By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Sierra Leone has long grappled with issues of food insecurity, poverty, and unemployment. As such, agriculture has been a focal point for national development initiatives, especially under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio.
However, after the failure of the huge $500 million “Tormabum” project and the promises surrounding the more recent “Feed Salone” initiative, many citizens are left questioning the effectiveness of such schemes, and whether they truly address the needs of the people.
In 2018, President Bio’s government launched the Tormabum project, hailed as a game-changer for the country’s agriculture sector. With a proposed $500 million investment, the initiative promised to create about 500,000 jobs, improve food security, and reduce poverty. Six years have passed, yet many citizens are unsure whether the project is ongoing or if it has been quietly shelved.
The government’s new focus, “Feed Salone,” has raised further questions about the sustainability of past efforts and whether the government is simply shifting from one unfulfilled promise to another.
The frustration among Sierra Leoneans is palpable, and some citizens offer differing yet equally important perspectives on the two agricultural projects.
According to Amadu Kanneh- A Farmer from the Western Rural District who was among the many Sierra Leoneans who pinned their hopes on the Tormabum project: “When the government announced the Tormabum project, we thought things were going to change,” Kanneh says, shaking his head. “We were told that the project would bring jobs, improve farming, and make food more affordable for everyone. But now, six years later, nothing has changed for people like me.”
Kanneh explains that despite government’s promises, the resources and support that were supposed to be provided to farmers have been minimal. “We were expecting better seeds, more equipment, and access to better markets. But instead, we are still struggling with the same old issues. I still can’t afford two meals a day, and it’s hard to grow enough food to sell because the weather is unpredictable and the land isn’t fertile.”
Kanneh further stated that the Tormabum project seems to have been nothing more than a slogan. “I don’t see any benefits from it,” he continued. “And now they have launched this new Feed Salone project. It feels like they are just using our suffering to make it look like they are doing something. We need to see real changes, not just words and plans.”
Kanneh is not alone in his frustration. Many rural farmers feel abandoned and skeptical about government’s initiatives that seem to be more about political rhetoric than tangible results.
Another individual, Fatmata Jalloh – A market vendor in Freetown, also experienced the disappointment of the agricultural projects firsthand. As someone who relies on local produce to sell at the market, Jalloh was hopeful that the Tormabum project would make food more affordable and create a more reliable supply chain. “When they first talked about Tormabum, I thought it would make life easier for me and my customers,” Jalloh says. “But today, food prices are still high, and I’m struggling to get fresh produce. The situation has only worsened since the project was launched.”
Jalloh says that despite the government’s promises, local farmers are still facing significant challenges in producing enough food. “I can’t remember the last time I was able to buy fresh vegetables in bulk at a reasonable price. If Tormabum was really working, food should be cheaper, and there should be more supply. But instead, the prices have gone up, and we have to rely on expensive imports.”
Jalloh’s concerns mirror those of many urban dwellers who feel disconnected from the promises made by the Bio government. While they hear about projects and schemes being launched, the results do not reach their pockets or improve their daily lives. For her, the Feed Salone project does not inspire hope either. “I’m hearing the same things again. They say they want to help us, but I don’t believe it until I see it in the markets. It feels like the government is just moving from one empty project to another.”
Sulaiman Bangura, a youth from Kenema who currently lives in Freetown, noted that he is particularly concerned about the employment opportunities promised by both the Tormabum and Feed Salone projects. Having completed his secondary education, Bangura has struggled to find stable employment, and like many young people in Sierra Leone, he was excited about the prospect of 500,000 jobs being created. “When they talked about creating half a million jobs through Tormabum, I was so happy. I thought maybe I could find work in agriculture and improve my life,” Bangura recalls. “But here I am, still unemployed, and I haven’t seen any sign of the jobs that were promised.”
Bangura’s frustration is shared by many young Sierra Leoneans who were hoping for tangible economic opportunities through the high-profile projects. “The government is always talking about feeding the country and creating jobs, but none of those promises are coming true. And now, they have introduced Feed Salone. It feels like they are just recycling old ideas. I want to see action, not just words.”
The lack of transparency regarding the Tormabum project has only deepened Bangura’s doubts. “They haven’t told us what’s happening with Tormabum. It’s been six years, and there’s no update. It’s frustrating to see my peers leave the country because they can’t find work. What is the government doing?”
The failure to fulfill the promises of the Tormabum project, coupled with the uncertainty surrounding the new Feed Salone initiative, has left many Sierra Leoneans feeling disillusioned. While the government continues to tout its plans for agricultural reform, citizens like Amadu Kamara, Fatmata Jalloh, and Sulaiman Bangura are left to wonder if such projects are truly designed to benefit the people or if they are simply political tools to placate the masses.
For Sierra Leone to make meaningful progress, there must be transparency, accountability, and a genuine commitment to improving the lives of its citizens. Until then, many will continue to question whether the agricultural projects are more about appearances than real change.
