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A farming programme in Sierra Leone is helping amputees gain skills, independence and a path to income. Founded by pastor-turned-farmer Mambud Samai, the initiative teaches people with limb loss how to farm sustainably, enabling many to grow their own food and launch small commercial plots.
Samai was forced to flee the country during Sierra Leone’s 11-year-long civil war, during which many civilians suffered life-changing injuries. The conflict is estimated to have left almost 30,000 amputee victims across the country, with many still waiting for reparations, finding it difficult or impossible to get work, and left with no other option than to beg on the streets. “Historically, this community has been left with very little support from the state, few work opportunities, and very little dignity,” said Samai.
After spending two years in a refugee camp in the neighbouring country of Guinea, he decided something needed to be done to help other victims of the conflict.
