By Ibrahim Karim Bangura (Tanko)  

Resolving the climate by reforestation and serving the land that has been degraded by the illegal miners of gold and diamond. As a result of this forest deforestation, it has made agricultural production poor. But with ASA microfinance Sierra Leone, there will be a transformation in the climate of Lungi, Port Loko District, and also women of Sierra Leone will be empowered to carter for themselves and have food available for their families.

Speaking to Md.  Mahmudul Hasan, Divisional Manager, ASA Microfinance SL LTD. Freetown confirmed to Africa24 that there are many problems to solve with this project. Number one is the problem of deforestation that is causing climate problem in Lungi. The second one is the rate of unemployment and poverty among the women of Port Loko District. Through this development, women will be empowered in agroforestry that will help the climate of Sierra Leone. Also, the women will be able to have a source of income to provide food for their families and end hunger. So, this project is solving dual purpose. Adding that the potential long term impact of the scheme is to support the climate of Sierra Leone and reduce deforestation through the reforestation of the land.

“The trees planted are economic trees that can help to provide food and economic empowerment of the women of Sierra Leone. This will reduce the over dependence of the women on the men in Sierra Leone, through this task, it will lead to the end of hunger and zero poverty of the women in Sierra Leone.” He suggested.

Saturday, July 30, 2023 ASA Microfinance in Sierra Leone boarded on huge tree planting in afforestation landscape in Lungi.

In a chat with Mohamed Sesay, Branch Manager of ASA Microfinance Sierra Leone disclosed that their inauguration is extremely focused on economic empowerment and helping underprivileged and needy.

“Poverty mitigation through economic liberation by entree to capacity building for the development of profit business enterprises to the poor, we believe that alleviating poverty and improving the quality of lives of the poor by providing them with access to financial services is our dreams and expectations at all time, because we trust in financial investment,” He completed.

The Branch Manager, Sesay confirmed to this medium that ASA Microfinance Sierra Leone was recognized in 2016 in Sierra Leone, and ASA international has outlets in ten (10) areas including Lumley, Mountain Cut, Jui, Congo Town, Calaba Town, Waterloo, Tombo, Port Loko, Kenema, Bo, Kono, Makeni, Kabala, Kambia, Tokonkili etc. He stated that ASA-SL is a worldwide monetary institution operating in eight (8) nations in Africa specifically Nigeria, Rwanda, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Zambia, and others, adding that the loan caters for women based on required groups at least 10 and above. Nevertheless, Two Million Leones is the threshold per person (NLe 2, 000,000) with little interest.

According to the Branch Manager of ASA-SL in Lungi, Mohamed Sesay attested that  Three Hundred (300) Tree Planting is a hallmark successful development in the Chiefdom due to deforestation activities in the district over the years.

“The pilot phase was one hundred (100) trees across the Kaffu Bullom-Lungi in a bid to prevent flooding, destruction and loss of souls during the rains,” he advised.

Manager Sesay strongly encouraged women within the township of Lungi to grab this countless chance, and as a financial institution, they believe in small loan offer to female entrepreneurs, adding that the core objective of their project is to empower women in the country so that they can contribute to the country’s development effectively.

Mostly, the loan is for small business enterprises to help overcome the idea of dependency on money lenders, develop self-help mentality and self-employment capacities of the enterprises.

Generally, their gains are to rescue deprived groups to be self-reliant through involving into income generating activities.

Fatmata Dumbuya, a fishmonger at Tintafor Market in Lungi, expressed joy and happiness testifying that “I am a client of ASA Microfinance Sierra Leone, I have secured a huge benefit from ASA-SL over the years, and I am paying NLe 83,000 weekly. Through ASA Microfinance Ltd, we are making daily bread with my family because my spouse is jobless. We are cash trapped, and my children are going to school. With ASA-SL my family is 40% fine because the economic situation in the country is very shy.” She comments.