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By Ben Brooks, Fish Town, River Gee County
In a bid to strengthen agricultural productivity and engage more closely with rural stakeholders, Liberia’s Deputy Minister for Research and Extension, Moses Gbanyan, has completed a week-long monitoring mission in Region 5, covering the southeast.
Region 5 encompasses River Gee, Maryland, and Grand Kru Counties and is overseen by Agriculture Coordinator Jay Doe Welah Jr. The Deputy Minister’s visit sought to evaluate ongoing agricultural interventions and listen directly to the challenges and opportunities encountered by farmers and stakeholders in these rural communities.
“Our goal is to hear from you, understand what’s working and what’s not, and align our national strategy with your realities,” Minister Gbanyan told a gathering of farmers and cooperatives in River Gee. “This visit has reaffirmed our commitment to sustainable agriculture, and I am encouraged by the strength and determination of our farmers.”
During the tour, Minister Gbanyan met with smallholder and commercial farmers, agricultural cooperatives, and local extension officers. Discussions focused on critical issues including seed availability, irrigation systems, pest and disease control, climate change adaptation, and the adoption of modern farming practices.
Farmers across the three counties expressed both appreciation and concern, praising the Ministry’s extension services but also citing urgent needs for quality seeds, farming tools, and better market access.
Responding to the concerns, Minister Gbanyan committed to enhancing the Ministry’s extension services and facilitating better coordination among stakeholders. “We will improve our systems to ensure extension officers are accessible, responsive, and equipped to serve farmers at every level,” he said.
The visit also provided an opportunity to assess diverse agricultural projects in the region. From rice fields and cocoa farms to vegetable gardens, the Deputy Minister was able to witness firsthand the resilience and innovation of local producers, despite persistent infrastructure and input constraints.
Local county agricultural coordinators — Jasper Sheriff Tweh (River Gee), Peter Clarke (Maryland), and Alfred Ogunti (Grand Kru) — welcomed the visit and called for more sustained government and donor support to address local farming constraints and unlock potential.
Region 5 Coordinator Jay Doe Welah Jr. expressed gratitude for the Minister’s engagement and affirmed his office’s readiness to follow up on issues raised. “We will intensify our collaboration with county coordinators and farmer groups to translate these engagements into tangible results,” he said.
With this visit, the Ministry of Agriculture is expected to tailor its programming to more directly reflect the priorities and realities of Region 5 farmers, ensuring their concerns are incorporated into national policy frameworks and upcoming interventions.
