Rogbere: Rising from the Ashes

Rogbere is one example of the many other Sierra Leonean villages demolished during the Civil War (1991-2002). It was burnt down in its entirety and the cattle were taken away. During the war, many of the displaced inhabitants resettled elsewhere, but after the war, some residents began to slowly return. Below is an example of the destruction that one Sierra Leonean village suffered as a result of the Civil War.

After the Civil War, the Bombali District Medical Officer, Dr. Yankuba Bah, purchased fifty-two acres of unused land near Rogbere to begin some agricultural programs. Dr. Bah established a Community Based Organization (CBO) of those residents who did return; it is registered with the relevant government authorities. This allows villages or groups of villages to have their own farmer's cooperative with its own leadership comprising of a leader, secretary, and a treasurer. The goal is to foster unity among the people and to empower them economically through agriculture and micro credit. Each member of the association, makes a monthly deposit of two thousand leones (approximately $0.46).

The 25,000 pineapple suckers that we have donated so far (along with fertilizer and tools) have empowered the Rogbere Village Cooperative to plant 3 acres of pineapples! This is impressive considering impact of the Ebola epidemic and the fact that planting pineapples is backbreaking work. And the economic impact of this investment will be sustainable and ongoing. Each pineapple plant produces 4 pineapple suckers, which can be used in future years or sold as seeds to other villages. As we invest strategically in them, they will in turn be able to provide opportunities to surrounding villages and help their region rebuild.