Agriculture is a crucial sector in Sierra Leone’s development. However, many farmers face significant challenges during the dry season due to the high costs of irrigation equipment needed to water crops in extreme temperatures. As a result, many turn to swamp lands for farming. Unfortunately swamp spaces are limited and are often divided into small portions to allow multiple farmers to cultivate and retain seeds for future planting.
SHARP supports farmers with seed and tool loans and with a sustainable agriculture program.
Although we have provided training to 89 farmers, there are currently 40 farmers in our program. It is our hope to increase not only the tools we loan to farmers, but the number of farmers we serve.
We interviewed one of our most hardworking farmers, Salamatu Kamara, who is currently growing vegetables in the swamp. Salamatu has received seed and tool loans twice and has been making great progress in her farming efforts.
Interview with Salamatu Kamara:
Where did you grow up?
My name is Salamatu Kamara. I grew up in Ro Yala village, in the northern part of Sierra Leone.
Did you attend school as a child?
No, I was not fortunate enough to attend school.
How long have you been farming?
I have been farming for the past 40 years. I started in my village, Ro Yala, and moved to Newton in 1998 after getting married. I now have two children.
Did you attend the agriculture training hosted by SHARP?
Yes, I was fortunate to attend SHARP’s agricultural training program.
Did you receive tools and seeds from SHARP?
Yes, I was also fortunate to receive seed and tool loans from SHARP. I received vegetable seeds and peanuts.
What crops do you grow?
I grow peanuts and vegetables. I was allocated a swamp space in SHARP’s farming area.
How many acres do you farm?
I used to farm one acre, but all the work is manual, which makes it difficult to manage a larger area.
Who owns the land you farm?
During the rainy season, I farm in my backyard, which is family land. In the dry season, SHARP provides me with a swamp space, which is about four plots. However, swamp space is limited.
How many people are in your family?
There are nine people in my family—my husband, my two sons, my daughter, and my grandchildren.
Are you able to grow enough food for your family?
Not everything, but we grow most of the food we eat.
What is your biggest challenge?
My biggest challenge is labor. Even though I am part of a farmers’ support network, I still need extra help to run a successful farm. To protect my crops from animals, I make scarecrows from clothes and set up washing lines with plastic to keep them away from my peanuts.
What do you enjoy most about farming?
The best part of farming is eating what I grow. It feels fresh and fulfilling.
How has SHARP helped you with your farming?
SHARP has helped me a lot. They encourage me to farm, which is very important. They also provide me with seeds and tools, which empowers me to have a successful farming season.
What advice do you have for others who want to farm?
I encourage people to start farming, even on a small scale. If they need help, they should go to SHARP, where they can receive loans for seeds and tools.
