A concerned indigene from Batkanu, the headquarters of Lebesegahun Chiefdom in the Karene district of Sierra Leone, residing in the USA, has promised to return to his native home and address the ongoing issue of cattle owners whose animals have been damaging rice fields, causing significant economic hardship in the region.

In a telephone interview with Awoko Newspaper on Friday, November 3rd, 2023, Mr. Joseph Yankay Kargbo shared his determination to organize a significant gathering in Batkanu. The purpose of this meeting is to combat the persistent negative behaviors of cattle owners whose actions have led to the destruction of rice fields worth millions of leones. This destruction has not only increased poverty in the chiefdom but has also forced numerous farmers to seek better farming conditions in other chiefdoms.

Mr. Kargbo revealed that various attempts have been made to address this issue with the Paramount Chief of the chiefdom, Bai Yankay Kargbo II. Unfortunately, the Paramount Chief has failed to implement effective measures to prevent these destructive activities by cattle owners, which has left the local farmers disheartened. This inaction is viewed as a violation of their fundamental human rights, and Mr. Kargbo has pledged to fight for the rights of farmers in his hometown.

Emphasizing the importance of agriculture in the region, Mr. Kargbo stated that he and many others have made substantial investments in agriculture to elevate the financial and economic well-being of their people. The continuous damage to rice fields by cattle owners has put these efforts at risk.

Mr. Kargbo also raised concerns about the suspected close relationship between cattle owners and the Paramount Chief, suggesting that the Chief may have received gifts to protect their interests. This suspicion is further reinforced by the Chief’s reluctance to take action.

Furthermore, Mr. Kargbo pointed out that the situation has led to a significant exodus of the youth labor force from the area in search of better opportunities to support their families left behind. This not only jeopardizes President Bio’s “Feed Salone” project, designed to provide financial support to farmers across all districts, but also worsens poverty for the average villager.

Mr. Kargbo called upon the Ministry of Agriculture, Paramount Chiefs Council, Sierra Leone Farmer’s Association, and the Civil Society to intervene promptly and find a solution to this pressing issue. He also cautioned the family of the Paramount Chief against launching attacks on the protesting farming community, urging them to avoid any escalation into violence.

The determination of Mr. Joseph Yankay Kargbo to address the challenges faced by local farmers has garnered attention and raised hopes for positive change in Batkanu and the greater Karene district of Sierra Leone.