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By Moses Geply
BARROBO GLOFAKEN, Maryland County — In a concerted effort to push toward sustainable farming, seventeen farmers—fourteen women and three men— recently gathered at the Arise from Ashes demonstration farm in Barrobo Glofaken for a hands-on training in compost production and application. The initiative is part of the nonprofit’s wider mission to build climate-resilient communities through eco-friendly agricultural practices.
The one-day workshop, facilitated by Arise from Ashes in partnership with local agricultural stakeholders, introduced participants to the science and practicalities of composting, emphasizing its role in improving soil fertility, reducing reliance on chemical inputs, and increasing farm productivity over time.
“Today’s training is crucial for these farmers,” said Willie Torgbor, an agricultural consultant with Arise from Ashes and lecturer at Cape Palmas High School. “With proper composting techniques, they can boost their yields, lower production costs, and contribute to a healthier farming environment.”
Participants engaged in hands-on compost-making using locally available materials such as crop residues, kitchen waste, and animal manure. The interactive session was designed to ensure farmers not only understood the theory but gained the confidence to implement composting at their own farms.
Beyond the technical aspects, the training also highlighted the economic benefits of composting. “Healthier soil translates to better harvests and less spending on expensive fertilizers,” Torgbor explained. “Over time, that means more income and food security for families.”
For farmers like Helena Doetu and Ramsey Dugbeh, the training opened new possibilities. “We learned a lot today,” they said. “We’ve been farming for years, but now we understand how to naturally improve the soil and make our work easier and more productive.”
The enthusiasm of the participants was matched by Arise from Ashes’ commitment to long-term support. According to a project coordinator, the organization plans to follow up with additional workshops, technical assistance, and access to composting tools and resources.
“Our goal is to empower local farmers not just with knowledge, but with practical, low-cost tools to adapt to the changing climate and improve their livelihoods,” the coordinator noted.
County Agriculture Coordinator Peter Klah praised the initiative, calling it a vital step in building farmer resilience in the district. “This is exactly the kind of training we expect from our partners,” Klah said. “Yes, challenges exist, and more resources are needed, but empowering our farmers with these sustainable practices is the way forward.”
The compost training is part of Arise from Ashes’ broader strategy to combat soil degradation and climate vulnerability in Maryland County—helping farmers not just survive, but thrive.
