Liberia Agricultural and Environmental Journalists Network (LAEJN) Promote informed journalism and public engagement on agricultural and environmental nalists Network (LAEJN)
By Ben TC Brooks
River Gee County, Feb. 2, 2026 – A major milestone in community-driven agricultural development has been recorded in Fleroken, Gbeapo Statutory District, as the United Youth for Peace and Sustainable Development officially launched the harvest of 4.5 hectares of lowland rice in River Gee County.
The rice field was cultivated on rehabilitated swamp lowland developed by Liberia’s Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) under the Smallholder Agriculture Development for Food and Nutrition Security (SADFONS) Project. The initiative marks renewed progress toward strengthening local rice production and improving food security in the county.
The SADFONS Project is a nationwide agricultural program aimed at enhancing food security, reducing rural poverty, and increasing the productivity of smallholder farmers. It is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture with funding support from the African Development Bank and the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program. The project focuses primarily on boosting rice, cassava, and vegetable production in rural communities.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Field Monitor Bayan Mulbah of the United Youth for Peace and Sustainable Development expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Agriculture and its partners for the opportunity to implement the project in River Gee.
“Months ago, when we entered River Gee to begin this work, it was not easy,” Mulbah said. “But gradually, we got adjusted to the people’s way of life and the system. Today, we are proud to officially kick off this lowland rice harvest.”
Mulbah thanked the County Agriculture Office and other stakeholders for their technical and institutional support. He also called on the ministry to continue investing in Liberia’s staple food production, particularly rice.
Also speaking at the harvesting site, River Gee County Agricultural Coordinator Jasper Sheriff Tweh described the harvest as a breakthrough in ensuring the productive use of improved agricultural infrastructure.
For months, the County Agriculture Office encouraged farmers in Fleroken and surrounding communities to utilize the rehabilitated lowlands to increase rice output. Tweh said sustained outreach and technical support from the ministry’s county office, with backing from Deputy Minister for Regional Development, Research and Extension Moses R. Gbanyan, played a key role in mobilizing participation.
“Under the supportive leadership of Deputy Minister Moses R. Gbanyan, you are here harvesting today,” Tweh said. “The ministry invested thousands of dollars to develop this lowland. We needed committed farmers to utilize it.”
Tweh acknowledged that initial efforts to attract local farming groups were challenging. As a result, the ministry reached out to the youth group from Lofa County, which agreed to undertake the project in River Gee.
“We highly appreciate your acceptance and your hard work in producing Liberia’s staple food,” Tweh stated. “We are proud of your achievement today.”
The successful 4.5-hectare harvest highlights the potential of lowland rice farming in River Gee County and underscores the role of youth empowerment in advancing sustainable agriculture. By transforming rehabilitated swamp land into productive farmland, the youth group has demonstrated how coordinated institutional support and grassroots engagement can translate national agricultural policies into measurable results.
Special recognition was extended to District Agricultural Officer William J. Doe for his field-level coordination and oversight, as well as to Deputy Minister Gbanyan for his technical leadership. The SADFONS Project was also commended for its continued investment in strengthening lowland farming systems across Liberia.
The 4.5-hectare harvest signals renewed momentum for rice production in River Gee County and reinforces the growing role of young people in Liberia’s agricultural transformation. Stakeholders at the event emphasized that collaboration and youth-driven action remain essential to achieving sustainable agricultural development and long-term food security.
