Farmers in Farina Town have appealed for urgent assistance from the government, agricultural authorities, and development partners.
They have over the years, grappled with mounting challenges that continue to affect food production and household incomes.
They made the appeal recently through Mamie Gray and Micheal T. Doe.
The two farmers said, inadequate farming equipment, crop destruction by roaming animals, and flooding have made it increasingly difficult to sustain their families through agriculture.
Madam Mamie Gray, a mother of seven, said, subsistence farming remains her family’s primary source of livelihood. She noted that the lack of essential farming tools, and protective gear has made farm work more difficult, particularly during the rainy season.
“We face many challenges working without proper protection. Items such as gloves, rain jackets, rain boots, and other farming implements would greatly help us improve our productivity.”
Madam Gray added that many local farmers have struggled under similar conditions, and need support to maintain and, or expand their farming activities.
Meanwhile, Mr. Doe, a father of nine, expressed concern over the repeated destruction of his crops by roaming animals.
He recalled how animals frequently entered his farm and damaged crops, resulting in losses.
Doe also disclosed that recent heavy rainfall caused flooding that destroyed a portion of his farm, affecting several crops and reducing his expected harvest.
“The flooding and destruction of crops by animals have seriously affected my ability to provide for my family. Farming is our main source of income, and these losses are creating serious hardship.”
The challenges the farmers faced not only affect their individual households, but also have implications for food production and food security.
They have meanwhile, called on authorities at the Ministry of Agriculture to provide farming tools, protective equipment, and other agricultural assistance.
The farmers believe that timely intervention will improve productivity, strengthen food security, and enhance the livelihoods of farming families in Farina Town and surrounding communities.
