…. As Concern Worldwide Strengthens Partnership With CHAP On Fundraising And Development Of Strategic Plans
MONROVIA, LIBERIA — The Community of Hope Agriculture Project (CHAP), Liberia’s leading proponent of the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), has received a significant financial boost from the Lotus Foods Foundation USA. The support is directed toward CHAP’s flagship Farm4Jobs Investment Scheme, which aims to cultivate 3,000 hectares of lowland rice using SRI methods over the next four years—creating sustainable employment and strengthening food security in Liberia.
The Lotus Foods Foundation, based in the United States, has approved a US$10,590 donation to CHAP for the purchase of 100,000 rice packaging bags of varying sizes and other essential supplies. The announcement was made by Caryl Levine and Ken Lee, co-founders of the Lotus Foods Foundation, following their advisory board meeting in May 2025. The donation is currently being processed for transfer.
Lotus Foods Foundation is globally recognized for its commitment to regenerative agriculture, women’s empowerment, and support for smallholder farmers. The organization includes the SRI methodology as a central pillar in its regenerative farming strategy.
CHAP’s Executive Director, Robert S. M. Bimba, widely regarded as the “father of SRI in Liberia,” expressed deep appreciation for the timely donation. “This support will significantly enhance our ongoing efforts under the I Love Liberian Rice campaign and Farm4Jobs initiative. It comes at a crucial time as we prepare to dedicate a new, integrated rice processing mill next month,” he said.
The new mill, funded by the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Agriculture under the STAR-P and LACF projects, is set to become one of the largest in Montserrado County and will serve as a hub for processing rice grown through CHAP’s programs.
In related developments, CHAP hosted a high-level delegation from Concern Worldwide on June 5th, 2025. The visiting team included Ciara Begley, Country Director Concern Worldwide; Mohammed Alpha, Partnership Manager; and Aboise Haruna, the organization’s new Program Manager. The visit featured a tour of the upcoming rice mill and discussions on deepening collaboration.
CHAP has been a national implementing partner for Concern Worldwide in Rivercess and Grand Bassa Counties since 2023, with funding from Irish Aid. The partnership has strengthened CHAP’s institutional capacity and contributed to its leadership role in Global Hunger Index advocacy.
During the visit, Concern Worldwide explored potential areas of support including fundraising and the development of a strategic plan. They also commended CHAP for embracing digital innovation, particularly in project monitoring, evaluation, and commercial activities.
