Fanta Koroma lives in Sierra Leone and belongs to a large farming family. Like many rural families, they struggled to earn enough to meet their basic needs and to plan for the future with confidence.
Through World Renew, Fanta had the opportunity to take part in agriculture and economic support activities facilitated by World Renew’s local partner, Christian Extension Services (CES). These activities were designed to strengthen livelihoods and help families build resilience over time.
Growing Skills, Growing Possibility
Fanta learned conservation agriculture methods that help increase crop production while caring for the land. These included practising minimum tillage to protect the soil from erosion and the loss of nutrients. She applied what she learned while growing rice using seed she received through the program.
She says, “[World Renew and CES] supported me with rice seed, which helped me and my household a lot for the past two planting seasons. My farm yield increased twofold.”
With increased crop yields came additional income. Fanta also accessed a low‑interest loan through a local Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA). She used the loan to purchase two goats, which soon grew into a small goat‑breeding business. “Now I have six mature female goats after selling two goats this year to settle my children’s educational affairs,” she explains.
Through her participation in the VSLA, Fanta learned how to become a wiser steward of her money and developed strong relationships with other members, building trust and mutual support within her community.
From Stability to Leadership
Fanta feels blessed to have had opportunities to learn and grow in ways that sustainably contribute to her family’s food security and income stability. Today, she is paying those benefits forward by supporting other women in her community as they work to improve food security for their own families. As a result, Fanta is now regarded as a community leader.
With a grateful heart, she says, “Now that I have reaped so many benefits… I am determined to continue working diligently… so more women will continue to benefit.”
At World Renew, we believe women are essential to God’s plan to restore creation and should not be denied opportunities to learn, to grow, and to use their abilities for the flourishing of their families and communities. Through programs like VSLAs, women receive practical training, participate in savings groups, and gain tools to strengthen their resilience and hope for the future—just as Fanta has done.
