Lieutenant JG Colonel Kabba, Commanding Officer Armed Forces Agricultural Unit
By Lieutenant JG Colonel Kabba,
In just 100 days since assuming office, Major General Amara Idara Bangura, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), has redefined the role of the military in national development. Under his visionary leadership, the Armed Forces Agricultural Unit (AFAU) has emerged as a cornerstone of Sierra Leone’s drive toward food self-sufficiency, aligning seamlessly with His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio’s Feed Salone initiative. From revitalizing rice production to pioneering cash crop cultivation and fish farming, the CDS’s agricultural strategy is sowing seeds of prosperity for both the RSLAF and the nation.
Revolutionizing Rice Production: From 140 to 500 Hectares
AFAU’s legacy of rice farming in Moyamba District has been a testament to the RSLAF’s commitment to national food security. In 2024, the unit cultivated 140 hectares of rice, but under Major General Bangura’s leadership, this effort is scaling ambitiously. Through a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Agriculture, the CDS has secured resources to expand rice production to 500 hectares in Yoni Kamajei, Kamajei Chiefdom. This five-fold increase underscores the RSLAF’s resolve to lead by example in the fight against hunger. New processing mills and tractors at AFAU Headquarters ensure that harvested rice not only feeds troops but also bolsters local markets.
Armed Forces Agricultural Unit Yoni Farm site in Kamajei Chiefdom Moyamba District
Processing Rice Mill Installed at AFAU HQ Livestock farm at Musaia Kabala Agricultural Coumpound
Cashew Nut Farming: A Strategic Economic Venture
Recognizing the potential of cash crops to drive economic growth, the CDS has spearheaded the establishment of a 4,000-hectare cashew plantation across Port Loko, Kambia, Rochain Kamandao, and Komrabai Mamilla. Cashew, a drought-resistant crop thriving in Sierra Leone’s northern climate, promises dual benefits: mitigating climate change through agroforestry and generating sustainable revenue. The project aims to create jobs, uplift communities, and position the RSLAF as a leader in agro-industrial innovation. Nurseries for tree crops and livestock farms in Musaia Kabala further diversify this agricultural portfolio, ensuring resilience against market fluctuations.
One of the selected sites for the Cashew Nut establishment at Rochain Kamandao Yoni Chiefdom Tonkolili District
Fish Farming: Protein Security for Troops and Beyond
To address protein deficiency and enhance troop welfare, the CDS has introduced fish farming as a critical component of AFAU’s mandate. A 150-acre site in Bumpeh Gao Chiefdom, Bo District, has been secured to develop aquaculture hubs. These farms will not only supply nutritious fish to RSLAF personnel but also create ancillary industries, from processing to distribution, fostering economic opportunities for military families and civilians alike.
Tree Crop nursery established to support farming diversity
A Legacy of Innovation and Partnership
Major General Bangura’s agricultural blueprint transcends traditional military roles, positioning the RSLAF as a catalyst for national development. By integrating rice, cashew, and fish production, he has crafted a holistic model that addresses food security, climate resilience, and economic empowerment. His collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and local communities exemplifies a leadership style rooted in partnership and pragmatism.
Conclusion: Harvesting a Brighter Future
In 100 days, the CDS has transformed AFAU into a dynamic engine of growth, proving that the RSLAF’s strength lies not only in defending the nation but also in nurturing it. As cashew saplings take root in Tonkolili, rice paddies flourish in Moyamba, and fish ponds teem in Bo, Major General Bangura’s vision of a self-reliant, food-secure Sierra Leone grows ever closer to reality.
“Agriculture is not just a duty; it is our contribution to national prosperity,” CDS Major General Idara Bangura remarked recently. Through these words, he has rekindled pride in the RSLAF’s role as a guardian of both land and livelihood. As the RSLAF marches forward, its fields and farms stand as symbols of hope—proof that with unity, innovation, and determination, Sierra Leone’s agricultural potential knows no bounds.
Here’s to cultivating progress—one crop, one pond, one hectare at a time.
Copyright –Published in Expo Magazine, March-April 2025 Edition Vol.3, No.3, (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)