Overview of our program

LSRI

 

Liberia Self Reliance Initiative

 

 

A not for profit agricultural program to educate, train and mobilize the farmers

in Liberia to become self-sufficient.

 

 

The LSRI program is an outgrowth of the West Africa mission program of the

Edenton Street United Methodist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The interest in Liberia began when Rev. Melville Cox, a pastor from the Edenton Street

church became the first missionary to Liberia.  The program has continued under the direction

of Jim Perry and has always sought avenues to help Liberians to help themselves.

In the past several years the interest has moved into the agriculture programs to aid the

farmers in supplying for their own families and communities.

 The Liberian people have relied totally on the food handouts to feed their families. 

Once the food was used, and the programs ended, there were no resources

in place to maintain the nutritional level.

 In an effect to combat hunger and poverty, the focus is to do more for the

 Liberian people through their own efforts. 

This year we are in the process of moving from an agricultural extension

 program to a central experimental training center near the capital city

of Monrovia.

.

We have learned of new products and farming techniques that are available at no charge to the farmers. 

 

 

AREAS OF INTEREST

 

·        Moringa for building immunity

Moringa is a tree that can be easily grown in the tropical climate of Liberia.

       

It provides all the nutrition necessary to combat malnutrition in children and build the immune system of adults. It contains: 

7 times the Vitamin C found in oranges

4 times the Vitamin A found in carrots

3 times the iron found in greens

4 times the calcium found in milk

3       times the potassium found in Bananas

 

·        Artemisia for combating malaria. Artemisia is a leafy tree that is new to Liberia through our program.

·          A tea made from the leaves will help cure malaria and treatment of other diseases

 

 

·        Amaranth for building immunity

Amaranth is another leafy bush that will enable adults and children to be healthier.

 It has been in Liberia for several years.

 

·        Growing vertical crops in old tires

We have been experimenting with vertical gardening in old tires that have

been cut and fitted with plastic to enable them to be moved from place to place.

 Many women in the villages are single mothers and would like to be able

 to grow vegetables near their homes to help provide for their children.

 We have begun planting of beans, cucumbers, peppers and some types of squash in this manner.

 

·        Intercropping

In an effort for our farmers to better utilize their small acreage (2-5) acres, we are working on methods

 of intercropping to  produce a higher yield of multiple products.

 These include corn, squash, pepper, peanuts, beans, cucumbers, and pumpkin.  So far our results have been good.

 

·        Composting

We have been experimenting with different types of composting for the Liberian climate. 

These include pit, slab and container composting. 

The time needed to compost is much less due to the hot and humid climate.

  We have found that the soil at the Ag Center has been completely depleted.

 We have found this much less costly than fertilizer.

 

·        Hygienic processing

Our moringa products and honey production now take place in our new “clean room” at the Agriculture Center

 

In the future the Ag Center will house our office, library,

 and conference room, bunk room for overnight stays, storage and sales space.

 

·       Our experimental crops are sold to local markets, groceries, and individuals.

                                   This money will be used to support our Ag Center and we plan to be mostly self sufficient within five to six years. 

 

 

In addition:

Because of their knowledge and methods, our agriculturalists are already providing training

for the leadership of other farming groups in Liberia.

 

Future planning

 

Honey extraction through a centrifuge process

Day seminars for farmers in areas of composting, rice, fish, and other areas of farming.

Week long training at the Ag Center for farmers.

 We will provide housing and meals while at the Center and then follow-up at their villages

 as they train their fellow farmers in the practices.

 

 STAFF



 

Rev. C. Anne Kumeh, Project Director

Rev. Benjamin Bengura, Agriculturalist

Barwinski Zayzay, Agriculturalist

Alsyed Browne, Farm Manager

Joseph, Prince, and Musa -Agricultural Aides

Timothy Kumeh, Production and Marketing

Jeff Kumeh, Driver and Mechanic 

 I has been approved as a not-for-profit corporation and is being registered as such in the country of Liberia.

 

Tax deductable contributions may be made payable to:

LSRI

C/o Jim Perry

1729 Berwickshire Circle

Raleigh, NC 27615-3704

 

For more information contact:

Rev. C. Anne Girton Kumeh

annekumeh@gmail.com