -"tii'g, appoint acl-hoc committees' which ,iuU ""*.,o eiist at ttre end oitheit ":'sig;-rment' to carry out specific assignments on behalf of Council' (, The quorum for a Cornmittee of Council shall not be tess than traif oftotainumber of members ofthe Committee' (Q Decisions ofCommittees of Council shallbetakenby the majority of votes cast by members present at a properly constituted *".tiig, e,ach member ptlt"nt at a meeting shall be entitled to one ;;;i in the event of an equality of votes the Chairman or person presiding shall have a casting vote' (t) The Committees of Council appointed under subsection (1), maY include 12. The Scientific and Technical Committee shall (a) be the supreme authority for all scientific and technical matters, responsible to @ liaise rvith external stakeholders in public anrl Private sectors and to maintain contact with national agricultural research entities/organi' sations; No.28 llre Sierra Leorc Agricultural Resear.ch lnstitute Act, 2023 1l (if advise on priorities for the research and ; development programmes of the lnstitute to ensure maximura quality and effectiveness; Qii) review recormendations made to the Institute and formulate new research initiatives, on agriculhre, nalional food security, nutrition and food policy; (iv) review the annual programme ofwork, including new research programmes, proposals from the Programme Committees of Research Centres and make appropriate recommendations to Council; (v) oversee the annual research output, programmes and scientists of the lnstitute and specific outputs of Research Centres, with respect to their impact on farmers and farming communities as well as the scientific communiry; (vi) nominate outstanding research and researchers for recognition by Council and other authorities; (vii) provide quality assurance systems for agricultural research and related innovations, except those conducted by or in collaboration with accr€dited universities in Siera Leone; t2 No.28 The Sieta Leone Agricultural Research lwtitute Act' 2023 (viii) develop guidelines for the establishment and development of non-university research facilities, including the seiection of location, provision of laboratory facilities and supervisory requiretnents for major field installat ions and specialised equipment; and (x) perform sr-rch other functions as Council maY detemrine. (b) consist of the following members (} The Director-General of Institute, who shall be the Chairman; (ii) The Deputy Director-General for Research and lrutovation, who shall be the Secretary'; (iii) The Deputy Director-General for Commercialization and Business Development; (iv) 2 Directors of research centers of Institute, appointed by the Councif on an annual rotational basis; (v) The ChiefAgricultural Officer, Ministry of Agriculnre; (vi) The Executive Secretary, National Council of Science and Technolory; (vii) 2 Deans ofthe faculties of agriculture or related natural science disciplines from public universities, appointed by the Minister, cn tlie recommendation of 6er,r:cil, ensuri,rq 1,;ender balance; 'No.28 The Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute Act, 2023 r3 13. shall (viii) 2 distinguished agricultural researchers or agriculturists from the private sectoq appointed by the Minister on the recornmendation of Council, en s ur i n g gender balance: and (x) The President, National Federation of Farmers of Sierra Leone. TheAppointrrrents. Pri,motions and Performance Commifiee Appointments, Promotions (a) be responsible to Council for overseeing ,h" ::'j'#l#' recruitment, productivity and mobility of employees of Institute, including (i) developing and monitoring the in:plementation of policies pertinent to reeruitmenl performance and mobility of errployees of the Institute; G) leading the development and review of stirtf conditions of service for consideration and approval by the Council, ensuring that conditions of scrvice are comparable to orbetterthan th.ose used for equivalent ranks ofstaff 3t Pru[1it universities; (iiil cr,veloping criteria and guidelines for the appointnent, perforrnance appraisal irird proinotion ofresearch, administrat ive aird other support staff of the Inrtiiute; t4 No.28 The Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute Act' 2023 (iv) developing a staffappraisal system that would be used as the basis for promotions, demotions, renewal of contracts or termination of conmcts; (v) overseeing recruibnent and performance appraisal of senior management staff, except the Director General, appointed subject to section 20; (vi) reviewing the annual staff appraisal repons presented by management and make recommendations to the Council for the renewal of contracts and the professional development of employees of the Institute; (vi| conducting mid-term performance evaluation for Director-General, in consultation with the Minister, to determine his suitabilitY for re appointment; and (viii) performing such other functions as Council maY determine. O) consist of the followingmembers (f A Class tr member ofCouncil, appointed byCouncil, who shall be Chairman; (i| 2 other Class II members of Council, appointed by Cduncil; (iii) The Director General of Institute; I No.28 The Sierra LeoneAgriculturalResearchlnstitute Act, 2023 l5 14" The Finance and Compliance Conunittee shall (iv) The Administrative Director of Institute, who shall be Secretary; (v) The Finance Director of Institute; and (vi) 2 Directors of Researc[ Centers, nominated by the Director-General. (a) advise the Council on the eft'ective management of finances and institutional compliance with relevant national and the international legal and regulatory requirements of the Institute, including (f developing and reviewing policies, systems, manuals and operational guidelines aliped to the relevant laws and policies ofgovemment, as required to support the prudent management of financial and other resources of the Institute; (if monitoring compliance by staffand other officers of the Institute, to ensure conformity with the laws and policies governing public institutions in Sierra Leone and the policies and regulations of the Institute approved by Council; 0iD reviewing the annual and quarterly budgets of the Institute and make appropriate recommendations to . Courcil; Finance and Compliance Committee l6 No.28 The Sierra Leone Agriculturtt! Resi'arch Institute Act, 2023 (iv) providing oversight on institutional risk' ' and comPliance management and prornoting the adoPtion of best practices in management and idrninistratron across the Institute; (v) supporting resource mobilisation- ' initiatirres and overseeing allocation and utilisation ofsuch resources by the respective uoits of the Institute; (vi) appointing an audit sub-committee to conduct annual financial and systems audit of the Institute or as required by the Council; (vii) reviewing financial and compliance audit reports ofthe lnstitute and making appropriate recommendations to the Council; anrl (viii) perfbrm such other functions as the Council maY determine' (b) consist of the following members (f A Class II member of the Council, apPointed bY Council, who shall be Chairman; (ii) The Director-General ofthe lnstitute; (O The Finance Director of lnstitute, who shall be secretary; (iv) The Deputy Director-General for commercialization and business developmeut; No. 28 7le Sierra Leone Agrtculiurul Reseorch Institute Act' 2023 17 (v) The Deputy Director General for Research and Innovation; (vi) 2 other Class II members ofthe Cottrlcil; (\'ii) ]-he Adm inistrative Director oflnstitute; (viir) .^ Jirr-ciors of Research Centers ofthe in:iitute, appointed by Council; and @;) A financial management exPert co-opted cx the recommendation of Council without voting right. 15. The Knowledgo tuld Imcvation Commitae which shall Kro1{ledge and Innovation (a) be responsible to oversee the hamessing and committee dissemination of agricultural knowledge derived frorn previous and ongoing research piogr ;unes ol Institute and ensure their effective transformation to viable in r)ovations, including (i: pron:oting policies, strategies and 3uidelines to support documentation aod dissemination of research findings fi'or,r the research programmes of the lnstirlte; (ii) dev:loping appropriate policies and sur,l.rlines to ensure maximum benefits fr,rar the knowledge capital and iniellectual property of the Instituiel l8 No.28 The Sierra Leone Agricultural Researchlratitute Act' 2023 (iiD facilitating national dialogue among stakeholders in the national agricultural research systemto promote communica tion and knowledge sharing through farmer outreach, extension and short term training; (il) developing strategic framework with guidelines to facilitate the active tansfer of modern agricultural knowledge and irrnovations from the Institute to far mers and farming communities through multiple forms of cooperation between the tnstitute and the farming community as well as otler forms of collaboration with key stakeholders that support knowledge transfer and diffirsion of agricultural innovations to farming communities; (v) providing periodic updates to the Council on the socio-economic outcomes and impact of research and innovations of the Institute on the economy; (vi) overseeing the establishment and operation of a national knowledge repositorY to support farmers, researchers and innovators; and (vii) performing such other frrnctions as the Council maY dotermine. (b) consist ofthe follorving members I No. 28 llre Sierra Leone Agriculutal Research Institute Act, 2023 19 (i) A Ciass II member ofcouncil, appointed by Council, who shall be Chairman; G) fhe Director General of the Imtit[rte; (ii$ fhe Deputy Director€eneral in charge of r(.s6arcb and innovarion, who shall te secretaqr; (i!) 2 r)ther Class II members of Council, appointed by the Council; (v., 2 Directors of Research Centers, nominated by Managemenl and (vi) a senior officer in charge of conununication 16. The Commer.c ia!isation and Business DeveloDment ColEedfidin Committee