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By Allen Paye Lablah, Sanniquellie City, Nimba County / [email protected]
Arcelor Mittal Liberia has embarked on a significant initiative to bolster food security in Liberia with the launch of a USD$ 21,872.05 Vegetable Production Project in Liagbala Town, Yarmein Administrative District, Nimba County. This project aims to cultivate five acres of land near Camp 4 Yekepa, leveraging Arcelor Mittal’s presence in the area.
During the launch on Thursday, April 17, 2025, Mikel Vandermerwe, CEO of ArcelorMittal Liberia, emphasized the importance of community empowerment through agriculture. He highlighted that while ArcelorMittal Liberia cannot employ all community members due to limited job opportunities, initiatives like this vegetable production project offer sustainable livelihoods if managed effectively.
Vandermerwe expressed his vision of expanding the Liagbala Vegetable Production Project into a large-scale operation, eventually enabling the company to form business partnerships and even export vegetables globally. “Agriculture is a more sustainable path for community and national development. If managed well, this initiative can be a cornerstone of prosperity for the people of Liagbala,” he remarked.
He further emphasized the importance of collaboration between ArcelorMittal and the local community, explaining that such partnerships would strengthen the company’s ties with the people in its operational areas. Vandermerwe noted that Liagbala’s strategic location, with easy access to transportation networks, makes it a prime area for agricultural production. With the imminent completion of Arcelor Mittal’s Concentration Plant, which will employ over 3,000 workers, there will be a significant demand for locally produced food, including vegetables.
“We encourage the people of Liagbala to consider expanding beyond the initial five-acre project. This will not only support the company’s needs but also create lasting benefits for the community,” he added.
The CEO also emphasized the importance of the Liagbala Vegetable Production Project in empowering the local community economically, hoping that one day, Liagbala will become one of ArcelorMittal Liberia’s primary vegetable suppliers. “Communities become resilient when they have access to sufficient food, and vegetables are a crucial part of that,” he stated.
ArcelorMittal Liberia is partnering with the Rural Integrated Center for Community Empowerment (RICCE) to implement the project, with the provision of essential agricultural tools such as cutlasses, shovels, hoes, watering cans, gloves, and more. Additionally, the company will offer technical training and support throughout the project’s implementation phase.
Madam Rennie Gibson, Program Manager at RICCE, praised Arcelor Mittal for its continuous support of agriculture in mining communities. She explained that the project would introduce a new farming methodology, “Conservation Farming,” aimed at promoting sustainable practices. She also urged the community to take full ownership of the initiative, as it presents a unique opportunity for long-term growth.
The Biodiversity Conservation Program (BCP), an initiative by ArcelorMittal Liberia, is focused on promoting environmentally friendly farming practices and enhancing the livelihoods of local farmers. The program’s goal is to reduce dependency on mining-related income by fostering sustainable agriculture and building resilient rural economies. Through partnerships with organizations like RICCE, ArcelorMittal aims to empower marginalized groups, including women and youth, and create self-sustaining communities.
Eric Swen, Community Development Manager at Arcelor Mittal Liberia, highlighted the community’s commitment to providing land and labor as a key factor for the project’s success. Swen reiterated that the company’s financial support for the vegetable production project would be consistent, as it aligns with Arcelor Mittal’s broader livelihood and social responsibility programs.
“The Liagbala Vegetable Production Project is a golden opportunity for the community. Though it may start small, it holds significant potential for future growth,” Swen said. He emphasized that the project would be closely monitored to ensure its successful implementation and sustainability.
Samuel Peter, Environment Superintendent and Agronomist at ArcelorMittal Liberia, shared the project’s origins, tracing its development back to several years of community assessments and engagements. He noted that these consultations revealed a strong belief in agriculture among the residents of Liagbala Town, making the vegetable production initiative an ideal fit for the community.
Mr. Robert S. Gono, a representative of Liagbala’s farmers, expressed gratitude to ArcelorMittal for selecting their community for this agricultural project. He acknowledged that while not everyone could be employed by the company, the agriculture program would provide financial empowerment for many. “What AML has done means a lot to our community. This is just the beginning of a stronger partnership,” Gono affirmed.
The launch of the Liagbala Vegetable Production Project brought together local leaders from the Yarmein Administrative District, including Richard Gbanteah, Paramount Chief of Gbehye Chiefdom, along with elders, women’s groups, youth leaders, and Arcelor Mittal’s Environmental Department Head, John Murray, among others.
With this initiative, ArcelorMittal Liberia aims to not only improve food security in the region but also contribute to the long-term development of local communities through sustainable agricultural practices.
