By Bill W. Cooper
The Life Development Relief Organization (LIDRO) has donated a cassava processing machine to Local Women Farmers in Kpayea Kolleh Town, Gbarpolu County, in fulfilment of the long-awaited dream for many residents of the area.
The machine, donated recently, is designed to process cassava into gari and other products, as it is expected to significantly reduce the physically hard labour farmers normally go through their farming.
The upgrade is also seen as a major step toward improving agricultural productivity and economic independence for the women in the town, thus buttressing the government’s Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation and Tourism (ARREST) Agenda.
The processing machine, which includes components for grating, pressing, and drying cassava, will not only reduce the burden of manual work but is also expected to increase the community’s capacity to generate income from cassava products.
LIDRO has been active in rural Liberia, working on issues related to women’s empowerment, agriculture, education, and health, and this latest initiative is part of the team’s broader vision of promoting grassroots development by addressing real-life challenges with practical solutions.
Officially turning over the machine, LIDRO Chief Executive Officer, Rebecca Bestman Harris reaffirmed her organization’s dedication to empowering rural communities, particularly women, through sustainable development and hands-on support.
She said, “We understand the struggles our mothers and sisters go through every day just to make ends meet. As such, this machine is not just equipment; it is a tool of transformation, and we are honored to be part of that change.”
Madam Harris further revealed that the organization is planning to roll out similar projects in other hard-to-reach towns and villages across Liberia, prioritizing areas with high agricultural potential but limited access to equipment and infrastructure.
She added, “The strength of this country lies in its people, especially our women who form the backbone of our communities, and we will continue to walk with them, support them, and invest in their futures.”
Meanwhile, the women of the town could not hide their emotions, thus expressing their gratitude towards LIDRO, something they described as timely that will greatly help them through the processing of their raw materials.
One of the women leaders, Yatta Morris, on behalf of the group, expressed deep appreciation for the gesture and said, “This machine will change our lives. We used to pound cassava from morning to night. Now, we can process more in less time and even sell to other towns.”
Ma Yatta also pledged the group commitment to take full responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the machine, thus assuring that the equipment would be managed transparently and used for the benefit of the entire community.
She added, “This gift is for all of us as such, we want to make sure every household can benefit, and we will work together to ensure it stays in good condition.”
