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“We have a written contract with the Department of Agriculture that states if we build the building, they will not take it away from the farmers,” Yarborough explains. After the building was complete, the next step was to get the farmers' equipment to plow the fields. The equipment included tractors and plows that the co-op rents out to the farmers for about five thousand dinar an hour (about $3.56 U,S. dollars). Once the fields are plowed, the planting process begins. This season, the farmers will be planting corn, tomatoes, okra, sesame seed and tons of watermelon. They will also be planting corn for the animals. The co-op sells the seed to the farmers at slightly less than market value, but makes up the difference by renting out the tractor implements. “Farmers like to farm. We are putting a lot of people back to work. By doing this, chances are they will not join the insurgency. Right now in this area, joining the bad guys is the only source of money,” said Yarbrough. “These people need to feed their families. By starting this project, we are hoping that when they see things that are not right, they may call one of the many collation hotlines to report suspicious activity.” Everyone benefits. With one final check of the equipment and seed and making sure everything is in working order, Yarbrough and her team are ready to leave and let the farmers get back to the business of feeding families. |
