YAI Launches Rural Office In Kono-Begins Agriculture Initiative
Youth Action International has launched its first rural office in Kono district, eastern Sierra Leone. The agriculture project is currently engaging 500 young people in rice and vegetable production. It is estimated that through 500 youth farmers and 20 youth groups, about 2,850 people in 22 marginalized villages in the districts of Kono will directly benefit from the project activities.
The decision to open the office in Kono came as a result of an assessment conducted in the district.
The Kono assessment conducted in June 2008 revealed a great need for the development of agricultural programs for several reasons:
Firstly, the district is comprised of rich terrain, which produces cocoa, cassava, oranges, bananas, rice and various kinds of vegetables. The verdant land also supports the tending of animal husbandry. Cultivation of this land would sufficiently provide the local community as well as larger markets with food products.
Secondly, within Kono, youth identified a need for agricultural development as a means of diverting their attention from criminal involvement and the dangerous allure of diamond mining. Diamond mining is appealing to youth as they hold fast to the hopes of finding valuable stones to transform their poor lifestyles.The Kono office was officially opened by the resident Minister east and was witnessed by local and international NGOs, civil society representatives, counselors, chiefdom authorities, women and youth groups in the district.
Agricultural initiative
YAI commenced its agriculture initiative in Kono district in February 2009. The initiative is geared towards enhancing livelihoods and creating jobs for the large number of unemployed youth in the district.The YAI Enhancing Livelihood and Job Creation program is aimed at addressing the needs outlined by the Kono youth by providing them with the necessary skills and tools that enables them to engage in sustainable farming and income generation.YAI is currently utilizing former diamond mines, which have been reclaimed by the Sierra Leonean government and turned over to the youth of Kono. While these lands are rich and abundant, they are not tended by the youth due to lack of adequate resources to fruitfully cultivate the land. The agriculture project is currently engaging 500 young people in rice and vegetable production. It is estimated that through 500 youth farmers and 20 youth groups, about 2,850 people in 22 marginalized villages in the districts of Kono will directly benefit from the project activities.