Liberia Agricultural and Environmental Journalists Network (LAEJN) Promote informed journalism and public engagement on agricultural and environmental nalists Network (LAEJN)
By George C. Kollie, LAEJN
CAREYSBURG, Montserrado County – The Sustainable Integrated Agriculture Cooperative in 15 Gate, Careysburg Statutory District, rural Montserrado County, is appealing to the government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for urgent support to address a shortage of agricultural tools and funding that is hampering production.
According to Secretary General Jerry Nyan, the cooperative has been promoting sustainable farming practices and working to improve local food security but has faced severe resource constraints since the Ministry of Agriculture withdrew its support last year. He said the loss of funding has forced most members to leave, dropping from more than 40 workers in 2024 to 15 this year, 95 percent of whom are women.
Despite the challenges, the cooperative has managed to cultivate over ten hectares of lowland rice, which is expected to be harvested in the coming weeks. Mr. Nyan cited the urgent need for power tillers, rain boots, shovels, cutlasses, raincoats, and financial assistance to support single mothers involved in farming.
He called on the Ministry of Agriculture to provide both equipment and financial aid to help local farmers increase productivity, stressing that while members are committed to building a self-sustaining agricultural model, the lack of resources is undermining their efforts.
Cooperative Chairlady Musu Varkpeah echoed these concerns, noting that the withdrawal of Ministry support following the closure of a USAID program has caused a sharp drop in membership, particularly among single mothers. She said the lack of a warehouse, adequate working materials, and financial support continues to hinder production.
Madame Varkpeah also pointed to market challenges, explaining that after harvesting rice, members often struggle to find buyers promptly. Without storage facilities, surplus rice is sometimes distributed among members rather than sold.
The Sustainable Integrated Agriculture Cooperative was established in 2022 through the efforts of Community Chairman Fayiah Varney and other local leaders to promote lowland farming in Rural Montserrado County Electoral District One
