Former Regent Chief of Makarie Chiefdom accused of destroying livelihoods and undermining the’ Feed Salone’ agenda

 

By: Yusuff Moseray Suma

The 'Feed Salone' initiative, championed by His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, is a cornerstone of Sierra Leone's agricultural policy. It seeks to address food security by empowering local farmers and increasing agricultural productivity. However, recent events in the Makarie Chiefdom have cast a shadow over this noble initiative, highlighting the challenges that can arise when local interests clash with national goals.

On Monday, August 26, 2024, hundreds of women farmers from the communities of Mayobo, Moria, Makaray, and Makarie staged a protest in front of the residence of Paramount Chief Bai Makarie N’kolo. The protest was sparked by the alleged destruction of their rice farms by cows reportedly owned by Ibrahim Dawoh, the former regent chief of Makarie Chiefdom. These farmers, many of whom rely solely on their crops for their livelihoods, claim that Dawoh's actions not only devastated their farms but also directly undermined President Bio’s 'Feed Salone' agenda.

The 'Feed Salone' initiative is more than just an agricultural program; it is a vision for a self-sufficient Sierra Leone. At its core, the initiative aims to reduce the country's dependency on imported food by boosting local food production. This is achieved through a combination of government support, community involvement, and the empowerment of local farmers, particularly women, who make up a significant portion of the agricultural workforce.

Key Advantages of the 'Feed Salone' Initiative:

1. Empowerment of Local Farmers: The initiative places significant emphasis on empowering local farmers by providing them with the necessary tools, resources, and training to improve their productivity. By focusing on capacity-building, 'Feed Salone' enables farmers to increase their yields, improve the quality of their produce, and ultimately, enhance their livelihoods.
2. Reduction of Food Insecurity: One of the primary objectives of 'Feed Salone' is to address food insecurity by ensuring that Sierra Leone can produce enough food to meet the needs of its population. By reducing reliance on imported food, the initiative helps stabilize food prices and makes essential staples more affordable for the average Sierra Leonean.
3. Economic Growth and Sustainability: The success of 'Feed Salone' is directly linked to the broader economic development of the country. By promoting local food production, the initiative supports the growth of the agricultural sector, creates jobs, and stimulates economic activity in rural areas. This, in turn, contributes to the overall sustainability and resilience of the national economy.
4. Environmental Stewardship: The initiative encourages sustainable farming practices that are designed to protect the environment and preserve natural resources. By promoting methods that reduce soil degradation, conserve water, and enhance biodiversity, 'Feed Salone' ensures that the agricultural sector can thrive in the long term without compromising the environment.
5. Community Cohesion: 'Feed Salone' fosters a sense of community and shared purpose among local farmers. By working together towards a common goal, farmers are able to share knowledge, support one another, and build stronger, more resilient communities.

The recent incident in Makarie Chiefdom highlights the fragility of the progress made under the 'Feed Salone' initiative. The protesting women farmers allege that the destruction of their rice farms by Dawoh's cattle was not just an attack on their livelihoods, but also an affront to the national agenda of food security.

Rice is a staple crop in Sierra Leone, and its production is crucial to the success of 'Feed Salone'. The destruction of these farms represents a significant setback, not only for the farmers involved but also for the broader community that depends on these crops for food and income.

For the women farmers of Mayobo, Moria, Makaray, and Makarie, farming is more than just a job; it is a way of life. Many of these women have been cultivating the land for generations, passing down knowledge and skills from mother to daughter. The rice farms they tend to are not just sources of food and income, but also symbols of their heritage and resilience.

The destruction of their farms has left these women devastated. Many have lost their entire crop, which they had hoped to harvest and sell to support their families. For some, this loss means the difference between being able to send their children to school or not. For others, it means the loss of their only source of income.

Despite the enormity of their loss, these women remain resilient. Their protest was not just a cry for help, but a demand for justice. They are calling on local authorities to hold Dawoh accountable and to take measures to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.

The actions of a single individual can have far-reaching consequences, particularly when they undermine national initiatives like 'Feed Salone'. The destruction of these rice farms is not just a local issue; it is a national concern. When local interests are allowed to override the common good, it jeopardizes the progress that has been made towards achieving food security in Sierra Leone.

President Bio's administration has made significant strides in promoting agriculture as a key driver of economic growth. However, incidents like the one in Makarie Chiefdom threaten to derail these efforts. It is crucial that the government, local authorities, and communities work together to ensure that the gains made under 'Feed Salone' are not lost.

The incident in Makarie Chiefdom serves as a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. Achieving food security in Sierra Leone will require not only government support but also the active participation and cooperation of local communities. It will require holding individuals accountable when their actions threaten the common good and ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned with the national agenda.

As Sierra Leone continues to strive towards self-sufficiency, it is important to remember that the success of initiatives like 'Feed Salone' depends on the collective efforts of all citizens. By working together, we can build a stronger, more resilient nation, where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.

Henry Musa Kpaka (left), Sierra Leone’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, receives
APP materials from Osama El-Lissy (right) IPPC Secretary / © FAO/Anita Tibasaaga

The 'Feed Salone' initiative is a bold and visionary project that has the potential to transform Sierra Leone's agricultural landscape. However, its success hinges on the ability of local communities to align with national goals and work together towards a common purpose. The recent incident in Makarie Chiefdom is a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead, but it is also an opportunity for reflection and action.