Farm Life

Would you spend 3 days on a farm in the middle of the forest?

When I said I wanted to visit a farm in Sierra Leone, I was not informed of all the logistics. But grateful for the opportunity, care and community spirit embraced from the host family during the 3 days.

Road Trip to Farm
Setting off early from Freetown we travelled for half a day via Keke, car to  kamakonie village, then via okada motorbike and foot through a forest and rice field – until finally reaching kaseswa farm. I was exhausted, excited and optimistic at the same time.

Within the compound was the lodgings, chicken pen, cooking area, vegetation and a short walk was a stream used for fishing. For the rest of the day I sat lounging on a wooden bench breathing in the fresh air. 

Soon darkness fell, there was one light and with tiredness. I was provided with a room at the front of the compound. I was grateful, however, I was not the only one having that privilege. The window had been open all day and mother nature insects had occupied the room also. Ok I am in the middle of the forest so what did I expect. So after dusting and cleaning the bed, I covered myself in my wrapper. It was hard to sleep because I wasn’t tired and the bats on the roof were having a party.

The next day – Cooking.
The morning fresh air and scenery was peaceful whilst meditating. Being grateful, but not so happy about being the feast for the insects, as my arms and ankles were covered in bites. The women were waiting for me to join them in cooking.

We grounded the peanuts to paste for the soup, pounded pepper, chopped onions and cassava leaf – the main leaf vegetable added to soup. 

 

 

The fish is caught daily, and we even made fish balls, using flour made out of pounded rice.

We all ate together from shared bowls.

Farm Life
Weeding with a cutlas is not easy oo, even the young ones helped. After 4 hours grafting they had finished and sprinkling the ground with rice seeds in between the pineapple. (well I don’t know the name). We cooked rice and peanut soup again. I even assisted collecting fire wood was heavy.

That night rain poured and lightening struck. But a blessing as rain water is the source of drinking and bathing for the family. 

Last Day
I was woken up early in the morning. The family were sad to see me go as we had bonded really well. 

After our goodbyes, we set off through the rice fields, the forest until we got to a village and rode on bike through several villages to a main town where we could get a bus towards Freetown. The bus kept breaking down, but I wasn’t fazed, just kept my patience until we were able to get a car from a main town all the way to Freetown.

Learning curve
Being on the farm and watching all adults and children all graft in order for the farm to prosper and for their daily meal was a great experience. It grounded me to appreciate life, opportunities, open mindedness, challenge and be adaptable in situations.  

Big respect to the host family and farmers. 

Bless Sister E