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By Samuel Borlay, Kolahun, Lofa County
The Kulasuluma Agriculture Cooperative based in Popalahun Town, Wanhassa District, Lofa County has called on the government and development partners for urgent support to scale up their agricultural project. The group, primarily composed of local smallholder farmers, has been striving to boost food production in the region through sustainable farming practices. Still, they are facing numerous challenges that require external assistance. It has a large stretch of land cultivated with groundnut and cassava.
Speaking to reporters, the group leader, Mr. Blama Dunor, emphasized the project’s potential to transform the local economy if given the right resources. “We are committed to farming and believe that with adequate tools, seeds, and training, our yields could improve significantly. But we can’t do it alone. We need help from the government and NGOs to support us,” he said.
The project, which focuses on cultivating groundnuts and cassava, has seen some success in recent years. However, the farmers are struggling with limited access to modern farming equipment, fertilizers, and training on best agricultural practices. These hurdles have significantly affected their ability to meet the growing demand for food in the town and surrounding areas.
Comprising over 150 individuals, the group is inclusive of women, men, and children. Chairman Blama Dunor highlighted that Madam Rose Dunor kick-started the initiative by providing 80 pans of groundnut, supplemented by the group’s contribution of an additional 20 pans.
Mr. Blama Dunor noted that despite these challenges, the group has persevered and remains optimistic about the future. He added that the project’s expansion could contribute to reducing food insecurity in the region and create employment opportunities for young people. “This initiative has the potential to change lives, but we can’t do it without outside support. The government needs to come in and help us take this project to the next level,” she reiterated.
Agriculture is a key economic driver in Liberia, and smallholder farmers play a critical role in ensuring food security for the nation. This local group in Popalahun has called on Liberians to see the sector as a major source of income generation, while also inspiring others to invest in agriculture.
Their story echoes similar calls from across the country, where smallholder farmers are eager to contribute more significantly to the national economy but face systemic obstacles. The group is hopeful that with government intervention and support from development partners, they can overcome the challenges and improve their agricultural production, ultimately benefiting the community and beyond.
As the Kulasuluma group’s aspirations for agricultural expansion hang in the balance, the call for assistance echoes across the town, signifying a shared commitment to upliftment and progress in the Wanhassa District, Lofa County.
