By Juliana E.P. Kabba
Sierra Leone – In a remarkable display of resilience and self-determination, amputees in Sierra Leone are rewriting the narrative of disability through an innovative farming initiative known as “Farming on Crutches.” This grassroots movement has become a symbol of hope and empowerment for individuals who have long been marginalized due to their physical disabilities.
Born out of the scars left by the nation’s brutal civil war, many amputees have faced societal exclusion and economic hardship. However, the “Farming on Crutches” program is proving that adversity can be turned into strength. Through the program, amputees are engaging in agriculture, not just to feed their families but to reclaim their dignity and challenge deeply ingrained stereotypes about disability.
The initiative, built on the simplicity of farming, has become a powerful tool for economic independence. Participants receive training and support, learning how to cultivate crops, manage farms, and develop sustainable livelihoods. The program’s impact extends beyond its immediate participants, inspiring others with disabilities to envision a future where limitations are overcome.
Yet, while the movement garners admiration and support from communities and NGOs, it also raises critical questions about the government’s role in disability empowerment. Why are amputees, who should be integral to national rehabilitation and inclusion efforts, relying predominantly on non-governmental organizations for survival? The success of “Farming on Crutches” highlights a significant gap in the country’s public policies. It is time for the government to take note and scale this initiative into a nationwide policy focused on the economic empowerment of people with disabilities.
This initiative also calls for a societal shift in how disability is viewed. Traditionally, the perception of disabled individuals in Sierra Leone has been one of pity and neglect. “Farming on Crutches” challenges this narrative, encouraging the public to reflect on what kind of society they want to build. Should disability mean dependency, or should it represent an opportunity for every person, regardless of physical ability, to thrive?
As Sierra Leone strives for development, this movement serves as a reminder of the untapped potential within its citizens. With the right support, infrastructure, and opportunities, people with disabilities—like those in the “Farming on Crutches” program—could achieve even greater heights.
The time is now for Sierra Leone to embrace a future that celebrates diversity, empowers the marginalized, and invests in the potential of all its citizens. “Farming on Crutches” is more than just an agricultural initiative; it is a movement planted in the soil of determination and watered by the dreams of a more inclusive society. The call to action is clear: it is time for Sierra Leone to nurture this vision of hope and resilience.
