Communication from the Farming on Crutches' founder
In a recent visit to the UK, Mambud Samai, an amputee farmer and activist from Sierra Leone, embarked on a two-and-a-half-week journey to learn about Pasture for Life farms and sustainable farming practices.
During his stay, Mambud was welcomed and hosted by members of the Pasture for Life community, visiting farms in the south west that are producing Bokashi, such as those owned by Andrew Sincock of Agriton. He also spent time with Ian Wilkinson at Farm-Ed, Ian Boyd at Whittington Lodge Farm, Jon and Nick Francis at Paddock Farm, Eric Walters at Hammond Farm, and Patrick Lynn at Hockerwood Farm.
Mambud's visit aimed to gather insights into the benefits of Pasture for Life farms and their potential impact on farming communities in Sierra Leone. However, it's important to note that no specific information was available regarding a Pasture for Life farms tour in Sierra Leone or its impact on an amputee farming community.
Sierra Leone faces significant environmental issues, including deforestation, soil degradation, and water pollution, often exacerbated by unsustainable agricultural practices. Pasture-based farming, while beneficial if managed sustainably, can also lead to deforestation and biodiversity loss if forests are cleared for pastureland. Therefore, a sustainable and regenerative approach to farming could be crucial in Sierra Leone.
Regenerative agriculture, which focuses on sustainable practices that improve soil health and biodiversity, could offer a beneficial approach for farming communities in Sierra Leone. Organisations like Heifer provide support to farmers through education and training, improving livelihoods and contributing to food security. A similar approach could be beneficial in Sierra Leone, particularly for vulnerable communities such as amputees, by providing them with skills and resources to engage in sustainable farming practices.
Mambud's visit to the UK also highlighted the importance of community sharing and support. Work will continue in Sierra Leone to build a support network for ongoing communication and sharing of experiences.
Farming on Crutches, Mambud's amputee football community in Sierra Leone, provides a sense of fellowship and belonging. Groundswell matched donations made to "Farming On Crutches" during Mambud's visit. A short clip about the work being done by Farming on Crutches has been shared before, and a newsletter sign-up mechanism will be provided in the coming weeks for those interested in staying updated on the work in Sierra Leone.
In conclusion, Mambud Samai's visit to the UK was a valuable opportunity to learn about sustainable farming practices that could potentially benefit farming communities in Sierra Leone. The focus on regenerative agriculture, community support, and sustainable practices aligns well with the challenges and opportunities related to farming in Sierra Leone.
Mambud might consider incorporating aspects of home-and-garden practices, such as Bokashi composting, into his farming ventures in Sierra Leone as he was introduced to during his visit to Pasture for Life farms in the UK.
A lifestyle centered on regenerative agriculture, supporting local communities, and promoting sustainable farming practices could be a promising model for Mambud and other farmers in Sierra Leone, potentially making a profound difference in their livelihoods and the environment.
