By Sulaiman.sesay@awokonewspaper.sl
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – In a remarkable turn of events, Aminata Kamara, a former school teacher from Makeni, has transitioned into a thriving poultry owner, employing four individuals, all thanks to funding from the European Union and GIZ.
Kamara’s journey began in 2011 when her late husband suggested she leave teaching and embark on poultry farming for a more sustainable livelihood. Despite initial apprehensions about funding, they devised a five-year savings plan, pooling a portion of their salaries to kickstart the venture.
Tragedy struck in 2018 with the loss of her husband, leaving Kamara uncertain about the future of her poultry business. However, fueled by their determination to provide for her children, she persevered, acquiring land and seeking agricultural expertise to bolster the enterprise.
The road was fraught with challenges, compounded by the loss of hundreds of chickens and the burden of single parenthood. Yet, Kamara’s resilience caught the attention of the EU and GIZ, leading to her inclusion in the EPP Project. Through workshops and training, Kamara honed her skills, eventually securing a grant to enhance her operations.
With the support received, Kamara’s poultry business flourished. From an initial 100 chickens, her flock has grown to 800, yielding significant egg production and a monthly profit of Le 20,000. This newfound financial stability enabled her to educate all three of her children, with her eldest now pursuing higher education at the University of Makeni.
Beyond personal success, Kamara is committed to giving back to her community. Plans are underway to donate eggs to malnourished children and establish another poultry farm to empower more women. Inspired by her journey, Kamara has initiated a microcredit scheme, providing opportunities for women eager to venture into poultry farming.
As Kamara’s story exemplifies, the EU and GIZ project not only transforms individual lives but also catalyzes economic empowerment and community development. With each success story, the impact reverberates, inspiring hope and resilience in the face of adversity. SKS/17/5/2024
