Liberia Agricultural and Environmental Journalists Network (LAEJN) Promote informed journalism and public engagement on agricultural and environmental nalists Network (LAEJN)
By: Richard Williams/0775339618/ 0881084573/[email protected]
Tubmanburg, Bomi County – In a heartfelt appeal, a young female agriculturist is calling for greater inclusivity and support for women in agriculture, urging her fellow women to invest in the land as a powerful means of economic empowerment and national development.
Phelomena Yarwoah Lah, a trained forester and graduate of the Forestry Training Institute in Tubmanburg, has, over the past few years, ventured into the agricultural sector, cultivating 4.5 hectares of vegetable farmland in the Weakama vicinity of Bomi County. While her professional background is in forestry, she has found a deep passion for agriculture, seeing it as both a sustainable source of livelihood and a crucial element of food security in Liberia.
In an interview with the Liberia Agricultural and Environmental Journalists Network, Madam Lah emphasized the vital role women play in building a resilient and sustainable food system in Liberia. She believes that women are indispensable in fostering agricultural growth, especially in a country where agriculture is regarded as the backbone of economic development.
“Women are key players in ensuring food security and economic growth in Liberia. It is time for us to be fully recognized and supported,” said Lah. “Agriculture is a path to empowerment, and women must take the lead in transforming this sector to feed our nation.”
Despite her passion and determination, Madam Lah shared the challenges she faces in advancing her agricultural activities. Currently, she is operating without external support, relying solely on her modest salary from the Forestry Training Institute to fund her agricultural endeavors. While she has been able to grow a range of crops, including pepper, eggplant, and cucumber, her production is limited due to financial constraints.
Lah explained that she supplies a significant portion of the local market in Tubmanburg and neighboring areas, but the lack of financial and logistical support has made it increasingly difficult to expand her operations. “This year, I could not continue farming due to financial limitations. It has become a struggle to keep the farm running,” she lamented. However, her optimism remains strong. “I hope to resume next year, but this will only be possible with support from the government and agricultural partners—both local and international.”
In addition to calling for external support, Madam Lah is encouraging women, particularly those in other professions, to invest in agriculture. She believes that women, who are often underrepresented in the sector, can play a transformative role in boosting agricultural production across Liberia. “It is time for women to move beyond traditional roles and embrace the soil. Our contribution to food production will not only enhance our own livelihoods but also support the broader goal of national food security.”
Acknowledging the barriers women face, such as limited access to financing, land ownership, and training, Lah emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in overcoming these challenges. “It is clear that women continue to grapple with numerous limitations, but we must not let these challenges define us. We need systemic change to ensure that more support flows to women in agriculture. We are the backbone of our food systems, and it is time for our voices to be heard.”
As women like Phelomena Yarwoah Lah continue to pave the way for greater female involvement in agriculture, their call for inclusivity and investment in women-led agricultural initiatives is a reminder of the untapped potential of women in the sector. With the right support, women like Lah could lead the charge in creating a more resilient and self-sufficient agricultural system, one that strengthens Liberia’s food security and drives economic growth for all.
