In Sierra Leone, it is common to see small patches of unhusked rice drying along the side of the road. Spread out in the sun, the rice is partway through an arduous process that begins with harvesting the crop by hand. The grain must be separated from the stalk, partially dried, and stored in the husk. When it is time to eat, the rice is again set out to dry before the husk is removed through pounding and winnowing. Only then is the rice finally ready to be cooked.
The challenge of safe drying
This work often places an extra burden on women, who stand watch over the drying grain to protect it from animals or passersby. Even with careful supervision, however, the rice remains vulnerable to dust, debris, and other contaminants blowing in the wind.
Access to a safe, clean place to dry grain can be a major challenge for farming communities. One effective solution is a grain drying floor—a cement surface enclosed with fencing and large enough for several families to dry their harvest at the same time. Such a space helps protect rice from contamination and loss, improving both food safety and food security.
A community effort in Yoria
To address this need, World Renew’s local partner, Christian Extension Services (CES), supported the construction of a grain drying floor in the community of Yoria as part of a project focused on increasing rice production. Community members contributed locally available materials such as sand, water, and stones, and provided the labour needed for construction. CES, with support from World Renew, supplied the cement, skilled labour, and fencing materials.
Borbeh Sesay, chairperson of the village agricultural committee, describes the difference this has made. “The women used to dry our grains on cloth or on the ground where it usually mixed with stones and contaminants … with this new drying floor that isn’t the case … the rice is safe and secure.”
Continuing to stand with communities
Pray for communities across West Africa and around the world who depend on small-scale agriculture for their livelihoods, often in the face of environmental, economic, or security challenges. Pray that efforts to strengthen local food systems will continue to bring dignity, safety, and resilience to families. Pray also for World Renew staff and partners as they work alongside communities to pursue justice, mercy, and lasting change for those who are most vulnerable.
