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Village Partnerships: Makorie

Population: 200
Households: 9
Status: Completed
Location: Bombali District, Sierra Leone
GPS Coordinates: N08 57.012 W012 05.482
Sponsor: Communities United Partnership II (CUP II)

Village History

Prior to any World Hope International involvement in Makorie, the village was in desperate need of clean water, improved education, leadership development and greater food security. Located 6 miles from the WHI-Sierra Leone office in the principle town of Makeni, the majority of villagers are farmers surrounded by vast land suitable for rice, cassava and peanut cultivation and the rearing of domestic animals. A village Chief is appointed by the Chiefdom Paramount Chief and a group of elders assist the chief in running the activities of the village.

Traditionally farmers save seeds for next year’s planting, but the people of Makorie 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, a nearby stream served as the village’s main water source, but dried up in the hot climate during the peak of dry season. 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. The nearest health clinic and primary school are one mile away from Makorie.

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.

Clean Water Well drilled

A new borehole well has brought a consistent source of clean water year-round, a welcome reprieve from the previously existing hand-dug well. Before, the hand-dug well would dry up at the peak of the dry season and force villagers to use water from a contaminated source. This left the community vulnerable to preventable water-borne disease. Now, villagers can drink and wash, year-round, without fear of sickness.

Seed banks established, rice and peanut seeds distributed

Seed banks provide a constant source of seeds for Makorie. 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.

9 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.

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.

Ongoing monitoring and evaluation of farm and harvest activities

WHI staff regularly visits villages to monitor VDC progress and to join them in planning the next phases of their community development. Farmers are taught better methods for selecting seeds and preserving them for next year’s planting and how to protect seeds and crops from pests.

Health and hygiene Training

Soap is distributed to families, complemented by instructions to wash hands after using the toilet and before eating. Demonstrations are conducted on effective hand washing techniques and village members are trained in the proper disposal of human waste. A monthly cleaning schedule is created as a constant reminder to the community. These measures have a broad impact in the village and improve the health of all.

Mosquito net distribution

Malaria poses a constant threat to the people of Makorie. Mosquitos that carry the disease are most active at night. By sleeping under an insecticide treated bed net, the risk of contracting malaria is reduced. Mosquito nets were distributed to every household with children under five years of age or a pregnant woman. The nets are accompanied by awareness and prevention training, which motivates families to use the nets for maximum health benefit.

Poultry Project

Families were assisted in constructing poultry houses and chicks were distributed. This improved breed of chick lays more eggs, providing for better nutrition and yielding surplus eggs for sale. The income gained from the sale of eggs is used for livelihood support and to pay school fees for children. More eggs also means more protein in the diet of village children, an important component in physical and mental development.

Goat Multiplication project

In order to maintain a stable year-round income, it is important farmers raise different types of animals that can survive drought periods, are easy to manage and hardy. Not only can goats survive in harsh conditions, but they reproduce faster than other livestock and there is a strong market for goat meat. Goat procurement and production is important to improving food security in rural communities.

Agriculture training

It is estimated that nearly two-thirds of the world’s poorest people live in rural areas. Many rely on agriculture to provide food and income for their families. With WHI’s support, farmers learn to prepare, plant, harvest, maintain and store crops in order to produce the highest yield that lasts year-round. Farmers also receive business training, to learn to manage their resources and save for the future.

Community Center

Community centers in small villages are key in bringing people together to discuss and plan village development. Community centers can be used for specific development trainings and workshops, or simply a safe place for children and families to find respite and create community.

Exit workshops

WHI’s Village Partnerships center on empowering communities with a hand-up—not a hand-out. After three years of support, WHI exits a village—transferring ownership of all development projects to community leaders. Prior to exit, WHI conducts “exit workshops”, to ensure the transition is smooth and all development continues to take place. The strategy is essential to sustaining a community’s growth and progress for many years after WHI is gone.

See CUP II's report from their mid-point project assessment trip to Makorie in February 2013.

 

 

 
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