Background: Rice is the most important food in Sierra Leone, and a staple which they used to export. International agencies historically have flooded the country with cheap, highly processed rice to "eleviate suffering," creating an artificial dis-incentive to farmers. Imagine producing a crop for resale, only to have another nation flood your area with a competing product. In addition, due to the challenges of the war, farmers have not had the available cash to finance seed rice.Simple Solution: One bushel of seed rice costs Le 40,000 (about $15). I am going to personally invest in 20 farmers ($15x20=$300). Patricia Turay (see Micro Loan #1) will be "hired" to locate the farmer, make the loan of $15, track all loans outstanding, and retrieve the principle and interest. I will split all profits with her, compensating her for her time and encouraging her to make the most of this opportunity. I have know her since 1988. Results will be posted here.
