By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The National Consortium on Public Accountability (NCPA), a Civil Society Organization dedicated to promoting constitutional and human rights issues in the country, has voiced serious concerns regarding the effectiveness of the ‘Feed Salone’ initiative under the leadership of Agriculture Minister Dr Henry Musa Kpaka.
While acknowledging the efforts of President Julius Maada Bio to engage youth in national development, the NCPA’s in recent assessments highlighted significant shortcomings in the agricultural programme. Over the past two years, surveys conducted across various districts—including Bonthe, Kambia, Koinadugu, and Falaba—reveal a lack of tangible success and effective farmers’ engagement.
Key issues identified include:
Lack of Strategic Roadmap: Civil Society Organizations report the absence of a clear and realistic roadmap for the initiatives, making it difficult to track progress and address challenges effectively.
Neglected Resources: During site visits, the Consortium found abandoned tractors in districts such as Kailahun, Karene, and Falaba, intended to enhance farming activities but left unused under the Minister’s oversight.
Limited Engagement: The organization noted insufficient outreach and communication between the Ministry and farmers, hampering potential collaboration.
The NCPA has repeatedly sought discussions with the Minister of Agriculture Dr Kpar to address these concerns, but these requests have reportedly been met with reluctance. Given the current trajectory, they express deep cynicisms about the future success of the ‘Feed Salone’ initiatives, warning that taxpayers’ funds may be wasted without immediate intervention.
The organization calls upon President Bio, international communities, development partners, religious leaders, local councils, and the media to closely examine the programme’s implementation and efficacy. “It is crucial to scrutinize the ‘Feed Salone’ initiatives to ensure they do not become a misallocation of public resources,” they emphasized.
As the situation unfolds, the NCPA remains committed to monitoring developments and advocating for effective agricultural policies that truly benefit Sierra Leoneans.
