By Linus Flomo
ActionAid Liberia (AAL) has symbolically presented an assortment of agriculture tools to small farmers from three counties- Bong, Montserrado, and Gbarpolu – in order to enhance farming productivity.
The agricultural tools included a collection of essential tools, wheelbarrows, rain boots, shovels, rakes, cartons of cutlasses, individual cutlass pieces, and spray cans, among others.
The initiative is under the Strategic Partnership for Agro-Ecology and Climate Justice in West Africa (SPAC West Africa) Project, a 3-year program (2023-2025) that aims to empower women and youths to improve their abilities to produce more food.
The project is empowering the beneficiary smallholder farmers in Liberia in agroecology practices and the use of ICT to enhance their agency and build climate resilience.
“Agroecology is a sustainable agricultural practice that encourages farmers to diversify production and to protect the environment.
The project also seeks to improve household food security and enhance preparedness in emergencies for vulnerable populations.
AAL is providing young people, particularly women and marginalized individuals in specific counties, with access to quality public services and protection of their democratic rights to enhance their livelihoods, resilience, and well-being, especially in fragile and disaster-prone situations in Liberia.
According to AAL, the SPAC West Africa project ensures appropriate knowledge and skills in agroecology techniques, ensures resources, and promotes decision-making abilities so that farmers can effectively manage the negative impact of climate change and provide them capacity through climate justice programs within the West African Region.
Speaking at the symbolic handover ceremony of agricultural tools in Monrovia, the Deputy Agriculture Minister for Planning and Development, David K. Akoi, applauded ActionAid Liberia for the donation and promised his Ministry’s continuous collaboration in working with the organization to promote the skills of the farmers in agroecology to overcome the effect of climate change.
Akoi said that, considering the effect of climate change on agriculture in Liberia, farmers will do well in the sector if they can adopt the practice of agroecology.
He said that the farming tools are intended for the farmers to grow more food, not only for their families but for the market.
The Minister challenged the farmers to use the tools for the intended purpose.
“These tools are not meant for sale. You must be able to use them to grow more food for your families and the communities,” he said.
The Deputy Minister said that Liberia’s agriculture is now driving toward farm mechanization.
According to him, the Government of Liberia is collaborating with development partners to make sure that farmers are provided with all the necessary support to enhance production.
Elizabeth Gbah Johnson, AAL’s Country Director, highlighted the enduring collaboration between ActionAid and the Liberian Government through the Ministry of Agriculture and other ministries and agencies.
She emphasized the importance of the symbolic tool handover as a demonstration of the government’s dedication to civil society initiatives. Madam Johnson added that the project endeavors to facilitate farmers’ transition to agroecology practices.
According to her, AAL’s collaboration with the government signifies a strong commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture practices in Liberia.
“The ongoing efforts aim to create a more sustainable and prosperous future for farmers in Liberia, emphasizing the importance of collective action and partnership in driving positive change within the agricultural sector,” she added.
For his part, the Head of Programs and Policy at ActionAid Liberia, Dalitso Kuphanga, commended the government at all levels for their relationship and support.
He said AAL remains committed to supporting the government’s agenda on agriculture.
H. Augustus Roberts, Chairperson of the ECOWAS Non-State Actors Coalition for the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP), said the CAADP framework also stressed the need for the promotion of agroecology to improve the lives of smallholder farmers.
Roberts said his organization, as a civil society group, remains committed to engaging the government to invest more in the agricultural sector.
He explained that the CAADP framework was instituted by governments in Africa to accelerate growth in agriculture and enhance food and nutrition. Meanwhile, beneficiaries of the program thanked AAL for the assistance and promised to use the items for the intended purposes.
“We are very much grateful for the assistance. These tools will be used to grow more food for our families and the communities,” said Rosetta Harris.
The SPAC West Africa Project stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment for women and youths in Liberia.
Over the course of its three-year duration, the program is dedicated to equipping individuals with the tools and knowledge necessary to increase food production, promote sustainable farming practices through Agroecology, and leverage technology for climate resilience.
By focusing on enhancing food security, building resilience, and ensuring access to essential services and democratic rights for vulnerable populations, the project aims to create a more sustainable and equitable future for the people of Liberia, particularly in fragile and disaster-prone regions.
Through the Strategic Partnership Agreement II, the project underscores its commitment to fostering livelihoods, resilience, and overall well-being for women, youth, and marginalized groups, thereby paving the way for a more prosperous and secure society in Liberia.