sha[ . srid Busirqss (a) b; rcsponsible for promotir* ,n" 3i1"j,",'#" comrnercialisation of research ou(uts and establislxncnt ofcommercial entities by th€ Institure, including tii providing the enabling policy and regulatory environment for the cornmercialisation of research outputs of tire Institute; iii) rrver seeing the development and review cf :..niiual investrnent plans prepar€d by Research Centres, programmes, enterprises and other units of the lnrtitute and and advising the Council ac cordingly; n No.28 The Sieta Leone Agricttltural o) Research Institute Aet, 2023 (iii) analysing investrnent proposals for.the establishment of new comPanles, enterprises, .ioint ventures or other income generating units and advising the Council accordinglY; (iv) facilitating collaboration between the Management of the Institute and other private and public entities to promote entrepreneurship, establishment of commercial outfits and other fonns of investment bY the Institute; (v) promoting direct contribution of the institute to agricultural transformation and Youth emPloYment through a national agribusiness incubation progmmme for university graduates and otlret prospective agricultural entrepre neurs; and (vi) supporting management with the ' ' aevitopment and periodic review of resource mobilisation sfrategies to ensure suslainable funding of the Institute. consist of the following members (f A Class II member of the Council, appointed by the Council, who shall be Chairman; (O 2 members ofthe Council, appointed by Council; (ii| The Director General ofthe lnstitute; No.28 lle Sierra Leone Agt icultural Researeh lhstitute Act, 2023 2t (iv) The Deputy Director General responsible for commercialisation and business development, who shall be secr'etary; (v) 'fhe Deputy Director General . r€sponsible for research and Lmovation; (i.i) Ttre Finance Director of the Institute; (vii) The Administrative Director of the Institute; (viii) 2 Directors of Research Csnters, rppointed by the Council; (;"\) :j private sector agribusiness develop m e n: specialists, nominated by the Sierra L€one Chamber on Agriculture and Indu-stry and the National Fede-ration ofFarmers in Sierra Leone, respectively. 17. The Staff Discipii:rary Committee shall (a) iJe responsible to advice the Council on rn3lters pertaining to the general c o n d u c t an,] discipline of the staff of the Institute, inciuling (i) developing ethical and professional srrndfids for siaff of the Institute and c:ler persons representing or acting on behalfof the Lnstitute; staJf Disciplinary Committee D No.28 The Sierra Leone Agriculturu! Reseorch lftstitute Act, 2023 (if revierving disciplinary investigation repors presented to the Council; (iD ccnducting investigation on reports of misdemeanor arrd other disciplinary infractions by the staff of the lnstitute and other persons rePresenting or acting on behaif of the tnstitute and make recofiunendations to Council, as appropr;ate: Provided that disciplinary matters attecturg junior employees of the Institute shall be addressed at Research Centre level andinthe case of senior staff, at Headquarters, through the offtce of the Director General, subjeet to the right of appeal to the Staff Discipline Committee; and (iv) perforrning other related duties as Council tuay assign to it. O) consist of the following members: (} The Director-General of the Institute who shall be the Chairman; (ii) 2 Class II members ofthe Council; (ii| 2 Directors of Research Centers, appointed by the Council; (rv) The Finance Director; (v) The Adrninistrative Director; (vi) A representative of the junior staff nominated by the Junior Staff Association; and I l i No.28 The Sieta Leone Agricultural Research Institute Act, 2023 23 (vii) A representative of senior staff nominated by the Senior Staff . Association. PARI V - FT.INCTIONS OF INSTITUTE 18. (l) The object fof which the Institute is established is to Functions serve as the national agricultural technological research body of Institute. responsible to (a) conduct, facilitate, promote, coordinate and regulate a national food system through the Food Systems Research Platforrn; O) participate in agricultural innovations and technolory transfer processes. @ The Food Systems Research Platform shall comprise relevarrt stakeholders from such public and private sector institutions as may be determined by the Council and shall convene at least once a year to discuss challenges facing the development of researclq innovation and extension services in the national food systern, identiry viable solutions and provide other means of support to promote agricultural transformation. (3) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (l), it shall be the firnction of the lnstitute to (a) provide information that will assist govemment and other stakeholders in the developmoni of agricultural policies for poverty allet.iation, food security and improved livelihoods ofthe citizens of Sierra Leone; 24 No. 28 The Sierra LeoneAgricultural Researchlnstitute