Justification For The Project

The ten year civil conflict (1991-2001) in Sierra Leone exhausted the food production capabilities of rural farmers whose

livelihood depended entirely on subsistence-level farming. Domesticated animals and livestock reared for household support and supplies were consumed during the civil conflict. Livestock rehabilitation is now taking root in some rural areas but not in  the Greater Freetown Areas. Domestic animals like chicken, pigs, goats and sheep are destined for city markets and sold at prices by rural farmers that barely support their families  in their various villages. Child dietary well-being is not considered in a typical rural family’s budget.

It is not surprising that Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) is rampant in families of poor socio-economic background.

The production of chicken and chicken products through backyard poultry would provide available protein supplement in their diet and needed cash flow that would be used to improve the socio-economic status of participating families. 

Ninety-five percent of children in rural areas of Greater Freetown would benefit in realizing their childhood potentials if their protein supplement is at substantial level. Adequate protein in their diet would enhance their developmental growth and cognitive ability, which will make them competitive at national and international levels. It will also serves as a precursor in the prevention of other diseases; such as malaria and HIV. The type of food category that  is more available in the diet of these children is mainly of carbohydrate base. The fruit intake that they obtain; mainly mango could not make up for the protein loss that is needed to boost their immune system, which would strengthen their ability to fight off diseases. This lack of adequate protein in the diet of infants and children is the main cause of the disease called Kwashiorkor and Marassmus.

     The focus of the project is not only to eradicate PEM in the lives of infant and young children in the rural areas of Greater

     Freetown, but to also to sensitize the communities on the importance of healthy child development and community

     development.

     It is a  grass-root project that once successful in one community, could be replicated in other communities and

     capable of taking a life on its own. PEM is common in children in the rural areas of Sierra Leone and West Africa.

     Protein supplement is always in high demand and their is an ever increasing market for it products.

     Ekupitt Inc. has decided to set up an organized small-scale protein production units at selected households within the

     Waterloo community to benefit the children and the socio-economic status of their families.

     The participating families would be given the necessary resources needed and the opportunity to control their future

     development.