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By Jallah Crawu & Chris A. Darpoh
As part of its quest to uplift rural women and strengthen food security in Liberia, the Liberia Development Relief Organization (LIDRO) has donated a modern cassava grating machine to the Kpayeakwelleh Rural Women Agricultural Organization in Guo Nwolaila District, Gbarpolu County.
The donation marks a significant step in empowering local women farmers to scale their agricultural production, reduce manual labor, and increase income generation through value-added cassava processing.
The ceremony, filled with joy and optimism, highlighted not only a new piece of equipment but a renewed sense of hope and independence for dozens of women who rely on cassava farming as their main source of livelihood.
“This machine is more than a tool—it is a symbol of empowerment,” said Madam Rebecca Bestman Harris, CEO of LIDRO, during the handover. “When women have access to improved agricultural tools, they can increase their productivity, feed their families, send their children to school, and contribute to Liberia’s economy. This is how sustainable development starts—from the ground up.”
The modern cassava grater will significantly reduce the time and physical strain required to process cassava, a vital staple in the Liberian diet. Cassava, second only to rice in national consumption, plays a key role in rural food systems and income streams. Yet, many women still rely on labor-intensive, traditional methods for processing, which limits productivity and market reach.
Sarah Kolleh, a longstanding member of the women’s cooperative, expressed deep gratitude: “We have been waiting for this day. For too long, we processed cassava by hand. This machine will not only make our work easier but help us grow our income and send our children to school.”
Krubah Togbah, another member, echoed the sentiment: “With this support, we can finally compete in the market. This is a blessing. We now have a reason to believe in a better future.”
In addition to the cassava machine, LIDRO also distributed personal items such as lappas and slippers to the women, further signaling its commitment to dignifying and supporting their everyday needs.
George Kolubah, Chairman of the Kpayeakwelleh Rural Women Agriculture Organization, noted the broader impact of the donation: “With LIDRO’s help, these women are not just farmers—they are businesswomen, providers, and leaders in our community.”
This initiative forms part of LIDRO’s agenda to promote women’s economic empowerment and rural development. Madam Harris, who has long supported education and women-led community initiatives in Gbarpolu, reaffirmed her commitment: “We believe that investing in women farmers is investing in Liberia’s future. They are the backbone of food security and the heart of community resilience.”
With improved processing capacity, the women of Kpayeakwelleh are now positioned to expand their production of garie and other cassava-based products, access wider markets, and strengthen the economic fabric of their communities.
As rural women continue to rise as agents of change, LIDRO’s intervention stands as a shining example of how targeted support can unlock the full potential of women in agriculture and drive lasting transformation across Liberia.
