By Bill W. Cooper
The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) has commenced the distribution of modern rice processing equipment to smallholder farmers in Bong, Lofa, and Nimba counties, with the aim of enhancing agricultural productivity and to combat post-harvest losses.
The initiative, funded by the World Bank through the Rural Economic Transformation Project (RETRAP), is part of the government’s comprehensive agenda for food security, as outlined in the “Liberians Feed Yourself Agenda” under the National Agriculture Development Plan (NADP 2024-2030).
Between September 19 and 22, 2024, a total of 30 rice-producing farmers received advanced tools, including solar dryers, hermetic storage bags, winnowers, threshers, de-stoners, digital scales, and small-scale rice mills.
These modern machines are expected to streamline rice processing, reduce manual labor, and improve crop quality, especially for smallholder farmers.
Most smallholder farmers currently face limited access to proper and modern equipment, technical knowledge and capacities related to machinery operation, equipment maintenance, and the storage and distribution of agricultural products. The RETRAP also addresses knowledge sharing through Farmers’ Field Schools, on-site trainings, among others.
Speaking at the distribution ceremony held at the Central Agriculture Research Institute (CARI) in Suakoko, Bong County, Deputy Minister for Planning and Development, David K. Akoi, emphasized the government’s commitment to food self-sufficiency.
“We are providing these machines because you’ve shown commitment to the Liberian Feed Yourself Agenda. Rice production is critical, and we trust these tools will help you promote sustainable farming practices and significantly reduce post-harvest losses,” Akoi noted.
The distribution was supported by RETRAP Crop Development Specialist, Dr. Moses Zolue, who noted that farmers were selected based on their dedication to increasing rice production and fostering cooperative farming.
“Your passion, commitment, and consistency in the area of food production, particularly rice, as well as your pledge to improve food production by reducing post-harvest losses have earned you this recognition”, Zolue remarked.
Farmers who received the machines expressed their appreciation to the Government of Liberia and its development partners.
Representing the Bigger Women Association of Zorzor District, Lofa County, Garmai Zayzay, said “we have been growing large quantities of rice, but processing has always been a challenge. With this equipment, we will make the Ministry’s vision a reality.”
While the head of the Kpor-gborma Agriculture Cooperative in Bong County, Henry S. Korkoyah, said, “These machines will not only cut down on post-harvest losses but also increase our income. We are fully committed to utilizing them for the intended purpose.”
Meanwhile, this initiative, which introduces small-scale mechanization, is particularly aimed at empowering women and youth farmers. By improving productivity and rice quality, the project also seeks to increase the profitability of Liberia’s locally produced rice, a crucial step in addressing the country’s food and nutrition challenges.
Through the RETRAP, the Government of Liberia secured additional funding from the World Bank to address the current severe food and nutrition crisis in the country. This support aims to preserve and strengthen the productive capacity of farming households, enabling continued and expanded production of key staple foods for both consumption and the market.