Act' 2023 (b) fonnulate agricultural research policies and progranxnes taking into account the.vision' misiion goal and objectives ofthe agricultural sector inline with governmentpolicy and the views of stakeholders, especially those that relate to sustainable food security and the conservation ofrenewable resources of Sierra Leone; (c) conduct basic and applied research in the following fields of studY (i) food and cash croP Production; (ii) livestock and in-land fish production; (iD forestry and tree crops production; (iv) land waterresources and environmental management systems; (v) value addition and postharvest technologies for food and non-food Products; (vi) science of foo4 nutrition and related technologies; (vii) plant, animal health and biosat'ety; (viii) breeding, genetics, genetic resources and biotechnologY; (x) environmental ionservation; (x) digital and other emerging technologies in agriculture; No.28 I[e Sierra Leone.4gricult t.ll Research Institute Act, 2023 25 (x) socio-cultural, economic and policy anaiysis of agricultural systems; (xD agricultural corunercialisation, agi business, agripreneurship, and agro industrialisation processes; (d) facilitate equitable access to research information, resources and technology and promote the application ofresearch findings aod technology in agricultural research and agricultuml technolory; (e) promote utilisation of agricultural research and knowledge systems; (0 establish sfiong working relationships with extension agencies in the public and private sector in the tansfer of tecbnology; G) maintain registers of research scientists, research projects and research results; (h) facilitate and provide relevant training and manpower development to serve the agricultural research needs of Siera Leone; (i) produce annual reports, medium and long term research plans and strategies, high Iighting the Eanagement, scientific training and financial aspects of the Institute; 0) establish stroDg links rvith national, regional and international research itrstitutions or' agencies involved in science and technolory developmenl and tra$fer; ?5 No.28 The Sierra LeoneAgriculturalResearchlnstitute Act' 2023 (m) disseminate and promote the dissemination of knowledge on modern agricultural innovations and technologies to stake holders; (n) monitor and evaluate the adoption, implementation and impact of national agricultural research on agricultural productivitY; (o) process and forward to government, the annual estimates for agricultural research funding; (p) mobilise human, financial and capital resources tiom donors, private sector and from within the Institute for its benefit; (k) represent Sierra Leone in regional and international agricultural research forums; 0) enhance public awareness on the importance of scientific research to agricultural and economic development; (q) strengthen collaboration amongst, research, extension, farmers and policy makers and other key stakeholders in the national agricultural research and extension system; O build &e capacitY of (r) agricultural extension staffin order to transt'er technolory effectivelY; (ii) service providers alongthe agricultural value chain; and I, Qi| learning institutions; No.28 fhe Siefra Leotrc Agrictlnral Research Inititute Ac!, 2023 n (s) engage the private sector in the agricultural research system towards (, inv€stment in production; (i) rurding research; and (iii) market access; (t) strengthen partnerships and resource mot'ilisation; (u) build a performance-based system for researchers that recognises (i) research publications, and (ii) rcsources generatedthrcngh gants and pannerships; (v) establish. rnaintain and operate income generaling enfities forthe commercialisation of research ourputs of the Instiarte; (w) provide grants for agriculnral research and trainir)g programs, consistent with the national research priorities and srategic plan of rilu insritute; (x) t'acili'ate Jialogue among key stakeholders ,-'f th. .rrtional agricultural research system thror,gh rhe Food Systems Platform to tijscuss the needs and challenges of ag:icultural research and id€ntify sustainable dvelu:es to address them; and (y) do src h rther things as Cormcil may consider necessiry to attain the object stated in :ruhsictidn (l). '28 No.28 The Sierra Leone Agricultural ResearchlnstituteAct, 2023 Powers of Institute. 19. Subjectto the approval of Council and inconsultation with the Minister, the Institute shall have power to (a) generate funds from commercial and other activities and reinvest such funds to promote the work and gror"th of the Institute; (b) purchase or otherwise acquire or possess' hire or otherwise encumber real property; (c) establish, on its own or in association with another person or entiry, for the purpose of developing or exploiting an invention or technological expertise, and for this purpose to acquire an interest in or control over a company; and (d) create, on its own or in association with a person or entity, a trust fund for the ud*ioi.trutio, of donations and contributions. PARTVI - THEADMINSTRATION OF THE SIERRALEONE AGRTCLILTIJRAL INSTITUTE. 