Village Partnerships: Kasimberia
Population: 150
Households: 11
Status: Completed
Location: Bombali District, Sierra Leone
GPS Coordinates: N08 53.378 W0 11 56.479
Village History
Prior to any World Hope International involvement in Kasimberia, the village was in desperate need of clean water, improved education, leadership development and greater food security. The majority of villagers are farmers surrounded by vast land suitable for rice and peanut cultivation. Traditionally farmers save seeds for next year’s planting, but the people of Kasimberia endured “hungry months” during the dry season as they did not have enough seeds to produce staple crops, including rice and peanuts, to last all year. Any surplus harvest was put at risk of being damaged or stolen by pests as no secure storage facility was built in the village. These realities prevented the achievement of full food security.
In addition, the village’s only water source was a nearby stream. Without a safe, year-round water supply, people were forced to consume contaminated water. This caused diarrhea, dehydration and even death, especially among young children. A lack of sanitation facilities in the form of ventilated pit toilets, as well as a lack of knowledge about how disease is spread led to poor hygiene and, consequently, the spread of preventable illness. Unfortunately, the nearest health clinic is seven miles away.
Completed Activities & Impact
Village Development Committee (VDC) formed
WHI works with each village to form and train a Village Development Committee. Community members elect trustworthy people of good reputation to serve on the VDC, including religious leaders, chiefs, head farmers and women. The VDC works with WHI to encourage participation in development activities, steward project resources and hold their community accountable. The committee strategizes about future development planning and discusses solutions to current problems, acting as the primary change agent in the village through collective action.
Hand-dug well with pump completed
A new hand-dug well has brought a consistent source of clean water year-round, a welcome reprieve from the contaminated water found in the stream. This left the community vulnerable to preventable water-borne disease. Now, villagers can drink and wash, year-round, without fear of sickness.
11 latrines constructed
When individuals don't have a toilet to use, human waste gets into the water supply--often the same water supply that people use to fetch water for drinking, bathing, cooking and cleaning. This contaminated water carries deadly diseases. Proper waste facilities are necessary for reducing preventable disease caused by poor hygiene.
Seed banks established, rice and peanut seeds distributed
Seed banks provide a constant source of seeds for Kasimberia. When it is time to plant, farmers receive a portion of seeds from a seed bank, which is managed by the VDC. After harvest, farmers return the amount of seed they loaned from the group with minimal interest. Seed banks mobilize community resources to provide for the common good, strengthening the entire village.
Drying floor constructed
Drying floors are constructed so that seeds can be properly stored through the wet season. They enable farmers to thoroughly dry their kernels so they do not mold in storage. Preparation of this sort allows for higher yields to save and use for income generation, an important source of food security.