In an effort to support local economic diversification, London Mining in May 2013 signed an agreement with The Cotton Tree Foundation – Sierra Leone to support the Marampa Youth Agricultural Project in the Marampa and Maforki chiefdoms, Port Loko District.
The 12-month project is an integrated programme, which includes support to various agricultural and income generating activities. It will engage approximately 500 youths in 10 communities in large-scale agricultural food production. The programme is practical, sustainable, and is expected to enhance livelihood opportunities and the quality of life of the host communities.
Commenting on the project, Claude Perras, Head of Sustainability London Mining, stated: “We are now seeing an increase in employment opportunities for communities and we are focusing on youths and the female population. We are also working with our contractors, national and international NGOs to source markets for local farmers. Along with our partners, we also intend to support business start-ups through a business incubator programme.
”With a total of US$114,631 (Le531,616,465) jointly provided by London Mining, The Cotton Tree Foundation and host communities, a savings and loan scheme was introduced within the ten communities."
The scheme is entirely based on community self-savings, which means members work with their own assets and not with loan liabilities. Interest accrued is put back into the scheme. One of the beneficiaries of the project, the Mafirah Village Headman, Chief Mohamed Kamara thanked London Mining for the support they have received.
“Not only will the year-long projectempower our youth and women, it will strengthen income capabilities and encourage alternativelivelihoods,” he said.
Crops cultivated are rice, vegetables, cassava, groundnut, sorghum and maize and the first harvest of maize and groundnut started in August, with the expectation of creating a seed bank for the next planting season.
Comments