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By Aaron Geezay
Gblorseo Town, River Cess County – The Chief Executive Officer of H.P. Multiline, producer of River Cess’ first “Super Gari,” has appealed to the Liberian government to increase support for businesses engaged in adding value to locally grown food products.
Hannah Jensen, CEO of H.P. Multiline, stated that government intervention in strengthening homegrown food initiatives is crucial to addressing food insecurity and enhancing national self-sufficiency.
“I believe if the government supports businesses that are producing locally grown food and adding value to them, Liberia will be able to feed itself,” Jensen said.
A Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and District Health Officer for Jowein Health District, Jensen said the health benefits of her products inspired her decision to venture into agro-processing. She noted that the “Super Gari” has shown potential in reducing malnutrition, lowering blood sugar, and addressing other health complications she frequently encounters as a healthcare provider.
Jensen began by manually mixing gari, sugar, and milk before expanding into a production center in Gblorseo Town, Nyorwein District. In 2022, she transitioned to machine-based production after receiving a $4,600 grant from the EU-sponsored Partner Program, implemented by Spark, ZOA, Concern Worldwide, and WHH. The support enabled her to acquire a generator, grinder, and packaging machines.
She later benefited from additional support, including a $900 in-kind grant from WHH and a $600 grant from Conservation International, which provided a solar system and two motorbikes to strengthen production and distribution.
Today, H.P. Multiline’s Super Gari is sold in River Cess as well as in Grand Bassa, Margibi, Montserrado, and Bomi Counties. The product is fortified with moringa and ginger, ingredients Jensen said help fight malnutrition in children and reduce blood sugar levels.
Beyond Super Gari, the company also produces “Deeper,” a powder made from dried cassava and cassava leaves, designed for consumers with special health needs.
Jensen disclosed plans to train cassava farmers in preservation techniques to curb post-harvest losses, noting that many farmers lose significant portions of their harvest due to limited storage knowledge.
