The youths of Ya-Kemoh Kpukumu Krim (YKK) Chiefdom in Pujehun District have embarked on cassava farming as part of their agricultural endeavors. This transition marks a new chapter in the agricultural landscape of the chiefdom, known for its robust youth engagement in farming activities.

For several years, the chiefdom’s youths actively participated in rice farming under the Chiefdom Youth Farm Program, generously supported by the government of Sierra Leone. This initiative aimed to empower young people through agriculture while contributing to food security in the region. The efforts bore fruit, with the chiefdom consistently recording commendable yields from the youth-led farming program.

Justice Jobo Jalloh, serving as the Chiefdom Youths Chair, played a pivotal role in mobilizing and organizing the youth towards agricultural activities. Under his leadership, the youths demonstrated enthusiasm and dedication, which contributed significantly to the success of the rice farming initiative.

However, recognizing the need for diversification and sustainable agricultural practices, the youths have ventured into cassava farming as they are almost at the completion stage of the land clearing.

The decision to embrace cassava farming stems from its resilience to adverse weather conditions, relatively low input requirements, and versatile applications. With proper training and support, the youths are optimistic about the prospects of cassava farming and its potential to enhance their livelihoods while contributing to the agricultural development of the chiefdom.