John’s journey reflects courage and determination. Through various challenges, he has shown incredible resilience and an unwavering spirit, inspiring those around him. His story emphasizes the importance of hope and the strength to face adversity head-on.
At Bread and Water for Africa®, we are passionately committed to agriculture and food self-sufficiency. Each year, we empower smallholder farmers in Sierra Leone and beyond, helping to cultivate hope and sustainability for their families.
In 2026, 75 rural women and male youths participated in a week-long farmers’ training program in remote villages in Sierra Leone, where they also learned basic business and management skills.
In addition, they all received agricultural tools and seeds to put their new knowledge to good use thanks to the supporters of Bread and Water for Africa® and our in-country partner, Rural Youth Development Organization-Sierra Leone (RYDO-SL).
John Abu, a 25-year-old motorcycle mechanic in Bumpe Town, is proving that agriculture can create new opportunities alongside skilled trades. He not only supports his wife and young daughter but also works hard to pay school fees for his two younger brothers, ensuring they can complete their education.
“For many years, he relied mainly on repairing motorcycles to provide for his family,” reported Joseph. “Although he enjoyed his work, the income was often inconsistent, making it difficult to meet all of his household needs.”
Determined to improve his family’s livelihood, John enrolled in vegetable and crop production training and, through it, “he learned improved farming practices, including proper land preparation, seed selection, crop spacing, the use of organic fertilizers, weed control, and effective farm management,” Joseph told us.
Motivated by the knowledge he learned, John established a groundnut (peanut) and corn garden.
Today, John’s farm is flourishing.
“His groundnut and corn fields are healthy, well maintained, and showing excellent growth,” reported Joseph in June.
“If the crops continue to develop as expected, they will be ready for harvest within the next one to two months.
“The strong condition of the farm has already attracted the attention of neighbors and local traders, many of whom have expressed interest in buying his produce once harvesting begins.
“John is optimistic that the coming harvest will provide an important source of income, allowing him to support his family, reinvest in farming, and strengthen his motorcycle repair business.
“He believes that combining farming with his mechanic skills will provide greater financial security for his household.”
Looking over his thriving field, John shared his excitement with Joseph, saying:
"Whenever I walk through my groundnut and corn garden, I feel hopeful because I can already see the results of what I have learned.
“The crops are growing well, and if everything continues like this, I expect to start harvesting within the next one or two months.
“Some people have already asked when the harvest will be ready because they want to buy from me.
“That gives me confidence that my hard work will pay off.
“I sincerely thank Bread and Water for Africa® and RYDO-SL for giving me the knowledge and encouragement to start farming.
“This opportunity has shown me that with the right skills and determination, I can build a better future for my family."
John’s journey demonstrates that empowering hardworking men and women with practical agricultural knowledge can create lasting economic opportunities, Joseph commented.
“By combining his trade as a motorcycle mechanic with farming, he is building a more resilient livelihood and preparing for a brighter future.
“His story is a reminder that investments in agricultural training not only improve food production but also strengthen household incomes, inspire self-reliance, and contribute to sustainable community development.”
Musu’s and John’s stories reflect the importance of investing in farming families before the harvest is seen, notes Joseph.
“The knowledge, practical training, and farming tools provided through this project have already strengthened the confidence, skills, and determination of her household.
“With continued support from Bread and Water for Africa®, families like Musu’s and John’s will be better equipped to achieve higher agricultural productivity, improve food security, and build more resilient and prosperous rural communities.”
