Agricultural training in sub-Saharan Africa is a vital driver of food security, economic growth, and poverty reduction, addressing a landscape where agriculture employs over half of the labor force but suffers from low productivity.
“A common misunderstanding persists about job creation in Africa. Many envision cities as the epicenters of economic opportunity. Yet for millions in sub-Saharan Africa, the path to decent work still winds through agriculture,” stated the World Bank in May 2025.
“With youth unemployment rising and cities unable to absorb the growing labor force, agriculture – still the region’s largest employer – must be transformed into a more productive, appealing and innovative sector.”
The World Bank reported that “Despite the narrative of urban futures, 70-80 percent of rural employment in the region remains tied to agriculture.
“While agriculture holds massive employment potential, it suffers from stagnant productivity and poor job quality.”
That is why Bread and Water for Africa® works in sub-Saharan African partners, including the Faith Healing Development Organization (FHDO) in Sierra Leone, to address that “stagnant productivity” by offering agricultural training for women and youth farmers to enable them to increase their harvests on their tiny tracts of land significantly.
Through the program, not only do they gain knowledge and skills, but they are also equipped with tools, seeds/seedlings, and supplies such as fertilizer to feed their families, as well as generate income from the sale of surplus produce at local markets.
Among them this year was Ms. Fatmata Turay, a widow with three children living in the village of Yenkesa in the Bombali District in northern Sierra Leone.
“Her husband died of a heart attack two years ago in their village, leaving nothing behind for the poor widow to fall back on for the welfare of the children,” reported FHDO project coordinator Francis A.B. Rogers.
He explained that Fatmata had been involved in traditional farming over the years. However, despite that experience, she could still hardly feed her family – “not to talk about footing educational bills for the children.
“It has been difficult for her to carry out the farming work without support and adequate knowledge,” he added.
As for Fatmata herself, he said she described the training and support she received from Bread and Water for Africa® through the agricultural training program operated by FHDO as “very timely.
“She has been able to sell her wares and raise money not only to feed the children, but also to fund the school bills and get her children back to school.”
Another was Ms. Memuna Gassimu, who lives in the village of Moribatown in the Bonthe District with her children.
About five years ago, her husband abandoned his family, and “the responsibility to care for the kids rested on her shoulders,” reported Francis.
“She tried to cope for a while, but eventually could not.
“With no one to help, the kids stopped school because she could not pay the bills.”
When FHDO staff visited Moribatown and learned of her struggles, they approached her and registered her for the training program, from which she and her children have benefited greatly.
As Memuna told us, “My cassava farm did well, and I have been able to raise money to send my kids back to school this year.
“We can now eat well, and I now have a small business to run.
“I am really grateful to Bread and Water for Africa®, FHDO and God for this opportunity.”
For Fatmata and Memuna, agricultural training means more than better harvests. It means food for their children, money for school fees and a way to support their families.
Through our partnership with FHDO in Sierra Leone, Bread and Water for Africa® helps farmers gain the knowledge, tools and supplies to turn small plots into sources of nourishment and income.
Their stories show how practical support can open a path beyond subsistence.
When farmers have the resources to grow more, the benefits reach beyond the field: children return to school, families eat well and new opportunities begin to take root.
Your generosity can help families like Fatmata’s and Memuna’s put food on the table, keep their children in school, and build a more secure future. Thank you for helping with the opportunity to take root.
