A Guinean friend invited me to lunch on Sunday, along with some other foreign friends who have worked in Guinea for some time. We then visited the plantation that my Guinean friend is developing. He started with 2 hectares and has now acquired 20 hectares. He is a true urbanite but has a dream to see his plantation grow to be a major producer of oranges, pineapples, bananas, palm oil seeds, rice, and more. He has managed to get the confidence of villagers, which has allowed him to buy more land. In exchange for their faith in him he has loose arrangements that allow them to farm some areas for their own purposes.Guinea's president has prided himself on being a peasant and urged his citizens to follow his examples. This is a trend that many Guineans have tried to develop. Not many can take advantage of the possibilities, but it is interesting that both young and old office workers are trying to put down some roots in land, usually in areas where they have family contacts. There are many risks, though mostly minor. The risks involve theft of crops and supplies. They include weather and nature-related threats: Guinea has rain in overabundance during July-September but that can aid and destroy. Access is always a problem, but can also limit unwanted visitors. Managing such plantations from a distance is not a good option, and these new farmers will soon have to made decisions about what are their priorities. Depending on family members is a good way to limit risks, but is no guarantee.
In a country where the daily grind can be really burdensome this return to the land can also be therapeutic, and help keep people sane. That may be a romantic notion but it's in keeping with comments that the new farmers make. It's a return to some basic and important elements of national life. If children can be involved then it's also a good way to keep their lives well focused.
I wish my new farmer friend much success and will be keeping an eye on how his plantation develops.
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