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Cassava Grating Machine
Goal: to lend funds to allow for the purchase of a machine that will allow the processing of dried cassava root. The machine will allow much greater production of cassava, encouraging farmers to produce more now that they will have an efficient means of processing.
Cassava root, raw
Community Benefit: Individuals will have the ability to process, locally, larger quantities of dried cassava as compared to grating by hand. Farmers will produce more because of this capability, thereby having more cassava available for the local population. Farmers will be charged a fee for the processing, producing revenue which can be used for the program.
Recipient Requirements: Recipient must research and fully understand all the components and procedures of processing dried cassava. They must also have the cooperation and participation of surrounding communities.
Capital Costs
Machine, Transport, Tarp and Containers Le 2,370,000
Operating Costs
Repair and Food for workers Le 760,000/month
Labor 20% of production, encouraging more production
Potential Revenue
At 50 bags per day x Le 5,000/bag = Le 6,500,000
Less 20% labor = Le 1,300,000
Net profit = Le 4,200,000/month potential
Loan Details
The loan is being made directly to CIP Sierra Leone, so the investment is going to remain as an asset of CIP. This allows the profit to be used for the Community Development projects, and for additional investments.
Cassava root, rawCommunity Benefit: Individuals will have the ability to process, locally, larger quantities of dried cassava as compared to grating by hand. Farmers will produce more because of this capability, thereby having more cassava available for the local population. Farmers will be charged a fee for the processing, producing revenue which can be used for the program.
Recipient Requirements: Recipient must research and fully understand all the components and procedures of processing dried cassava. They must also have the cooperation and participation of surrounding communities.
Capital Costs
Machine, Transport, Tarp and Containers Le 2,370,000
Operating Costs
Repair and Food for workers Le 760,000/month
Labor 20% of production, encouraging more production
Potential Revenue
At 50 bags per day x Le 5,000/bag = Le 6,500,000
Less 20% labor = Le 1,300,000
Net profit = Le 4,200,000/month potential
Loan Details
The loan is being made directly to CIP Sierra Leone, so the investment is going to remain as an asset of CIP. This allows the profit to be used for the Community Development projects, and for additional investments.
Groundnut Production
Goal: to lend small amounts of money, resulting in increased production of groundnuts (peanuts) 
Making groundnut paste
Community Benefit: Groundnuts provide a critical part of the diet, providing an amino acid that, combined with rice, synthesizes protein. They also play an important role in the planting process, fixing nitrogen into the soil which is necessary for rice production.
Recipient Requirements: To qualify for a groundnut loan, the recipient must first construct a storage facility completely out of local materials, and without assistance from other NGOs. Once completed, the recipient will receive the loan for the groundnuts and technical assistance from the CIP extension team.
Capital Costs
Making groundnut pasteCommunity Benefit: Groundnuts provide a critical part of the diet, providing an amino acid that, combined with rice, synthesizes protein. They also play an important role in the planting process, fixing nitrogen into the soil which is necessary for rice production.
Recipient Requirements: To qualify for a groundnut loan, the recipient must first construct a storage facility completely out of local materials, and without assistance from other NGOs. Once completed, the recipient will receive the loan for the groundnuts and technical assistance from the CIP extension team.
Capital Costs
Storage facility - none.
Groundnut seeds - five bags & transport = Le 615,000
Operating Costs
None.
Loan Details
Once the storage building is complete, the recipient will receive the loan in seed. Groundnuts are harvested twice each year. The recipient must pay back the value of the loan, and an additional 15% interest.
Once the storage building is complete, the recipient will receive the loan in seed. Groundnuts are harvested twice each year. The recipient must pay back the value of the loan, and an additional 15% interest.
Cassava Planting
Goal: Cassava is grown for the food value of both the leaves and the root. Lending to an individual to increase the production of cassava could be profitable and beneficial.
Pounding cassava leaves for sauceCommunity Benefit: The more cassava grown, the less the pressure on other staples such as rice, bringing down the demand (and cost) of both. As these valued commodities increase in abundance, the entire community benefits.
Recipient Requirements: Prior to receiving a loan, a recipient must first prepare the land for planting. This is physically demanding, but shows the commitment towards the project. The recipient must also provide any necessary tools and show access to labor to assist in the preparation and planting.
Capital Costs
70 bundles of cuttings/acre x 2 acres x Le 5,000/bundle = Le 700,000
Labor = Le 180,000
Total = Le 980,000
Operating Costs
None.
Loan Details
The recipient would be required to pay back the principle and interest (15%) after the first harvest, generating income from the tubers and the leaves.
Vegetable Production
Goal: Vegetables are used in the preparation of every meal. They have a short "shelf life," so most are grown and consumed in the same proximity. An increase in the availability of vegetables, and related skill sets, would be very beneficial.
Produce at the marketCommunity Benefit: As with any production of commodities valued by the local community, an increase in production would benefit everyone.
Recipient Requirements: To qualify for a vegetable loan, an individual must first group together with four others. This ISN'T to form a coop; this IS just to make it efficient and cost effective to administer the relatively low cost loans. The individuals must build a nursery to grow the seeds in a protective environment, and also prepare the land for transplanting.
Capital Costs
Seeds = Le 16,500
Watering Cans (2 each) = Le 60,000
Extension Agent assistance = Le 40,000
Total Loan = Le 166,500
Operating Costs
None
Loan Details: Recipients would be required to pay back the principle, and the interest (15%) within the first year of the loan.
