Correspondence from the Farmer on Crutches' Founder
Mambud Samai, an amputee football coach from Sierra Leone, recently embarked on a two-and-a-half-week journey to the United Kingdom. His primary objective was to learn about sustainable farming practices and community empowerment, particularly through the Pasture for Life scheme.
During his stay, Mambud visited several notable farms in the UK, all certified by the Pasture for Life scheme. These farms, including Paddock Farm, Farm-Ed, Hammond Farm, and Whittington Lodge Farm, among others, showcased organic pastured livestock farms featuring grass-fed cattle and sheep, demonstrating rotational grazing methods that enhance soil health and biodiversity.
The Pasture for Life scheme promotes farming methods that prioritize animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and high-quality grass-fed products. Mambud spent time with managers such as Patrick Lynn, Hannah Thorogood, Jon and Nick Francis, Ian Wilkinson, Eric Walters, and Ian Boyd, learning about farm restoration techniques such as soil enrichment, tree planting, and habitat conservation.
Mambud also had the opportunity to visit farms in the south west of the UK, where he spent two days with Andrew Sincock of Agriton. Notably, he learned about farms that produce Pasture for Life certified beef, lamb, and dairy products, illustrating the full farm-to-table approach championed by the scheme.
In addition to the UK farm visits, Mambud's tour included a special focus on the Farming on Crutches project in Sierra Leone. This project supports farmers with disabilities by providing specially adapted tools and training to enable them to practice pasture-based farming successfully. The initiative promotes inclusivity and sustainable livestock management in a region where farming is both a livelihood and a means to restore local ecosystems.
Mambud's tour underscored the global relevance of pasture-based farming for good animal welfare, ecological balance, and community empowerment. Back in Sierra Leone, he will continue working to build a support network for ongoing communication and further development of the Farming on Crutches project.
In the coming weeks, a mechanism will be provided for people to sign up to a newsletter being set up by Mambud Samai, allowing them to stay updated on his work and the progress of the Farming on Crutches project. A short clip about the work in Sierra Leone has been shared before and is commended for reminding people of the project and its importance.
Mambud expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to meet the Pasture for Life community in the UK and learn from their practical farming and community sharing. His journey serves as a testament to the power of sustainable agriculture and its ability to empower communities worldwide.
