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By Ben TC Brooks/River Gee County, April 1, 2026
Farmers in River Gee County are reporting increased vegetable production and improved livelihoods, as agricultural support programs begin to yield tangible results across the county.
The gains are largely attributed to the Smallholder Agriculture Development for Food and Nutrition Security (SADFONS) project, a nationally led initiative supported by international partners. The program provides farmers with access to improved seeds, modern tools, and training in improved farming techniques to increase productivity and strengthen food security.
In Chedepo Administrative District, farmers are already seeing the impact. Amos Varfly and his wife, Rose Varfly, recently harvested about 50 kilograms of cucumbers, marking their first successful venture into vegetable farming.
The couple said the shift from traditional crops such as cassava to vegetables has significantly improved their farming outcomes. “Before, we mainly grew cassava, but since the introduction of new farming methods and tools, things have improved greatly,” Rose Varfly said, noting that the income from farming supports their children’s and grandchildren’s education.
The achievement not only represents a personal success story for the Varfly family but also underscores the growing potential for expanded horticultural production across River Gee County.
As more farmers observe such positive outcomes, interest in vegetable cultivation continues to rise, contributing to more diverse livelihoods and improved household incomes.
Speaking during the harvest, Rose Varfly expressed gratitude for the support received from the local Agricultural authorities and partners.
“My husband is a hardworking man who loves farming. It is how we support our children and grandchildren in school,” she said.
“Before, we mainly grew cassava and other crops, and since the agriculture team introduced us to new farming methods, tools, and seeds, things have changed to massive improvement. Today, we are harvesting cucumbers, and we are very happy.”
She added that farmers in the community remain eager to expand their production if support continues. “We are ready to work and produce more food for our community and district,” she concluded.
River Gee County Agriculture Coordinator, Jasper Sheriff Tweh, praised the local farmers for their determination and progress, describing their efforts as a clear demonstration of what can be achieved when farmers are given the right support and remain committed to improving their livelihoods. Speaking during a recent field visit in River Gee County, Tweh said the growing success stories emerging from rural communities reflect a positive shift in mindset, with more farmers embracing modern techniques and diversifying their production.
He noted that farmers are not only increasing output but are also becoming more organized and market-oriented, a development he said is critical to ensuring long-term sustainability in the sector. According to him, the visible improvements in vegetable production, particularly in districts like Chedepo, signal a gradual transformation from subsistence farming to more commercially viable agriculture.
Tweh further emphasized that the visible impact of the SADFONS project shown by farmers is encouraging both local authorities and development partners to keep investing in the sector. He added that the county agriculture office remains focused on strengthening extension services, offering ongoing technical guidance, and connecting farmers to markets to help them maximize their gains.
“I am encouraged by the progress farmers are making in my own county, River Gee,” Tweh said. “The initiative is equipping them with the knowledge and resources they need to become more productive and self-reliant.”
He also commended the efforts of his District Agriculture Officer -DAO, Alexander Wesseh for his ongoing support and technical guidance to farmers in the Chedepo administrative district
With continued collaboration, innovation, and strong community participation, River Gee County is steadily emerging as a promising center for agricultural growth.
Chedepo administrative district, long regarded as one of the county’s breadbasket is now reinforcing that reputation through increased vegetable production.
These success reflect a broader national vision, one that embraces agriculture as a powerful driver of economic transformation.
River Gee County has six Agriculture districts which includes, the Chedepo, Gbeapo, Tienpo, Sarbo, Tuobo and Webo respectively which Youthful Jasper Sheriff Biortweh Tweh is heading as a County Agriculture Coordinator taking over from a long serving former retired Coordinator, D. Wilson Slobert, an Agriculturalist and Chemist.
As Liberia continues to invest in its agricultural sector, the new wave of productivity marks an important turning point. With sustained commitment and the right support systems in place, the country’s farmers are well-positioned to create jobs, improve livelihoods, and significantly strengthen food security for future generations.
