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Gbarnga, Bong County – In a meaningful effort to support vulnerable populations and promote inclusive agricultural development, the Ministry of Agriculture has donated 50 bags of locally produced rice to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Bong County.
The donation was formally presented during a brief but significant ceremony held in Gbarnga by Madam Zipporah Page, the Ministry’s Regional Coordinator for Region #3. The initiative, according to Madam Page, was made possible through financial support from one of the Ministry’s international development partners.
In her remarks, Madam Page highlighted that the rice was cultivated entirely within Liberia using organic methods, without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides. She said the donation reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to advancing food security, promoting local production, and supporting marginalized communities.
“Agriculture remains a top priority of the government,” Madam Page stated. “We must embrace the idea of growing what we eat. This rice is not only safe and healthy, but it is also a proud product of our own soil and labor.”
She encouraged members of the PWD community to share the donation equitably among themselves and use the support as inspiration to further engage in agricultural activities within their respective communities.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the PWD community, Mr. Anothny Z. Kollie expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry for what he described as a timely and thoughtful gesture.
“We are sincerely thankful for this donation,” Mr. Kollie said. “It demonstrates that the government recognizes our needs and is willing to stand with us. We will ensure that every member benefits from this rice, including those who could not be present at today’s event.”
The leadership of the PWD community pledged to carry out a fair and transparent distribution of the rice, ensuring it reaches persons with disabilities across the county. They also expressed their willingness to collaborate with the Ministry on future agricultural programs and community outreach initiatives.
This donation forms part of the Ministry of Agriculture’s broader strategy to boost food production while ensuring that Liberia’s development efforts are inclusive and equitable. Officials hinted that additional community-based agricultural interventions are in the pipeline, with a particular focus on rural and underserved populations.
Through such initiatives, the Ministry hopes to not only strengthen national food systems but also uplift communities often left at the margins of development, reinforcing the message that no one should be left behind in Liberia’s agricultural transformation