20. 0) The Institute shall have a Director-General who' shall be appointed by the President on the recommendation ofthe Minister' aftei ionsultation with the Council' 8) A person shall not be appointed as Director-General unless he (a) is a Citizen of Sierra lPone; O) holds a doctorate degree in agricultural sciences from a recognised university; Director Generat of lnstitute. No. 28 lre Sterra Leone Agricultural Research Instttule Acl, 2023 a) (c) has, at least, l0 years post-doctoral work experience in matters relating to scientific,. research, agricultural research or development; (d) has a proven knowledge and bxperience in admiristration at a senior management level, with a track record ofhigh level of integrity; and (e) has proven managerial skills and innovative ideas with competence in good govemance. (3) The Director-General shall hold office for a term of5 years and shall be eligible for reappointment for a firrther term of5 years only. (4) The minimum terms and conditioos of service of the Director4enaral shall be determined by the Comcil and be made equivalent to or better than those ofVice-Chancellors and hincipals of Njala University, University of Sierra Leone or other public universities in Sierra Leone. 21. (1) The Director-General shatl be the Chief Scientific FuDotions of Officer, D tor4eneral, ChiefExecutive Officer, a&ninistrative head !ffi' and vote controller of the Institute and shall be under the geneml supervision of the Council. (2) Subject to generality of subsection (l) the Director General shall be responsible for- (a) the day-to-day operations of the Institute; O) preparation ofthe annMl reports, statemelts of accounts and audited accounts of the Institute; (c) submission ofreports, work programme and budget of the Institute; 30 No. 28 The Sierra LeoneAgricultural Research Institute Act' 2023 Deputy Director Gcnerals. (d) the arrangement of business and the recording and keeping of minutes of the meetings of tlie Council; (e) supervision and enforcement of code of conduct of other employees of the Institute; (0 performance of such other functions as may' t" assignecl to hirn by the Council or the Minister. (3) The Director General shali be the principal signatory toallaccountsofthelnstitute,otherthanResearchCenteraccounts. (4) The common seal shall be kept in the custody of the Director- General. (5) If the position of the Director-General is vacant due attainmentofageofretirement,resignation,dismissalordeath'orif fo, *y r"uroo he is unable to perform his duties, one of the Deputy Oir."io, Generals shall be appointed to perfonn the duties of the Director.GeneraluntiltheDirector.Generalresumeshisdutiesora new Director-General is appointed' 22. (l) The Institute shall have (a) a Deputy Director-General, Research' technology and innovation development; and O) aDeputyDirector4eneral,Commercialisation . and agri-busrness deveioPment' both of whom shall be appointed by the Council, to serve under the general supervision and contol of the Director4eneral' No.2E llz Sierra Leonc .4gtictifitdl Rese ch Instilute Act' 2023 3l (2) A person shau not be appointed as Deputy Director General unless he (a) holds a doctorate degree in agriculture or related sciences from a recognised university with at least 7 years of post-doctoral exp€rience inagriculturalresearch, scientilic research, academia or develoPment; (b) has a proven knowledge and experience ln agricultural develoPment; (c) has proven managerial skills; and (d) has attained the rank of (f Principal Research Officer in a reputable research institution or (ii) Associate Professor from a recognised university. (3) A Deputy Director-General shall hold ofEce for 5 yea6 and shall be eligible for reappointment for a firther term of5 yea$ only. (4) The minimum terms and conditions of service of a Deputy Director4eneral shall be determined by Council and shall be aqoiuul"nt to or better thar those of a Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Njala University, Universlty ofSierra t eone or other public urivenities in Sierra Leone. 23. (1) The Director Generalmaybe rcmoved from omc€ by y11Y^"1 the President by Councii, oD the advice of tbe Minister basd oo l'"iXX'il"r, recommendation ofthe Council. staff. 9 No.28 The Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute Act, 2$23 Administrative Director. Q) The Cormcil may, remove other management staff, including, the Deputy Director Generals, Administrative Director, FinanceDirectorandCenter Directors, from office, on sound grounds, following due process. (3) Notwithstanding subsections (l) and (2), a management staff shall not be removed from office, unless on the following grounds, (a) his inabiliry to perform the functions of the office, arising from physical or mental incapacity; (b) for gross misconduct or misbehavior, as determined by an independent investigation panel; (c) for poor performance, due to inability to grow the Institute or function effectively in the capaclty served; (d) on his attainment of the official age of retirement; (e) he is convicted of a criminal oftbnce and sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not less than 6 months; or (D for any other ground considered sufficient to justi$ removal from office, under the terms and conditions of service approved by Council. 