The Impact of the Civil War
The civil war, lasting from 1991 to 2002, inflicted significant trauma on the nation. It resulted in widespread physical disabilities, especially amputations. Amputees often find themselves marginalized, viewed as symbols of the conflict rather than as individuals with potential. Many resort to begging or live in deplorable conditions, struggling for acceptance in a society that frequently overlooks their contributions and needs. “No one cares about you as an amputee in Sierra Leone,” laments Makieu, a participant in the Farming on Crutches initiative.
Empowerment Through Agriculture
Founded by Mambud Samai, a pastor and former refugee himself, the Farming on Crutches program aims to restore self-esteem among amputees by teaching them how to cultivate crops and manage small farms. Samai initially organized beach football matches to boost morale among amputees but soon recognized that sports alone could not provide the long-term solutions they needed. In 2020, he established a demonstration farm near Freetown to empower amputees as rural leaders through agricultural training.
Makieu joined the program in 2022 after years of living in dependency following his amputations. He learned innovative farming techniques such as using organic fertilizers made from agricultural waste and constructing fences from bamboo. With newfound skills, he and his wife Zanib—also an amputee—have started their own small farm operation. “I sustain my life through farming; I met my wife here,” he shares proudly.
A Supportive Community
The impact of this initiative extends beyond individual success stories; it fosters a supportive community among participants. Each morning, they gather for training sessions where they sing local songs and engage in exercises that promote teamwork and camaraderie. Samai emphasizes the importance of community: “We are created for fellowship, not isolation,” he tells them.
Ongoing Challenges
Despite these positive strides, challenges remain. Alimany Kani, another amputee who lives in a camp for war victims, expresses frustration over the persistent discrimination faced by individuals with disabilities and victims of amputations in Sierra Leone. Although the government enacted the Disability Act in 2011 aimed at providing equal opportunities, Kani argues that tangible changes are still lacking. “Even if you have qualifications, an able-bodied person with less education will always secure the job,” he states.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommended reparations for war victims, including pensions and access to healthcare; however, only a fraction of those affected have received full benefits due to resource constraints. Currently, there is no dedicated support for amputees from the government despite ongoing promises.
The Role of International Support
International support plays a crucial role in sustaining initiatives like Farming on Crutches. The program is entirely funded by Pasture for Life, a British charity that recognizes the potential of agriculture as a means of rehabilitation and empowerment for amputees. However, Samai emphasizes that local government involvement is essential for expanding their efforts and reaching more individuals in need.
Future Prospects for Amputee Small Farmers
As Sierra Leone invests over $600 million into its agricultural sector, concerns arise regarding whether small-scale farmers will benefit from these funds or if larger agricultural enterprises will dominate the landscape. Smallholders like Makieu and his fellow trainees represent about 70% of the population yet often lack access to resources and markets that could enhance their livelihoods.
Success Stories Among Youth
Young trainees like cousins Amara and Moustapha Jalloh exemplify the potential of this program. Both have successfully harvested rice and cassava this season; Moustapha even used his surplus earnings to pursue computer science training—an aspiration fueled by his dreams of becoming an agricultural engineer. “Any successful story has painful experiences,” he reflects.
A Path Forward
The journey from marginalization to empowerment is not easy for amputees in Sierra Leone. Yet through initiatives like Farming on Crutches, they are gradually transforming their narratives from victims of war to active contributors to society. As they cultivate crops and foster community ties, these individuals are not just growing food; they are sowing seeds of hope for themselves and future generations.
The resilience demonstrated by these amputees highlights an essential truth: with support and opportunity, individuals can rise above their circumstances and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
