The C&MA of Liberia is Learning New Farming Techniques

Participants in a series of recent workshops analyzed Liberia’s agricultural problems and proposed sustainable solutions for them. Those who participated are now willing to take an active role in the effort and invite others to join them.

Pastors, church leaders, missionaries and church members in Liberia gathered with the purpose of adding value to their lives and communities by learning how to improve their agricultural practices. During the series of workshops, they talked about how 21-day biothermal composting, Farming God’s Way (FGW), Market Gardening, the use of Moringa Oleifera plant, and application of microcredit practices could have a positive and practical effect on the lives in their country.

Those participating in the 21-day biothermal composting project organized into teams. The trainees collected the materials they needed and dug holes under the guidance of their trainer, Robert Sanou, of ECHO West Africa. They then began assembling a one-square meter compost heap. With that done, Sanou led a Q&A session on the theme to reinforce theory with practice.

In an area of about 16 square meters, Sanou demonstrated the FGW technology and its principles, and led the participants to master the different technical aspects of the method. He ended with an erosion test to show on the one hand the harmful effects of conventional agricultural practices and on the other hand the effectiveness of the FGW method in preserving biological and agricultural resources in the fields.

By exposing the keys to the success of market gardening and the different types of above ground gardens, and before giving a practical demonstration on the tire garden model, the 69 participants learned the technique of biopesticide preparation by extracting neem oil, which can be used both as a biopesticide and as a utility oil.

Neem oil is a natural pesticide found in seeds of the neem tree. It is yellow to brown in color, has a bitter taste, and a garlic/sulfur smell. The components of neem oil can be found in many products today, including toothpaste, cosmetics, soaps, and pet shampoos. Neem oil is a mixture of components. Azadirachtin is the most active one for repelling and killing pests. It can be extracted from neem oil.

Through an exchange of experiences around the Moringa Oleifera plant, Sanou examined the use of the plant in a detailed way from the leaves to the roots. He showed how the plant can be profitable due to its different nutritional, therapeutic, and economic applications. Moringa Oleifera has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Its health benefits can range from speeding up healing of wounds to managing blood glucose.

The workshop participants also reviewed topics such as healthy feeding of birds for the success of local poultry farming. And they checked the temperature of the compost and oxygenated the liquid manure from the compost pile made on the first day.

Finally, Sanou defined the concepts and principles of microcredit according to the Christian faith. “Microcredit is also a form of manifestation of Christ’s love for your neighbor,” he said. Microcredit is the practice of lending small amounts of money to new businesses in the developing world.

With gratitude and after receiving certificates, the 37 women and 32 men who participated in the workshops said that they will be happy to share these new techniques with their community.

Rev. Roosevelt Zarwulugbo Liberty, the president of the C&MA of Liberia, thanked the partnership between the Alliance World Fellowship (AWF) and ECHO West Africa: “Everything you have taught during these three days is completely true and that is what we need to change many things in our communities. Thank you, AWF, and thank you ECHO!” he said.

Join the participants, trainers, and the national church in Liberia in praising God for what he has done in their midst and for what he will do through them in their communities.