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Written by Thomas West
Smallholder farmer Eric Sarmue based in Salala District, Bong County is facing an uphill battle to sustain his family’s livelihood through mixed crops farming. With his modest plot of land, Eric Sarmue a father of ten children has been striving to cultivate a diverse range of crops, including cassava, maize, and vegetables, to ensure food security for his family and generate income. However, like many smallholder farmers in the region, Eric faces significant obstacles that hinder his productivity and threaten his livelihood.
He notes that basic tools such as hoes, cutlasses, and wheelbarrows are either insufficient or absent. “Without the proper tools, the work becomes extremely difficult and time-consuming,” he explains. “We need hoes, shovels, wheelbarrows, and other equipment to help with planting, weeding, and harvesting. But right now, we’re doing almost everything by hand.”
In addition to tools, Mr. Sarmue highlights the lack of fertilizers as another critical challenge. The fertile soils of Bong County, though rich, still require supplementation to produce the best yields. However, due to financial constraints, Mr. Sarmue has been unable to purchase enough fertilizer for his crops.
Mr. Sarmue’s plight reflects a broader issue facing many smallholder farmers in Liberia, who often lack access to the resources needed to maximize their agricultural potential. Despite the significant role agriculture plays in the country’s economy and food security, many farmers like Mr. Sarmue struggle to access the tools, inputs, and support they need to thrive.
To address these challenges, Mr. Sarmue is appealing for support from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and individuals of goodwill. He believes that with the right assistance, he can overcome these obstacles and continue to provide for his family while also contributing to the community’s food supply. “I’m not asking for much, just the basics to get the job done,” he says. “With a little help, I know we can make a big difference.”
Furthermore, Mr. Sarmue emphasizes the need for training in modern farming techniques. “We need to learn new ways to farm that can help us deal with these pests and changing weather patterns. If we can increase our yields, it would change our lives,” he adds.
In addition to financial support and training, Sarmue also hopes for greater collaboration between farmers and local agricultural organizations. He believes that forming cooperatives could help smallholder farmers have a stronger voice in negotiating for better prices and accessing markets.
“Farming is all I know, and it’s what I do best. With the right support, I believe I can turn these challenges into opportunities,” he added.
The lack of access to modern farming tools and technologies further exacerbates these challenges. Eric still relies on traditional farming methods, which are labor-intensive and less efficient. Additionally, the scarcity of quality seeds and fertilizers has led to reduced yields, making it difficult for Samuel to provide for his family and invest in his farm’s future.
