Liberia Agricultural and Environmental Journalists Network (LAEJN) Promote informed journalism and public engagement on agricultural and environmental nalists Network (LAEJN)
By: Joseph Titus Yekeryan
Sianneh H. Kulleh, a graduate of Cuttington University with a BSc degree in Plant and Soil Science, is among the growing number of Liberian farmers who are determined to turn their passion for agriculture into a means of economic sustainability. This season, she has embarked on an ambitious journey into vegetable farming, cultivating a variety of crops, including cucumbers, okra, tomatoes, cabbages, and watermelons in Tomato Camp, upper Bong County. Yet despite her academic background and practical knowledge, Kulleh’s journey has been fraught with major challenges.
Farming in Liberia, particularly for women like Kulleh, remains a complex undertaking. Agriculture in the country is largely underdeveloped, and small-scale farmers face multiple obstacles, including limited access to financing, inadequate infrastructure, and an unpredictable climate. Despite these challenges, Kulleh is making strides, not only in her farming operations but also by providing jobs for more than ten individuals, contributing to her local community’s economic growth.
“I always knew I wanted to be a farmer,” Kulleh reflects. “It’s a natural progression for me to apply my degree in plant and soil science to solving real-world problems. But it’s also a huge financial commitment, and finding funding has not been easy. The support for local farmers here is limited, and the costs are immense” said Sianneh.
Climate change is one of the major challenges of farmers in Liberia and Sianneh is just one of them. Despite experts’ advice on how to face the challenges, the progress in Liberia seems way too far from the needed results. According to the World Bank Country and Climate Development Report, if nothing is done, climate change could shrink Liberia’s economy by 15% and push 1.3 million people into poverty by 2050.
Also, the financial burden of farming is another significant challenge for Kulleh. Capital is required for seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, equipment, and the labor-intensive work of maintaining crops.
“It’s not just about planting the seeds,” she says. “The reality of running a farm means that you’re constantly investing and reinvesting in the business. It’s hard to get ahead when the resources aren’t there.”
Her story echoes that of many smallholder farmers in Liberia, where agricultural production is mainly done at a subsistence level. According to experts, access to financing remains a major issue for farmers across the country.
The dry season, which lasts for several months, has proven to be a particularly difficult period for Kulleh’s farm. The lack of reliable irrigation systems and water scarcity during this time can devastate crops, leaving farmers vulnerable.
Peter B. Nyahn, a Research Assistant at the Central Agricultural Research Institute says without a consistent irrigation system, crops like tomatoes and cabbage are at risk of drying up. During the dry season, we rely on rainfall, but it’s often not enough,” Peter said.
The reliance on traditional farming techniques and the absence of modern irrigation methods in Liberia is a long-standing issue. Experts argue that investing in water management systems and sustainable farming practices is crucial for the growth of the sector. “Liberia’s agriculture can’t progress without addressing these fundamental issues,” Peter adds. “Irrigation, water management, and modern farming techniques are critical for boosting productivity and ensuring food security in the country.”
Despite these challenges, Kulleh has managed to create jobs for over ten people, providing employment opportunities for local farmers, particularly women, in her community. “I didn’t just want to farm for myself,” she says. “I wanted to create opportunities for others, especially women, to participate in agriculture. There’s so much potential in this sector, but the right support is key.”
By offering employment and sharing her knowledge, Kulleh is working to empower others and contribute to the development of a sustainable agricultural industry in Liberia. Her farm is one of the many that serves as a lifeline for the community, where jobs in agriculture are some of the few available options for economic advancement.
Despite the difficulties, Kulleh remains optimistic. “I have a dream of building a large, sustainable farm that not only feeds my family but also provides for my community. I’m passionate about agriculture, and I believe it’s the key to transforming Liberia’s economy. But there’s a lot of work to do. We need more support, better infrastructure, and a real commitment to making farming profitable for everyone.”
Her persistence is not just about growing crops but about cultivating a new vision for Liberia’s agricultural future, one where women are at the forefront of innovation and economic development. “Agriculture is not just a job; it’s a way of life. If we can get the right resources and support, we can build a thriving agricultural industry that benefits everyone,” Kulleh says.
Her efforts in the community have not gone unnoticed. Some of the locals who work on her farm have apluded her for the efforts; adding that her farm has become a source of livelihood for them.
“We can work on the farm here and the money she pays us can be used to cater to our domestic affairs” said Nowai Kollie. Holding a sharp cutlass in her left hand with rain boots on her feet, Nowai told the LAEJN that her daily work is paying off as she is now able to put food on her table instead of always depending on her husband.
For Sianneh, it is not just about farming, but the most important thing is farm and make impact.
“I do not want to be in office, I want to be in the field, I want to be in the dirt, I want to grow food, I want to help change the narrative” She concluded.
