By: Moses J. Dawoe
The Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with its partners, has distributed farming tools to over 450 local farmers in Maryland County, a significant step toward addressing agricultural challenges in rural Liberia.
Maryland Agriculture Coordinator, Mr. Peter Klay, highlighted the government’s commitment to tackling the scarcity of farming materials that has long hindered rural farmers. Speaking at the distribution ceremony on December 17, 2024, at Pleebo City Hall, Mr. Klay noted that the initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen Liberia’s agricultural sector.
“This distribution reflects the government’s dedication to improving farming conditions and ensuring food security,” said Mr. Klay.
He revealed that the Ministry of Agriculture is implementing three major agricultural programs in Maryland County: the Rural Economic Transformation Project (RETRAP), the Smallholders Transformation Agriculture and Agribusiness Project (STAR-P), and the Smallholders Agriculture Development for Food and Nutrition Security (SADFONS).
According to Mr. Klay, SADFONS has been instrumental in this initiative, focusing on boosting the production of vegetables, lowland rice, and cassava. The program, he added, facilitated the distribution of tools and logistics under the Urban Pera Farmers Planning initiative.
Despite these advancements, Mr. Klay acknowledged the need for additional funding to support farmers involved in palm and coconut production across Maryland County.
Among the beneficiaries of the program is the Tubaken Help Yourself Cooperative, a local farming group established four years ago to enhance vegetable and root crop production.
Mr. A. Nyemah Kubie, the cooperative’s chairman, expressed gratitude for being included in the third batch of supplies distributed by the ministry.
He noted that while the cooperative had applied for tools and seeds to improve productivity, only 25 of the group’s 128 members received tools.
“This support is critical, and we will ensure the tools are used collectively to benefit all members,” Mr. Kubie said.
He also appealed to the government for additional resources, including tricycles and trucks, to help farmers transport their produce to markets.
“This is just the beginning of what we hope will be a sustained effort to empower farmers across Maryland County,” Mr. Kubie added.
The Ministry of Agriculture reiterated its commitment to assisting farmers in Harper City, Pleebo City, Karluway, and Barrobo communities.
However, the ministry acknowledged that addressing all challenges will require sustained collaboration with partners and additional funding. This latest initiative marks a significant stride in the government’s efforts to empower farmers, boost agricultural productivity, and enhance food security in Liberia.
