Progress for the Poultry Project!

Aug 22, 2010

Conrad Van Dijk has just returned from a very fruitful trip to Sierra Leone (July 29 to August 14) and after six months of planning, the pieces are starting to fall together!

• Farmers will soon be planting 60 acres of corn for chicken feed.
• New chicks are being ordered to replace the current layers and to increase our number of farmers.
• The team spent time in prayer and discussion to stand against the obstacles that are keeping the farmers so poor.
• A more holistic approach is being used to help farmers, including teaching about how to break the cycle of poverty which, besides generating income, includes paying off debts, saving money, and educating children.
• Microfinance principles are being utilized in which the farmers form groups and are accountable to each other in  in repaying the loans (cost of chickens) and proper management of the chickens.
• A participatory decision making process has been implemented whereby farmers and the community leaders, such as chiefs and elders, are included.

Please continue to pray for our work in Sierra Leone!

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