Sierra
Leone is, as many people know, a highly poverty-stricken nation. The percentage
of people below the poverty line is over 70%, one of highest in the world. Of
course, it doesn’t take a Ph.D to realize that hunger and poverty go hand in
hand. Yet, there is bright news for Sierra Leone amidst all this.
For
many decades after achieving independence, Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector
has been mainly subsistence. People farm for themselves and their families –
they own a small plot of land, and live off the spoils of it, however meager
they may be. Any trade that happened happened when a farmer had excess of a
certain crop, or felt that she was better served by trading away what she had
for something she needed more of.
The
trends lately, however, have followed that Sierra Leoneans are beginning to
view farming as a potential business opportunity rather than merely as a tool
for survival. Multi-national organizations, independent charities, United
Nations subsidiaries and more, are stepping in to help Sierra Leone revitalize
its agricultural sector into a potential economic powerhouse for development.
These organizations are training farmers in the use of new technology, farming
techniques and more to help them increase their yields. They are giving farmers
new resources, such as high-yield seeds and advanced farming equipment, among
other things.
While
this may seem like pointless charity, it is really a very good thing for Sierra
Leone’s national development. Beyond the obvious effect of lessening hunger by
increasing yield and crop efficacy, using these tools, farming can quite
efficiently become a fantastic economic opportunity for Sierra Leoneans. With a
consistent excess of crops, farmers can increase their trade opportunities and
kickstart Sierra Leone’s (currently lagging) economy whilst improving their own
quality of life. Coalitions and co-ops of farmers could even begin expanding
into international markets as many countries on Sierra Leone’s caliber in terms
of resources already have.
Many
make the argument for increased science and technology education, to “jump over”
the stage of economic development where agriculture is the cornerstone, bring
Sierra Leone up to par with other countries and get it ready to compete
globally. However, it is this writer’s opinion that one must crawl before you
can walk, and having a solid foundation in an agrarian society will aid Sierra
Leone in building upon that and developing organically into a service-based
economy, such as the one in the United States. To give the economy a steroid
shot of technology resources and education before the society is ready to adopt
it is ineffectual and damaging. Instead, investing in developing Sierra Leone’s
fully capable agricultural sector will jumpstart its progress into a globally
competitive economy, with a strong and bulletproof agrarian base upon which to
build it.
In
related news, Khadarlis for Sierra Leone has issued a call for help as we look
at the prospect of shutting our doors. We are in danger of losing our facility!
This organization is 100% dedicated to serving the needs of community members
here and abroad, in Sierra Leone, and we would appreciate any and all donations
or monthly commitments you can possibly give. We need your support to continue
the work we have been doing for the people who need us most! You can donate
online through our website at Khadarlis.org/donate or by check or money order
mailed
to 99 Academy Avenue, Providence,
RI 02908. We appreciate your support to sustain Khadarlis and look forward to
your response. Please feel free to contact ashleytyson@khadarlis.org if you
have questions or would like additional information.
Marisa N. | Volunteer Blogger
Khadarlis for Sierra Leone
marisa@khadarlis.org
