Rice Mill Breakdown Hampers Farmers in River Gee County

By Ben TC Brooks

Local cooperative farmers in River Gee County are facing mounting challenges
following the prolonged breakdown of an 18-metric ton rice mill machine in
Chedepo Jarkaken, River Gee County.

The mill, which was installed as part of a smallholder agricultural
development initiative funded by the African Development Bank (AFDB), has been
non-functional for over a year due to a lack of spare parts and funding for
repairs.

The facility was a crucial asset for rice processing in the region, enabling
farmers to add value to their harvests and improve income generation.

“This machine was a game-changer for us,” said Taifoloh J. Young, chairman
of the Kweanua Kweadea Cooperative. “Now, without it, our farmers are
struggling to process and market their rice.”

Local farmer Marie Swen also expressed frustration, urging government
authorities to prioritize the mill’s restoration. “We worked hard in the
fields, and now our efforts are going to waste,” she lamented.

County Agriculture Coordinator Jaraper Sherrif Tweh confirmed the machine
has remained idle since it broke down. He noted that several key parts are
needed to restore it to working condition and emphasized the machine’s
significance for food production not only in River Gee but also in neighboring
areas.

Tweh added that discussions are underway to secure technical assistance and
financial support to bring the machine back online. “We understand the urgency
and are doing everything possible to ensure the mill is repaired,” he said.

The breakdown has sparked calls for stronger maintenance systems and better
sustainability planning for rural development projects. For now, farmers in
River Gee remain hopeful that swift action will be taken to restore this
essential lifeline for their agricultural livelihoods.