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By: Moses Geply/Maryland County
Harper, Maryland County—In a bold move to reshape the economic landscape of Maryland County, young people are leading efforts to revitalize the agricultural sector, defying the notion that Liberia’s youth are solely focused on politics for personal gain.
Spearheaded by the Maryland Youth Development Association (MYDA), this movement is championing local rice production to combat food insecurity and promote self-sufficiency in the county.
For years, many young Liberians have been drawn to politics, often swayed by short-term incentives. However, MYDA’s initiative is rewriting this narrative by demonstrating that youth can play a pivotal role in community development through agriculture.
Melvin T. Weah, President of MYDA, told our reporter, Moses Geply, in Harper that the initiative is rooted in the philosophy of “going back to the soil.” The goal, he explained, is not only to increase rice production but also to strengthen partnerships with public institutions, including the county’s prison compound, public schools, and orphanages.
“We don’t want to depend on politicians to empower us,” Weah stated. “Our involvement in agriculture is about contributing to the food security of our county and the southeastern region.”
The first phase of the project aims to cultivate 50 acres of swamp land across three districts: Pleebo, Karluway, and Barrobo.
According to Weah, the initiative is entirely youth-driven, supported by local women who recognize its significance. “We are doing this ourselves, supporting one another. We have not received any financial backing from politicians or local government officials,” he emphasized. “The Ministry of Agriculture has visited and expressed interest in assisting, but we have yet to see tangible support.”
MYDA’s efforts reflect a growing movement across Liberia that calls for self-reliance in food production.
“Liberia is a country rich in fertile soil; why are we still importing rice?” Weah questioned. “We can grow our food.”
The initiative has garnered widespread support from community members. Sarah Toe, a 47-year-old resident of Pleebo, expressed her excitement. “I am happy to see our children coming together to embark on this project,” she said. “This is a big step forward, and we will support them.”
Rebecca Wah, 51, also from Pleebo, praised the shift in focus from politics to agriculture. “Before, our young people were only interested in following politicians. However, this agricultural project offers long-term benefits. Agriculture provides everything we need on Earth.”
As Maryland County citizens rally behind this movement, the youth’s determination and unity serve as an inspiration. If successful, this initiative could become a model for other regions in Liberia seeking to achieve economic self-sufficiency through agriculture.
