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By Thomas West
Saclepea, Nimba County – The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) has officially inaugurated five modern agricultural markets across Nimba County, a move aimed at enhancing smallholder farmers’ livelihoods and promoting rural economic growth. Constructed under the Ministry’s Rural Economic Transformation Project (RETRAP) with financial support from the World Bank, the markets represent an investment of over US$950,000.
The newly built market hubs are strategically located in Saclepea, Flumpa, Tappita, Karnwee, and Ganta. Each facility is equipped with large warehouses, separate flush toilets for men and women, and solar-powered lighting, creating a safer, cleaner, and more secure environment for traders, even after dark. These modern features are expected to significantly reduce post-harvest losses and facilitate the storage and sale of agricultural produce.
The joint dedication ceremony in Saclepea City drew officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, local government representatives, smallholder farmers, and leadership from the Liberia Marketing Association, Nimba chapter.
Speaking at the event, RETRAP National Program Coordinator Galah Toto explained that the markets were funded through a World Bank loan agreement with the Government of Liberia. “The Tappita, Saclepea, Karnwee, and Flumpa markets, among others, have been constructed to strengthen agricultural trade and improve market access for farmers,” Mr. Toto said. He added that the RETRAP team will continue to supervise the facilities to ensure users take full responsibility for maintenance and sustainability.
Minister of Agriculture Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah expressed gratitude to the World Bank and other development partners for their continued support. He urged local authorities and market management committees to safeguard the facilities. “I want to use this opportunity to call on the acting city mayor and other local leaders to assist in protecting these structures, because the government will not return to maintain them,” Minister Nuetah said.
He emphasized that the markets are part of the Ministry’s broader effort to transform rural livelihoods by providing modern infrastructure that supports efficient agricultural trade, strengthening value chains to connect farmers with local and regional markets, and improving access to safe, organized marketplaces.
According to Minister Nuetah, these initiatives are designed not only to increase farmers’ incomes but also to reduce post-harvest losses, promote food security, and stimulate local economic growth, ensuring that rural communities benefit from sustainable development opportunities.
Local farmers who attended the ceremony warmly praised the initiative, describing the new markets as a game-changer for their livelihoods. “Before these markets, selling our goods was a major challenge. We had no shelter, no bathrooms, and nowhere safe to store our products. Rain, sun, and theft often destroyed or damaged our produce,” one beneficiary explained.
Farmers noted that the new facilities equipped with warehouses, toilets, and solar-powered lighting will allow them to operate more efficiently, keep their goods safe, and conduct business in a more organized and secure environment. “Now we can store our products overnight without fear of theft or spoilage. Trading in a clean and well-lit market also makes it easier to attract buyers,” another farmer added.
The farmers expressed hope that the improved infrastructure will encourage more people to invest in agriculture and create additional economic opportunities throughout Nimba County, fostering long-term community development.
With the opening of these five markets, the Ministry of Agriculture aims to create a model for future market development across Liberia, fostering sustainable rural economic transformation and empowering smallholder farmers nationwide.
