Local Farmers of the Port Loko environs have expressed alarming concern over the excessive down pour of rains, inadequate harvesting machines and regular breakdown of limited ones as key among numerous challenges impeding their field.

Ya Alimamy Haja Sesay District Coordinator for National Federation of Famers Sierra Leone shared these concerns at the prime time of the harvesting season.

Citing the issues of flooding, Ya Alimamy said, “We are experiencing a change in rainfall as it exceeds usual expectations that has led to destructive floods on many farms.” She also stressed shortage of machines that causes damage on rice ready for harvest.

Although she expressed gratitude to government and partners for their support with seeds, fertilizers, and few 5machines, but called for more intervention to thwart these persisting constrains.

Responding to these concerns, the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, at the Directorate of Agriculture calls for the provision of local metrology facilities that can predict weather to reduce the risk of flooding on farms. He further advised local farmers to change traditional farming systems and adhere to expertise in the the sector.

Agriculture has been one of the major source of livelihood to a large number of people of the district. Some municipal residents explore nearby villages for their faming jobs.