By: Problyn J. Alpha
Kono District has unveiled new cocoa and coffee regulations aimed at strengthening sustainable agriculture, improving fair trade practices, and enhancing accountability across all fourteen chiefdoms in the district.
The initiative, led by the office of the Paramount Chiefs in partnership with the Kono District Cocoa and Coffee Buyers Association, has been described by stakeholders as a major step toward promoting sustainable agricultural practices and protecting the interests of both farmers and produce buyers.
The Byelaw was officially launched during a high-level ceremony held at the Sahr Augustine Sheku Hall in Koidu City last Saturday. The event brought together traditional leaders, government officials, agricultural experts, security representatives, civil society groups, produce traders, and farmers.
Association Chairman Francis Bagai noted that the cocoa and coffee industry in Kono has operated for decades without a formal regulatory framework, creating gaps in monitoring trade practices and environmental management.
“This Bye-Law is designed to bring order, transparency, and sustainability to the sector,” Bagai said. “It addresses issues ranging from plantation management and organic production standards to environmental protection and fair business practices.”
Local authorities say the new framework is expected to address long-standing challenges, including deforestation, poor plantation maintenance, unregulated trade activities, and disputes between farmers and produce buyers.
The Chairman of the Council of Paramount Chiefs in Kono District, Paramount Chief Sahr Edward Mbawa, described the initiative as a historic milestone for the district’s agricultural sector.
“For many years, there have been complaints from both farmers and buyers regarding irregularities in the produce trade,” he said. “This Bye-Law provides a foundation for accountability and better coordination.”
The policy also places strong emphasis on farmer registration and data collection—measures that local leaders believe will improve monitoring and planning within the sector.
Agricultural officials at the event highlighted the importance of collaboration between government institutions, traditional authorities, produce buyers, and farming communities in increasing productivity and ensuring compliance with national agricultural standards.
Representatives from the security sector and human rights organizations also pledged support for the peaceful implementation of the Bye-Law and the protection of farmers’ rights during enforcement processes.
Kono District remains one of Sierra Leone’s emerging cocoa-producing regions. Stakeholders are hopeful that the new regulations will improve market confidence, attract investment, and strengthen sustainable agricultural trade in the district.