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By Mellish Gbor, Nimba County/[email protected]
The San-Kwadoo Agriculture Cooperative in Sahnpa, Blinon Administrative District is making significant strides in improving food security in Nimba County through innovative farming practices and community-driven agricultural initiatives. The cooperative, established by local farmers, has become a model of resilience and productivity, boosting livelihoods and reinforcing the agricultural sector as a pillar of economic growth in the region.
Spearheading this initiative is Mr. Newah Behnzukeh, an ambitious agriculturalist with a passion for community development. After earning his Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture in 2022, Mr. Behnzukeh returned to his hometown with a clear vision: to build a sustainable agricultural system that would uplift both Sahnpa and the surrounding regions.
In 2024, his vision materialized with the official launch of the San-Kwadoo Agriculture Cooperative, an initiative aimed at promoting food security and providing crucial support to local farmers. The cooperative quickly gained community backing, as residents saw the potential to transform their agricultural landscape.
With its fertile soil, Sahnpa proved to be an ideal location for large-scale farming. Leveraging this natural advantage, San-Kwadoo embarked on its first major project—the cultivation of 17.5 acres of lowland rice. Despite starting with minimal resources, including only 17 rain boots, eight cutlasses, and two hand files, the cooperative’s inaugural harvest was a resounding success, demonstrating the potential of organized community farming.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Liberia Agricultural Journalist Network, Mr. Behnzukeh outlined the cooperative’s long-term vision: “San-Kwadoo is committed to ensuring food security not only for Sahnpa but for all 14 communities in the Blinon Administrative District, which falls within Electoral District 9 of Nimba County.”
However, despite its initial success, the cooperative faces several significant challenges. These include the lack of modern farming machinery for land clearing and preparation, inadequate storage facilities, poor infrastructure, and an unreliable irrigation system. Additionally, the absence of mobile network coverage from Liberia’s major GSM companies, such as Orange and Lonestar, makes communication and access to market information difficult for cooperative members.
“We urgently need government support, particularly from the Ministry of Agriculture,” We need farming equipment, storage units, irrigation systems, and improved road networks to link us to markets. More importantly, financial and technical support will help us expand our reach and enhance productivity.”Mr. Behnzukeh emphasized.
A key priority for the cooperative is promoting conservation farming, an approach that not only boosts crop yields but also protects the environment. Mr. Behnzukeh reaffirmed their commitment to sustainable agriculture, stating, “We want to be part of the global movement to protect the environment. Preserving the land is just as crucial as growing crops.”
With adequate resources and technical assistance, San-Kwadoo has the potential to become a leading force in Liberia’s agricultural sector, significantly contributing to national food security while promoting sustainable farming practices. Despite existing challenges, the cooperative remains steadfast in its mission to provide food for Liberia’s growing population and to promote a sustainable future for the country’s agricultural sector. As Mr. Behnzukeh aptly put it, “Show us the way, and we will find the path to success.”
As Liberia continues its journey toward self-sufficiency in food production, initiatives like the San-Kwadoo Agriculture Cooperative stand as examples of hope, proving that with the right support and determination, local farmers can drive national food security and economic prosperity
