In June, AFJN’s Executive Director, Dr. Steven Nabieu Rogers, was interviewed on Wake Up Sierra Leone on AYV Sierra Leone about the work of AFJN. Dr. Rogers emphasized efforts to raise awareness about the harmful effects of land grabbing. By empowering local people and key stakeholders about their rights and policy, they are better equipped to engage with authorities when their rights are being violated and agreements breached. This happens through town halls and other community meetings. Through these grassroot movements, Sierra Leoneans are creating beneficial solutions to issues within their communities.
Dr. Rogers also emphasized the dangers of land acquisition by multinational corporations and the impact on local communities and their livelihoods. He also explains the importance of the land in terms of livelihood.
While recognizing that business is important to Sierra Leone’s growth, the “focus on policies [must be done] in such a way that […] natural resources” are protected keeping in mind that “[w]e cannot multiply this land […] so we have to make sure that we protect it, and that’s the main job that we do” said Dr. Rogers during the interview.