24. (l) The Institution shall have anaihninistrative Director appointed by the Council who shall be the principal adviser to the Director- General on administrative matters of the Institute. No. 28 fre Siefta Leone Agricuhural Research lhstitute Acr, 2023 33 (2) A person shall not be appohted as Administrative Director uoless he has (a) obtained a master's degree in public administration, business administration or related discipline; O) strong written and verbal communication skitls: (c) served for a minimum of l0 years in administratioD, with at least 5 yeaE at a senior management Ievel. (3) The mininum terrns and conditions ofservice ofthe A&ninistrative Director shall be detennined by Council and shall be equivalent to or better than those ofthe Registrar ofNjala University, Univenity of Sierra l*one or other public universities in Sierra Leone. (4) The A&ninistrative Director shall be responsible to (a) provide administrative support to the Director4eneral; (b) coordinate the adminisaative activities ofthe Research Centers of fie Institute; (c) promote development aird compliance with the policies, regulations, and guidelines of the Institute; (d) supervise the work of other administrative and support staff; (e) ensure proper documentation of admini strative activities and maintain accurate records for the lnstitute; v No. 28 The Siena Leone Agriculturol Research Institute Act' 2023 Finance Director, 25. (1) The Institution shall have a Finance Director appointed by the council who shall be the principal adviser to the Director-General on financial mallers of the Institute' Q) A person shall not be appointed as Finance Director unless he has (a) a qualification in Association of Chartered Accounting or masters degree in the fields of Accounting, Finance or Business Administratiou O develop effective communication system and enstre proutpt communication between the Instiiutc and its stakeholders; (g) perform sucir other duties as may be assigned by the Director-G eneral' O) served for a minimum of 10 years in an accounting or finance related position, with at least 5 years at senior management level; and (c) proven knowledge and experience in accounting and financial management' (3) The minimum terms and conditions of service of the Finance Director shall be determined by the council and shall be equivalent to or better than those of a Finance Director of Njala University, University of Sierra Leone or other public universities in Sierra Leone. g) The Finance Director shall be responsible to (a) establish, maintain, constantly review and upgrade the financial management system of the Institute; No.28 ?lre Sierra Leone Agriadturdl Research Inslitute Act, 2023 35 (b) provide Decessary leadership to ensure frnancial compliance with public financial Acts and regulations at all levels of the Inslitute; (c) develop resource mobilisation stratery for the Institut€: (d) prepare annual and quarterly budgets and related reports of the Institute; (e) provide supervision and suPPort for other personnel involved in finance related work; ard (f1 perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Director-General 26. (1) The lnstitute shall have, in addition to the Director- other staff. General, Deputy Director-Generals, Administrative Director and Finance Director, such other staffas the Council may determine, for the efficient discharge of its functions under this Act and on terms and conditions equivalent to or better than those eqioyed by staffof Njala University, University of Sierra Leone or other public uniyersities in Sien*a Leone. (2) Other staff that may be employed under subsection 1l) including researcb and administrative staffofthe Researcb Centels, may be deployed by the Institute where and when required. 27, Public officers may, at th; insance of the lnstitute, be secondment seconded or otherwise render assistance to the lnstitute. but 6: :L,illll" institute rnay request tbe withdrawal of any such seconded statl who is unable to carqz out assigned functions in a maoner satisfactory . ,to the Institute. x No28TheSienaLeoneAgriculturalRcsearchlnstttuteAct'2023 Appointment contract. Management committees. Research Centre. 28. (1) Appointment of staff of the Institute shall be on confactforafixed term of4 years renewable by mutual consent, but such staff shall hold tenure after serving the Institute for 2 consecutive terms of 4 Years each. (2) Annual staff perfonnartce records shall be kept to evaluate staff on the basis ofjob perfonnance and conduct' 29. (1) The Director General may constitute management' standing or ad-hoc committees consisting of the Director General, oeputy nirector Generals, centre-Directors and other relevant personnel for the purposes of consultation on the day-to-day affairs of ttre tnstitute and its constituent Research Centres ' @ The Director General, shall be Chairman for all .