Abass Sesay, AYV News, May 27, 2025
Farmers in Makari chiefdom, Bombali district, are raising alarm over the rampant destruction of their crops by stray cattle, a crisis that threatens both their livelihoods and the national food security agenda championed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
Over the past few days, several rice, cassava, and vegetable farms across Makari have been trampled and grazed by cattle reportedly owned by herdsmen.
Local farmers say the destruction is widespread and devastating, occurring during crucial stages of crop development.
“We have invested heavily in land preparation, seeds, and fertilizers,” said Kadiatu Fofana, a subsistence farmer at Worreh Yeama village. “But all of that is going to waste because the cattle roam freely and eat everything.” She added.
Smallholder farmers are calling for urgent intervention from both district authorities and the central government. They fear the ongoing situation will discourage private investment in agriculture and derail progress toward food self-sufficiency.
Sierratec, an agriculture company working to modernize farming through input support and mechanization, has expressed concern over the developments.
A representative of the company Mohamed Sorie Bangura noted that frequent crop damage poses serious risks to their investments and could hinder progress on national goals such as reducing food imports and achieving agricultural self-sufficiency.
The situation also threatens the credibility and success of the Feed Salone initiative — the government’s flagship food security program aimed at increasing production, employment, and resilience in the sector.
Affected farmers have accused local authorities, including the police and traditional leaders, of failing to act decisively. Some allege that these authorities are compromising the issue due to personal connections with the cattle owners.
In a telephone call with the traditional leader of Makari chiefdom, Paramount Chief Bai Makari Nkolo II told this medium that he could not comment on the issue. And no reason was given why he declined to respond.
Police in the North East Region described the situation as scary. According to the Police, farmers reported an allegation of crop destruction by cows. But the herdsmen didn’t honour the invitation. They confirmed that investigations are underway, and a particular cattle owner has opted to relocate to another community.
Makari chiefdom, Bombali district, has been identified as a priority area for agricultural transformation under several donor-supported programs. But with increasing conflicts between crop farmers and cattle herders, the area risks becoming unstable for sustainable development.
As Sierra Leone pushes to achieve its national food security goals in the years ahead, the situation in Makari serves as a warning sign of the importance of land use planning, livestock management, and community-level conflict resolution.
