By Lansana Fofanah
The Feed Salone Programme is under threat as over one hundred cows mercilessly destroyed 2,500 hectares of rice farm at the Sierra Tec Agricultural Investment, Makoth, Bombali District
The planting season across the country has started, but the impact of loose cows herding has already been felt by farmers.
Expressing his frustration, the Chief Executive Officer of Sierra TEC, Salieu Kanu, said they are dedicated private investors who remain committed to supporting the Feed Salone agenda but that the challenges faced by cows are undermining their efforts.
“Some group of cattle herders are intentionally wreaking havoc on our 2,500 hectares of rice farmland. This destructive behaviour is not only undermining the President’s vision for food security but also putting at risk crucial investments aimed at bolstering our agricultural sector,” he said.
Recently, Sierra TEC demonstrated its commitment by investing over $500,000 towards essential farm tools, modern machinery, and quality seeds to enhance productivity and ensure sustainable farming practices.
“That initiative, which promises to significantly impact the local economy, was launched with the backing of key figures including the Minister of Agriculture, Presidential spokesman, the Resident Minister, the Paramount Chiefs of Makari, and various Section Chiefs. Despite our efforts to address this issue by notifying the police, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Paramount Chief, and other relevant stakeholders, the situation remains dire and unresolved,” he said.
Sadly, the cattle herders involved are evading accountability, claiming that they have been granted permission by higher authorities to destroy the fields.
According to Mr Kanu, the defiance escalated recently when the police managed to apprehend some of the cattle responsible, yet the broader issue continues unabated.
“We are reaching out for support and assistance from well-wishers who can help us address this pressing challenge before it completely undermines our agricultural efforts and the livelihoods dependent on them,” Mr. Kanu appealed.
A similar situation is happening in Kamathun village, Biriwa Chiefdom, Bombali district where Journalists Against Hunger’s massive farm project is under threat.
It is very important for the government of Sierra Leone to address this issue before it escalates to riots between farmers and cattle owners, a situation which is happening in other countries.
