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A bold new vision to transform Baoma Chiefdom from a long-standing mining centre into a thriving agricultural hub is gaining momentum, as Paramount Chief Alfred Demby aligns local development efforts with the national agenda championed by President Julius Maada Bio.
During a visit to Gerihun on Easter Sunday, Chief Demby outlined a strategic plan centred on agriculture, partnerships, and human capacity development—an approach aimed at reversing decades of environmental degradation caused by mining while boosting food production and livelihoods.
Baoma Chiefdom has historically depended on mining activities dating back to the 1930s. However, the legacy of abandoned mining pits and degraded land has left many communities vulnerable, with limited sustainable income sources.
In response, Chief Demby is spearheading efforts to rehabilitate the land by closing abandoned mining pits and repurposing them for agricultural use. As part of this initiative, he has made available up to 400 acres of boliland for rice cultivation this season, along with access to farming machinery. The move supports the government’s broader push to prioritise agriculture as a pathway to economic stability and food security.
A key component of the initiative is collaboration with development partners. Chief Demby has partnered with Dutch humanitarian Sander de Kramer through the Sunday Foundation, securing agricultural machinery valued at over $60,000. The equipment is expected to complement government-provided resources, highlighting the role of public-private partnerships in accelerating rural development beyond state interventions alone.
Despite these gains, the chiefdom faces a significant challenge—a shortage of skilled machinery operators. Chief Demby noted that while many residents have experience in diamond mining, few possess the technical expertise required to operate modern farming equipment.
To address this gap, plans are underway to train local residents, with provisions being made to accommodate incoming operators. The Ministry of Agriculture is also expected to support the initiative by deploying skilled personnel and facilitating knowledge transfer within the community.
Chief Demby’s efforts are increasingly being viewed as a model for localised development, where traditional leadership plays a proactive role in advancing national policy objectives. His approach underscores the importance of community-driven solutions, strategic partnerships, and long-term investment in human capital as key drivers of sustainable development.
As Sierra Leone continues its push towards agricultural transformation, Baoma Chiefdom may well emerge as a blueprint for how resource-rich regions can transition from extractive industries to more sustainable and inclusive growth.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/14bE5f23fvD/
