The Hope Farm is more than just an agricultural enterprise; it is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of sustainable agriculture. Established by renowned activist Kimmie Weeks, with seed funding provided by Anna-Mieke Anderson and the Greener Diamond, Hope Farm embodies a vision born out of personal experience and a deep commitment to empowering communities in Liberia and beyond.
Kimmie Weeks, a survivor of the Liberian civil war, knows firsthand the devastating impact of conflict and food insecurity. During the war, he endured unimaginable hardships, including near-starvation, which left an indelible mark on his life. Determined to turn his adversity into an opportunity for positive change, Weeks dedicated himself to advocating for human rights and social justice, particularly focusing on empowering African youth.
After decades of building organizations and implementing programs to uplift African youth, Weeks recognized that sustainable agriculture held the key to addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing the continent. In 2020, inspired by his own journey and the resilience of the communities he served, Weeks made the bold decision to pivot towards agriculture as a means of driving lasting change and prosperity in Africa.
With a firm belief in the transformative potential of organic agriculture, Weeks embarked on a journey of learning and discovery, immersing himself in the principles of sustainable farming and regenerative practices. Armed with knowledge and passion, he founded Hope Farm with the initial guidance and support of Anna-Miekie Anderson from the Greener Diamond, along with Daniella Hunter and Charlie Stuart Gay from Sanará and Real Coconut. The farm was established in Liberia and received subsequent support from Xander Shultz, Zoe Pappis, and Theresa Nabuule.
At Hope Farm, we are guided by a simple yet profound philosophy: to cultivate hope, nourish communities, and transform lives through sustainable agriculture. Our approach is rooted in the principles of environmental stewardship, social impact, and economic empowerment. By championing organic farming practices, we strive to regenerate the land, promote biodiversity, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Central to our mission is the empowerment of local farmers, many of whom have faced significant challenges in accessing resources and market opportunities. Through training, capacity building, and collaborative partnerships, we are working to equip farmers with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing agricultural landscape.
Furthermore, we recognize the importance of addressing gender disparities in agriculture and promoting women's empowerment. Women play a vital role in food production and household nutrition, yet they often face unequal access to resources and decision-making power. At Hope Farm, we are committed to promoting gender equality and creating opportunities for women to thrive as leaders and entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector.
Our journey at Hope Farm is just beginning, but our vision is bold and our commitment unwavering. We envision a future where agriculture serves as a catalyst for sustainable development, economic prosperity, and social justice. Together, with our partners and supporters, we are sowing the seeds of hope and building a brighter tomorrow for Liberia, Africa, and beyond.
Read more about what we do, make a donation, or invest with us as we cultivate hope, one harvest at a time.
Arthur Keith
Anna-Mieke Anderson, is the Founder and active CEO of MiaDonna & Company, a globally admired eco-friendly jewelry company that continues to push boundaries to create a socially responsible diamond industry.
Charlie Stuart Gay Charlie is co founder and current CEO of Real Coconut Products and Restaurant Companies. He is also co founder of Oxygen Beach Investments, Sanará Hotels and related land and sustainability companies around the world.
Cherrine Smith is a Liberian historian and founder and CEO of Our History TV, which has a mission is to discover, preserve, empower and tell the stories of people and cultures who have helped to shape the world.
Christian Birky is the Co-Founder of Nimbly, an on-demand knitwear manufacturer and software platform. Nimbly are building a global network of factories to power an on-demand knit supply chain. Christian also serves as the Co-Chair of the Nexus Ethical Fashion Lab.
Daniella built The real Coconut, a veritable empire of specialty alternative food, snacks, alternative flours, and other gluten-free products. She’s also passionate about health, sustainability and working directly with farmers to help make such products affordable.
Theresa is a seasoned professional in shipping and logistics, with a strong background in international development. She excels in coordinating with partners like UNHCR to ensure efficient delivery of aid to vulnerable populations.
Xander focuses on building a resilient, inclusive democracy that priotize the freedom of its people. He currently runs the policy accelerator network The Future US, and previously founded orgs like One For Democracy and Defeat By Tweet.
Zoë Pappis is deeply passionate about empowering women through safety and education. As a mother and the co-founder/ executive director of When we Band Together, she's dedicated to creating a safe space for refugee women and children to access resources and opportunities they need to thrive both mentally and physically.
Kimmie Weeks is a renowned activist and humanitarian dedicated to creating positive change in Liberia and beyond. Born and raised in Monrovia, Liberia, Kimmie experienced firsthand the devastating effects of the civil war that ravaged his country. At the age of nine, he survived a harrowing experience when rebels besieged his neighborhood and forced them to escape to a refugee camp. Like thousands of other Liberians, Kimmie faced starvation and disease. At a certain point, he was pronounced dead and his emaciated body was left in a pile of dead bodies. This traumatic event ignited Kimmie's passion for social justice and inspired him to become a voice for the voiceless.
Despite facing numerous challenges, including threats to his own life, Kimmie embarked on a mission to empower communities affected by conflict, poverty, and disease. In 1996 in started the Children's Disarmament Campaign to fight for freedom for 20,000 Liberian child soldiers who were being forced to fight in the civil war. In 1998, his work against the use of children as soldiers made him a target and he was forced to flee Liberia and was granted political asylum in the United States.
While in the US and enrolled at Amherst College, he founded Youth Action International (YAI), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing education, healthcare, and economic opportunities to young people in post-war Liberia. Under his leadership, YAI has impacted the lives of thousands of individuals, empowering them to break the cycle of poverty and build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
In 2020, Kimmie Weeks recognized the urgent need to address food insecurity and economic stagnation in Liberia through sustainable agriculture. Motivated by his own experiences of hunger during the civil war, he founded Hope Farm with a vision to cultivate hope, nourish communities, and transform lives through organic farming practices. Today, Hope Farm stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, embodying Kimmie's unwavering commitment to creating a better world for all.
Kimmie Weeks has received numerous accolades for his tireless advocacy and humanitarian work, including being named one of MIPAD's "100 Most Influential People in the World." . He continues to inspire others through his dedication to social justice, human rights, and sustainable development.
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