Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Food for One to Food for All: Sierra Leone’s Agricultural Sector Finds Itself in Transition




       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

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