By: Haruna Kuyateh
The Chief of Central Badibou, who is also a champion farmer, has called on farmers to remain vigilant and create fire belts as they begin clearing land ahead of the 2025 farming season.
As a customary duty, Chief Alagie Jagne annually reminds the farming population of Central Badibou to adopt best practices that help preserve forest cover and grazing lands for livestock, in order to boost production and productivity.
Speaking to The Voice during media tour to assess the level of preparation by farmers, the Chief said the district tribunal had zero tolerance for bushfires, illegal logging, and encroachment into cattle tracks during land clearing. He stated that such acts were against the Forest Act and undermined livestock development and empowerment. Therefore, he warned that anyone found wanting as an individual or organizations would face the full force of the law.
He reiterated the need for farmers to create adequate fire belts and manage burning carefully to prevent uncontrolled fires.
Commenting on the upcoming farming season, Chief Jagne urges rice farmers to utilize lowland or swampy areas for rice cultivation, noting that such areas are more suitable for rice production and have the potential to increase yields.
He used the opportunity to renew calls for the government to support farmers with improved groundnut seeds and other farming inputs to ensure timely sowing and fertilizer application.
On environmental protection, the Chief issued a strong warning to transhumant livestock breeders from Senegal to desist from cutting tree branches to feed their animals, calling the practice unacceptable. He urged village heads (alkalolu) to report such incidents to the police and military stations in Njaba Kunda and Kerr Pateh Koreh.
While acknowledging ECOWAS protocols on cross-border movement, he warned that any activity undermining peace will not be tolerated.
He also challenged the people of Central Badibou to jealously guard and protect the Dobo Forest Park against bushfires and illegal logging. Chief Jagne said the restoration efforts by the Joint Forest Management Committee demonstrate their commitment to forest preservation.