By Kadiatu A. Turay

Farmers in Kori Chiefdom are grappling with the aftermath of severe flooding that has submerged vast acres of farmland, threatening food security and livelihoods in the region. Heavy rains have pounded the chiefdom for weeks, resulting in the overflow of rivers and streams, flooding farmlands and destroying crops.

The flooding, which has affected over 70% of the chiefdom’s agricultural land, poses a dire threat to the upcoming harvest season. Rice, cassava, and groundnut farmers, who heavily rely on these crops for both subsistence and income, are facing losses that could extend into the next farming season if immediate assistance is not provided.

Local farmers, many of whom are subsistence farmers, are calling on the government and humanitarian organizations to step in with relief efforts. “We have lost everything. Our crops, which we rely on for food and income, are underwater,” said one farmer, highlighting the severity of the situation. “We need help, both to recover what we can and to ensure we can plant for the next season.”

In addition to crop damage, the flooding has led to the destruction of farm infrastructure, including irrigation systems, which will further complicate the recovery efforts. Farmers also fear the spread of waterborne diseases, which could have severe health impacts on both the population and livestock.

Chiefdom authorities are also voicing concerns, with the Paramount Chief urging for urgent government intervention. “This is a disaster that we cannot handle on our own. The livelihoods of thousands of families are at risk, and we need immediate support in the form of food relief, agricultural inputs, and infrastructure repair,” he stated.

Several local organizations and community groups are mobilizing to provide temporary relief, but their efforts are limited by a lack of resources. As the rains continue, there is growing fear that the situation could worsen, exacerbating the already precarious conditions.

The Ministry of Agriculture has expressed concern over the issue, stating that they are monitoring the situation and are in talks with international partners to provide emergency support. However, farmers in Kori Chiefdom are calling for swift action before the flooding causes irreversible damage to their farmlands and food security.

If no immediate action is taken, experts warn that the ripple effects of the floods could lead to food shortages and increased poverty in the region, further complicating recovery efforts in the months to come.