By: Yunus .S. Saliu
A devastating fire has destroyed a thriving cashew farm and community farming centre in Sotuma Samba Koi, located in Jimara District, Upper River Region (URR). The blaze wiped out more than 1,000 cashew trees along with essential infrastructure that supported daily farming operations.
The farm, owned by Prince Bubacarr Aminata Sankanu, a native of the Sotuma Sere Catchment Area, served not only as a cashew plantation but also as a mixed farming hub for nearby residents. Portions of the land were allocated free of charge to women and other local groups to cultivate cash and subsistence crops such as groundnuts and millet.
“I open my farm to women and other groups looking for space to plant crops in between the cashew trees, free of charge,” Prince Sankanu said.
“Unfortunately, the fire has caused a huge personal financial loss and is a painful setback to my hereditary agricultural project. I deeply empathize with the women and other farmers who rely on this land, as the fire has disrupted their main source of income,” he moaned.
Sankanu has appealed for urgent support to rehabilitate the farm, which contributes modestly to national agricultural transformation under the YIRIWAA initiative. “With the rainy season fast approaching, I’m calling on well-wishers to help restore this vital resource for our neighbouring communities,” he appealed.
Ebrima Janko, a young farmer from the neighbouring village of Sotuma Sere who also supervises workers at the site, described the fire as mysterious and difficult to contain due to its occurrence after working hours. “The cause of the fire is mind-boggling, and we leave it in the hands of Allah who knows best,” Janko said.
The total damage is significant, with critical infrastructure needing urgent attention which includes a borehole and modern irrigation system, storage and caretaker rooms, perimeter fencing, cashew seedlings, tractors, tricycles, a light delivery truck, and Various farming tools.
Substantial support will be required to restore the farm to its former state and prepare it for sustainable, year-round farming, particularly in the face of increasing climate challenges.
