In Sierra Leone, where amputees face lingering discrimination and exclusion, a unique initiative called Farming on Crutches is transforming lives. The program provides amputees with farming skills, confidence, and a path to self-reliance in a country still scarred by the civil war that left 28,000 people amputated.
Amputees, often seen as reminders of the brutal conflict, frequently endure societal rejection, with many resorting to begging. The initiative, led by pastor and farmer Mambud Samai, aims to change this narrative by empowering amputees to become rural leaders.
Since its launch in 2020, Farming on Crutches has trained over 100 amputees, teaching them sustainable farming techniques. Participants like Lahai Makieu, who lost his leg during the war, have rebuilt their lives through the program. Makieu, now a trainer, has started his own farm with his wife, a fellow amputee, and dreams of inspiring others to embrace farming.
Samai, once a refugee himself, believes agriculture offers amputees a chance to achieve independence and dignity. However, the initiative relies entirely on foreign donors, and Samai urges the government to provide support.
Despite the 2011 Disability Act aimed at combating discrimination, amputees in Sierra Leone still struggle to access jobs, healthcare, and reparations promised by the government. Critics say large-scale agricultural investments overshadow small-scale farmers like those trained by Farming on Crutches.
For trainees like cousins Amara and Moustapha Jalloh, farming has opened doors to education and self-sufficiency. Moustapha, who was born without a leg, now dreams of becoming an agricultural engineer.
While challenges remain, Farming on Crutches offers a beacon of hope, proving that with the right support, amputees can rise above adversity and contribute to their communities.