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Josiah Pailay
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Gbarnga Liberia- The International Trade Center (ITC) has successfully wrapped up a six-day refresher training program aimed at enhancing the skills of field extension officers, support staff, and lead farmers involved in the European Union/ACP Coffee Value Chain Project.
The training, which began on Monday, September 23rd, 2024 provided clear insight and introduced new skills necessary to enhance coffee production and improve the livelihoods of farmers.
The event brought together over 68 participants from various regions including Bong, Nimba, Lofa, Bomi, and Montserado Counties, providing them with updated knowledge and practical skills to better support local coffee farmers.
The training covered several topics including Integrated Pest Management (IPM), soil health, and post-harvest processing, all crucial for improving the quality and marketability of coffee produced in the region placing the key focus on Arofoerstry.
ITC ‘s Country Coordinator Emmis F. Barnay speaking at the end of the training underscored the significance of empowering local coffee stakeholders in the coffee value chain, stating that enhancing the capabilities of extension officers and farmers is vital for the overall growth of the coffee sector in Liberia.
According to him, the initiative which is cutting across Liberia is part of strengthening agricultural value chains and promoting sustainable economic development in the country, indicating that it’s part of the organization’s commitment to revitalizing Liberia’s coffee industry.
Mr. Emmis F. Barnay disclosed that the effort aims to facilitate business-friendly and inclusive national and regional policies while strengthening the productive capacities of coffee production in Liberia.
ITC officials reiterated their commitment to supporting the coffee sector in Liberia and enhancing the capacity of those who play a crucial role in its development.
They explained successful completion of the refresher training marks a significant step towards achieving the project’s goals and ensuring a sustainable future for coffee farming in the region.
Also speaking, beneficiaries conveyed their gratitude for the training, highlighting its relevance in addressing the challenges faced by coffee farmers.
“This training has equipped us with the tools and knowledge we need to support our coffee farming get better. We are now more prepared to tackle issues that affect our coffee production long ago” said Mr. John Sumo, a lead coffee farmer in Panta district.
Another Extension Officer who hails from Kolahum District, Lofa County further, “Today marks a new era in our Coffee farming, for so long we have not heard of Coffee production. We are very happy about this six-day eye-opening training. ( ITC) has trained us again, and they have advised us to practice agroforestry harvest and post-harvest management, at least the new method is going to transform the dimension in increasing our market value” he added.
In rural Liberia, local Coffee farmers have constantly decried the shortage of support towards the nation’s Coffee sector, but it appears that the story is gradually transforming as they are being encouraged to properly manage their separate Coffee farms across the Nation.
