Liberia Agricultural and Environmental Journalists Network (LAEJN) Promote informed journalism and public engagement on agricultural and environmental nalists Network (LAEJN)
By. George C Kollie
In a push to overcome gender barriers and compete alongside their male counterparts, several women farmers from Todee Statutory District in Montserrado County have shared powerful stories highlighting their remarkable contributions to Liberia’s agricultural sector.
These female farmers are making remarkable strides in agriculture, overcoming challenges to establish thriving farms and contributing significantly to Liberia’s food security. Despite working in a traditionally male-dominated sector, these women have demonstrated resilience, creativity, and leadership in advancing sustainable farming practices
During an assessment tour across the district, our correspondent spoke with multiple female agriculturists who highlighted their achievements in sustainable farming and crop diversification. Their efforts showcase the positive impact that female leadership is having on Liberia’s agricultural future.
Among them is Mrs. Patience G. Mulbah, who has been cultivating the land since 1999. Through her hard work and dedication, she has not only built a thriving farm but has also been able to send all of her children to school, with three of them currently attending university.
Mrs. Mulbah emphasized the need for continued government support, particularly in fostering programs that improve women’s access to resources, training, grants, and markets. She noted that while the government has made strides in supporting farmers, the focus often remains on cooperatives, leaving many individual farmers without the assistance they need. She stressed that the future of agriculture lies in inclusivity and empowerment for all farmers, regardless of their affiliation with cooperatives.
With over 26 years of experience in agriculture, Mrs. Mulbah believes that with proper government support—such as providing machinery, grants, and food assistance—farmers can elevate their agricultural businesses, thus contributing to national food security and economic growth.
However, one of the major concerns raised by the female farmers is the limited market access that prevents them from earning sustainable incomes from their produce, particularly for those in the cassava value chain. They decried the lack of consistent buyers and reliable market opportunities, which leads to financial losses despite their hard work and investment in farming.
Grace Lamine, Chairwoman of the Jackson Farm for Sustainable Agriculture Cooperative, echoed these concerns, urging policymakers to recognize and support the vital role women play in agriculture. She stressed the urgent need for better infrastructure, funding opportunities, and improved market connections to ensure that female farmers can fully benefit from their agricultural efforts.
Madame Lamine further outlined the challenges facing women in agriculture, including inadequate access to funding, a shortage of proper working tools and machinery, and the absence of structured markets for their produce. She emphasized that addressing these issues is critical for enhancing productivity and improving the livelihoods of female farmers in rural Liberia.
As Liberia continues its agricultural development efforts, these women are calling for immediate action to ensure that female farmers receive the support they need to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the country’s food security and economic growth.
Agriculture remains a critical sector for Liberia’s economy, employing a majority of the population and serving as the primary source of food production. Women constitute a substantial portion of the agricultural workforce, yet they often lack the necessary resources to maximize their productivity.
