Liberia Agricultural and Environmental Journalists Network (LAEJN) Promote informed journalism and public engagement on agricultural and environmental nalists Network (LAEJN)
By T. Prince Mulbah/Zorzor, Lofa County/0777833054 | 088716888/ [email protected]
Nestled in the heart of Salayea District, where fertile landscapes fuel the ambitions of determined farmers, resides Washington Sator—a resilient 43-year-old high school graduate and a beacon of rural entrepreneurship. His story is one of perseverance, innovation, and an unyielding commitment to agricultural progress, with a vision to restore Lofa as the breadbasket of Liberia.
Washington’s farming venture spans eight hectares of palm trees and over twenty thousand cocoa trees in Kponwonsayea town. His journey began in 2014 with limited resources but a strong determination to build a future in agriculture. Starting with a modest rice farm, he sold his first harvest to the World Food Programme (WFP), using the proceeds to invest in F1 palm seedlings from Windrock between 2014 and 2016.
Fast forward to 2023, Washington marked a major milestone with his first significant palm oil production, yielding 30 tins. By 2024, his production had surpassed 100 tins, a testament to his dedication and growing expertise. Looking ahead, he remains optimistic, expressing hopes of exceeding his previous output.
Despite his achievements, Washington’s journey has been fraught with challenges, navigating entrepreneurship without external financial backing. “I only depend on hard work, my plantain farm, borrowing money, and the labor of my family members to sustain this farm,” he shared.
Currently, he is preparing for the March harvest by meticulously clearing under the palm trees, ensuring optimal conditions for productivity. His processing site houses a specialized machine that extracts palm oil without contamination, enhancing the quality of his product. “This machine can process the oil without rust, but it is labor-intensive,” he noted.
Each year, Washington invests approximately 200,000 Liberian dollars to expand and maintain his farm. However, he feels sidelined from the support programs of the Ministry of Agriculture. “I don’t have anyone to help me access the support available. I really need assistance,” he lamented.
Financial constraints hinder his ability to maintain a stable workforce, often requiring him to hire students during school breaks to assist with farm upkeep. As a diversified farmer, he has also cultivated over twenty thousand cocoa trees, demonstrating his passion for sustainable agriculture. “All of my cocoa trees came from my own nursery, except for the one thousand seeds IFAD provided as support last year,” he proudly stated.
As a proponent of climate-smart farming, Washington employs natural methods due to financial limitations in purchasing fertilizers. Instead, he maintains surrounding forests to reduce heat stress on crops and contribute to cleaner air for his community. Despite facing pest challenges, he continues to exhibit remarkable resilience.
His cocoa farming efforts have also yielded promising results. “Last year, I harvested about a hundred kilos and sold it at 800 Liberian dollars per kilo to a businessman from Kpayaquelleh,” he shared.
With cocoa trees thriving under the shade of Piassava wine trees, Washington envisions a future where his dedication translates into prosperity for his family. However, he earnestly calls for government and agricultural partners’ support. “The burden is too much on me. If the government could provide loans, grants, or better market links, I could expand my farms and give my family a better life.”
Washington also advocates for improved road infrastructure, particularly the construction of a bridge over the Wandala River, to facilitate easier access to markets. “The long detour we take during the rainy season to reach buyers significantly impacts our sales,” he explained.
Beyond his personal aspirations, Washington aims to inspire a movement back to agriculture. “I encourage my fellow Liberians to return to farming. Agriculture benefits not only individuals but also reduces the burden on government jobs and creates more opportunities for citizens in rural areas.”
His story extends beyond personal achievement—it is a clarion call for community and governmental support in agriculture. Washington Sator embodies the transformative power of farming, proving that investment in agriculture is vital not only for individual success but also for Liberia’s economic future.
