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By: Richard Williams/0775339618/ 0881084573/ richardwilliamsp30@gmail.com
Senjeh District, Bomi – A group of thirty subsistence farmers in rural Bomi County, united under the name “Bomujeh”—which means “Don’t Sit” in the Gola dialect—are urgently appealing to the Liberian government and development partners for immediate assistance in bolstering their rice farming efforts.
The farmers, who are based in Bola Town, say their mission goes beyond personal survival. They aim to increase food production within their community and contribute to Liberia’s broader goal of food self-sufficiency. This effort, they argue, will help reduce the country’s long-standing dependence on imported rice, which has drained millions of dollars from the national economy and left ordinary Liberians vulnerable to price shocks on the global market.
Despite their determination, the Bomujeh farmers are struggling with limited resources. “We are currently working on four hectares of farmland without any external assistance,” explained Madam Hawa Quaye, the chairperson of the group, in an exclusive interview. “The lack of proper farming tools has made our work especially difficult during this rainy season. Progress is slow because we simply do not have the equipment needed to clear land, plant, and maintain the crops effectively.”
The group is therefore appealing to the Ministry of Agriculture to provide them with critical support, including farming tools, improved seeds, power tillers, and fertilizers, along with much-needed capacity-building training.
Mr. Bimba Massaquio, the group’s co-chairperson, further highlighted the urgent need for knowledge transfer. He disclosed that since the establishment of Bomujeh, members have never benefited from formal training in modern farming methods. “We are doing our best with the little knowledge passed down through generations, but without professional guidance, our productivity will remain low,” he noted. He emphasized that training in sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices would allow the group to increase yields, preserve soil fertility, and expand their farmland in the future.
The farmers expressed frustration over what they perceive as the long-standing neglect of rural communities, despite agriculture being identified as a cornerstone of Liberia’s development agenda. “Too often, smallholder farmers like us are overlooked when support is being distributed,” Madam Quaye lamented. “Yet, we are the backbone of the country’s food production.”
Nonetheless, the Bomujeh farmers remain resolute. They see agriculture not only as a way to feed their families but also as a pathway to transform their community by creating jobs, empowering youth, and reducing poverty. “If we receive the right support, we can grow enough rice not only for our community but also for nearby towns,” said Mr. Massaquio.
The group is therefore urging the Ministry of Agriculture, non-governmental organizations, and international partners to prioritize grassroots farming groups that are actively working on the ground. They believe that with tools, training, and modest investment, Bomujeh can become a model of community-led farming that directly contributes to Liberia’s agricultural growth and economic stability.
“We are ready to work,” Madam Quaye concluded. “What we need now is support. With it, we will prove that rural farmers can play a vital role in feeding Liberia.”