*ugr*.rt committees and determine the membership, meeting procedures and purpose of such committees' 30. (1) The Institute shall have such Research Centres, as the councii may, on the advice of the Director General, determine. (2) A Research Centre under subsection (l) shall be to (a) provide advise on and develop appropriate ;ystems to promote balanced, diversified and sustained agricultural development and to optimise agricultural production through adaptive and investigative research; O) develop innovative research programmes and conduct world-class investigations in the relevant field ofagriculture; and (c) promote agricultural commercialisation ihrougtr the dissemination of improved production technologies to farming communities and establish effective feedback systems with producers in support of national self-sufficiency and export capacities in agriculrural products; and ) No.28 Tlze Sierru Leonc .lgr ftultural R.search lhstilute Act, 2023 37 (d) cooperate with other Research Centres and key stakcholders to establish and operate an agribusiness incubation s),stem. @ For the purpose of carrying out its fimctions under subsection (l) a Research Ceotre shall (a) orgauise, design and carry out on-station and on-thrm research in their respective sectors of agriculnral research in accordance with such pr.,iicies and in such priorities as may be dctemrined by the Council; (b) ideititl, production, policy, market, processing and utilization constraints in the ficids of agriculture, water, livestock, lishelies, forestry and environmeDt and prepare short and long-term research progranlmes within tho Aamework of the nati,ual agriculhrral research system; (c) i-lcnii. \ and disseminate, in collaboration uith Dther relevant agencies appropriate systens r:f mechanization and technology options to improve agricultural productiou aud pr',r vide answers to foreseeable pmblems lechrg cr.rp, livestoclq forestry and fisheries production; (d) collabomte with the extension and education \irr\ irer ind other organisations, agencies ard insi;nrtions including sclrools, tecbnical inrtr',uli,)rrs and universities, public or private to .ris.,eminate research results and tec:ri n,loS,ies; 38 No.28 The Sierra Leone Agrtcultural Research Institute Act, 2023 (e) establish and maintain regular contact with regional and international agricultural Research Centres to ensure the rapid introduction, evaluation and use of improved technology of potential benefit to the Centre Director. (g) promote demand-driven participatory research, planning and priority setting and; (h) perform such other functions as the Council maYdetermine' 31. 0) A Research Centre trnder subsection (1) shall be nt"JJ bya Cente- Director, appointed by Council on the recommendation of theAppointments, Promotions and Performance Commiuee. Q\ A Centre-Director appointed tmder subsection (i)' shall, withiegards to the Research Cente to which he is appointed (0 (a) country; coriduct in association with the Council armual reviews of research results and modify research pografimes as appropriate; be the research and administrative head and chief scientist; (b) be the chief finance officer and principal signatory to its accounts; (c) implement decisions of the Council and management, affecting the Research Centre; No.28 The Siena Leone Agricultura! Research Institute Act, 2023 39 (d) oversee the work and discipline ofemployees assigned to the Research Cente; and (e) liaise with relevant stakeholders to promote the objectives of the Institute and mobilise resources to support the .work of the Research Centre. (3) A person shall not be appointed Centre-Director unless he (c) has at least 5 years experience in agricultural research or development; (d) has proven rnanagerial skills; and (e) has attained arank, (i) not below Principal Research Officer in a reputable research institution; or (ii) Associate Professor from a recognised university. (4) A person appointed Centre-Director shall hold office for a term of5 years and shall be eligible for reappointnent for a fi.rther term of 5 years only. 32. (l) A Research Centre shall appointheads ofresearch programmes to provide leadership for restiarch programmes undertaken in the Research Center. Head of Research programme. (2) A person shall not lie appointed Head of Research Programme, under subsection (l), unless he is a researcher who had attained a doctorate degree in the relevant field ofresearch. 33. Theprope4yineveryresearchfindingorer.Op.og*, property in undertaken by the Institute that is funded entirely by grants made to lesl1ch the lnstirute shall vest in the Institute, unless wtrer-e the tnstitute findings' decides to waive or share ownership in a properly executed agreement. 