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By Wilmot Konah/Email: dadekolly20@gmail.com | WhatsApp: +231555666441
Sinyea, Bong County – The Nee-A-Lah Farmers Group in Suakoko District, Bong County is championing efforts to boost local rice production, with over 5.1 hectares of lowland rice nearing harvest. The group is calling on government and development partners for increased support to expand their operations and sustain progress.
Founded in 2019, the community-based farming group is working to transition from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture. Their activities include rice and vegetable cultivation as well as a village savings scheme, with profits reinvested to improve production.
Supported by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and a World Food Programme (WFP) project implemented by BRAC Liberia, the group also grows cassava, groundnuts, and peppers.
“Our vision is to not only feed ourselves but to support the community and local markets,” said Chairman Samuel Darwolor, a trained agriculturist. “We’ve grown into a committed team and are now focused on becoming a market-oriented farming group.”
Members of the group include retired professionals and elderly farmers who are passionate about revitalizing Liberia’s agricultural sector.
“Staying home doing nothing won’t solve Liberia’s food problem,” said Kerkulah Gbantaladolo, a retired teacher and group member. “We must go back to the soil.”
Elderly farmer Keturah Mulubah, speaking in the Kpelle language, recalled the country’s rich farming traditions and stressed the nutritional value of “country rice,” Liberia’s locally grown rice variety. “This rice is good for the body. That’s why I farm — there’s no food for lazy people,” she said.
Despite their progress, the group faces several challenges, including the lack of modern equipment such as power tillers, rice mills, and storage facilities. They are also seeking pesticides, insecticides, and technical support.
Chairman Darwolor and Secretary General Daniel Kollie appealed to the Ministry of Agriculture and other partners for assistance. They are also pursuing cooperative registration with the Cooperative Development Agency (CDA) to access more formal funding and capacity-building opportunities.
“With the right tools and resources, we can feed Sinyea and neighboring communities, and provide jobs for young people,” Darwolor said.
The group’s efforts align with the government’s National Agriculture Development Plan (NADP) 2024–2030, which encourages smallholder empowerment under the “Liberians Feed Yourselves Agenda.” The plan emphasizes increased productivity, market access, and sustainability.
As Liberia seeks to reduce food imports and build local resilience, grassroots initiatives like that of the Nee-A-Lah Farmers Group are seen as essential to achieving national food security and rural development targets.
“We are passionate about what we do,” Kollie added. “We just need a little help to do more.”