4 Discoveries" inventions, etc. No.28 The Sierra LeonP Research [nstitute Act, 2023Agricultural Acccss to research findings and facilities. Power to charge fees. 34. (1) The rights in discoveries, inventions and improvements in respect ofprocesses, apparatus and machinery made by {a) an emPloYee of the hrstitute; (b) a person assisting the Institute with an investigation or research; shall vest in the Institute. Q) Notrvithstanding subsection (l)' the Institute may make available for use in the fublic, tJiscoveries, inventions and 'i*prot"**,s vested in the institute' subject to such conditions ;;;t ;ry*ent of fees or royalties asthe trnstitutemaydetennine' (3i The Council may, where the rights in a discovery invention or improvement are vested in the Institute' award to the [*t" ltnrnsiille fortt'e discovery invention or improvement such [onu, us it Oeems fit or make proviiion for furancial participation by such person in the prot-rts A"iiu"a from the discovery' invention or irptJu"*.orto sucir extent as the Minister may' with the concurrence of the Minister ofFinance, determine' (4) The Institute may apply for a- patent in respect of a discovery invention or improvunent referred to in subsection (1) 35. The Institute may, subject to such conditions' restrictions and limitations as it muy d"tetmine, allow any person access to the ;;;; findings and facitities, including equipment, laboratory and database of the lnstitute' 36. The Institute may impose fees' royalties or other charges as it thinks fit for research, investigation' test' training advice or otn"t t.*it"s provided by the Institute or for the use of its property and facilities No.28 The Sierra LeoneAgricuhuralResearchlnstitute Act, 2023 37, The Institute may require a person to submit infonnation Power or to produce documents or records which in the opinion of the request' councit is necessary for the discharge of the Institute's functions under this Act. 38. (1) A Research Centre shall constitute standing or ad- Research 4l hoc committees to deal with matters of specific interest to the Centre Committees. Research Centre. A\ The Centre-Director may deterrnine the composition, functionsand procedures of the Research Centre Committees' PARTVII. FINANCIAL PROVISIONS OF INSTTTLfTE 39. The activities ofthe lnstitute shall be financedby firnds Funds of consisting of Institute' (a),T,1T:: ll'#iil:Tl jI j,T'ffi::' ff ,t: estimated income and expenditure of the Institute; (b) incorne eamed by the Institute through a trust fund or cornmercial activities; ' (c) research grants, gifu or donations from any person or authority; and (d) monies otherwise accruing to the lnstitute in the course of its activities 40. 0) The Director-General shall receive on behalf of the Accounts Institute all funds of the Insritute. and audit 42 No.28 The Sterra Leone Agricultural Research Institute Act, 2023 Annual report. @ The Institute shall keep proper books of accounts and proper records in relation to its accounts and shall prepare within a period of 3 montls after the end of each financial year, a statement of its accounts in such form as the Auditor-General may direct. (3) The books and accounts ofthe Institute shall each yearbe audited by theAuditor-General or a finn ofauditors approved by him or her and the report of the audit shall be submitted to the Council. 4I. (1) The Director'General shall, within 3 months after the end of each financial year, submit to the S.T.C for the approval of the Council an annual report ofthe activities, operations, undertakings and propelty and finances ofthe Institute for that year. (2) Subject to subsection (l), an annual report shall include (a) a copy of the audited accounts ofthe Institute together with the audit report thereon; and (b) anyotherreportmadeto orrequestedbythe Minister for the information or consideration of Cabinet (3) A copy ofthe annual report approved by the Council shall be sent to the Minister not later than 4 months after the end of the year to which the report relates and the Minister shall, as soon as possible, but not later than 2 months after the receipt of the report cause the report to be laid before Parliament. (4) The financial year ofthe Institute shall be the same as that of the Government. t No.28 ?'le Sierre Leon. -|liri ultural Research htstiture Act, 2O2! 43 PARTVII I- ltfl SCELT-ANEOUS 42. The Minister may', after consultations with the Institute, Rcgulations make regulations as he considers necessary for giving effect to this Act. 43. Tbe Siena Leone.Agricultural Research InstituteAct,2007 Repcal is hereby repealed. 4 PassedinParliamentthis 24th day of Aprit' inthe year of our Lord two thousand and TwentY Two. PARAN UMAR TARAWALLY, Clerk of Parliament. TrusPRNIEDl},PnssstoNhasbeencarefullycomparedbymewiththeBill which has passed Parliament and found by me to be a true and correct printed copy ofthe saidBill. PARAN UMAR TARAWALLY Clerk of Parliament. PnwrsD ANo PuBr-nrno rv rne GorerNmr PnnrrNc Deranrunrr, GAzens No.62 or l2rn Octr:snn,2023 STSRRA LeoNe.