Liberia Agricultural and Environmental Journalists Network (LAEJN) Promote informed journalism and public engagement on agricultural and environmental nalists Network (LAEJN)
By LAEJN Editorial Team
Situation of Vegetable Sales Before RETRAP’s Intervention
For a protracted period, vegetable sellers in Monrovia operated under unsafe and unstable conditions, facing post-harvest losses, harassment, and limited market infrastructure. These challenges constrained incomes for both traders and smallholder farmers. Through targeted investments under the World Bank–funded Rural Economic Transformation Project (RETRAP), the Liberia Vegetable Sellers’ Association (LVSA) has transitioned toward a more organized, dignified, and resilient market system.
Established in 2011, the Liberia Vegetable Sellers’ Association brings together traders, farmers, and small processors to strengthen coordination and bargaining power across the value chain. Despite growing membership nationwide, structural challenges continued to undermine livelihoods before RETRAP’s intervention.
“We used to sit in the sun and rain with no place to keep our vegetables,” recalls Sumo Mulbah, Executive Director of LVSA. “Our farmers also suffered because they didn’t have a stable market. Sometimes they were even exploited.”
RETRAP addressed these constraints through the construction of modern vegetable kiosks in high-traffic market areas. The kiosks provide sheltered selling spaces, secure storage, and organized stalls, reducing spoilage, improving food safety, and increasing customer confidence.
Beyond infrastructure, RETRAP invested in strengthening business skills and governance within LVSA. Traders received training in fair pricing, recordkeeping, and inventory management, reinforcing transparency and trust across the value chain. It was a shift from survival to stability, delivering solutions that are practical, durable, and directly responsive to the challenges LVSA members had voiced for years.
According to Sumo Mulbah, RETRAP transformed LVSA through the construction of modern vegetable kiosks in high-traffic markets. These kiosks provide dignified, organized, and safe spaces where sellers can work with confidence. They offer shelter from rain and sun, secure storage to reduce spoilage and theft, and clean, attractive stalls that draw more customers. For traders long exposed to unsafe street selling, the kiosks have brought a new sense of ownership and stability.
“These kiosks have brought big relief,” Sumo explains. “Now we don’t have stress about where to sit. No running from rain, no spoilage from the sun. Our traders are making more income and farmers are benefiting too.”
The vegetable sellers’ head further indicated that with reliable selling spaces, traders can now purchase more produce from farmers, improving market access and significantly reducing post-harvest losses. “Farmers who once feared losing income to spoilage or unfair pricing now have dependable buyers eager for their goods. Beyond improving the physical market environment, the kiosks have strengthened the association’s internal governance, enhanced coordination among members, and created a more structured and better marketing system. For the first time in many years, LVSA members can plan, invest, and run their businesses with dignity and certainty,” Mulbah expressed with optimism.
The Liberia Vegetable Sellers Association operates three fully functioning kiosks at Catholic Junction, Barnersville Junction, and along 72nd Boulevard toward Red Light in Paynesville. Each kiosk hosts 10 retailers and includes storage areas, washing points, electricity, and a clean selling space. The construction of these kiosks has created a reliable market where farmers have steady outlets, retailers work in safer conditions, and consumers access fresher vegetables at stable prices.
Beyond infrastructure, RETRAP invested in strengthening business skills and governance within LVSA. Traders received training in fair pricing, recordkeeping, and inventory management, reinforcing transparency and trust across the value chain.
“The construction of the kiosk at Catholic Junction completely changed our business life. Before, we used to hustle in the hot sun and run for cover whenever the rain came. Now we sell in a clean, safe place where our goods are protected. Customers trust us more because our vegetables are fresh, clean, and neatly arranged, and that has brought us more buyers. Since RETRAP stepped in, our income has improved, our work is easier, and we feel proud to call this our business,” Madam Fatu Massaley, Chairperson of the Vegetable Sellers at Catholic Junction in Monrovia
Strengthening Trust Between Vegetable Producers and Retailers
The market availability is giving farmers confidence to expand production. With guaranteed daily buyers, they no longer worry about spoilage or lack of sales. Vegetable growers are increasing farm sizes, diversifying crops, and planning harvests with certainty. This regular supply of fresh produce is improving livelihoods, gradually reducing reliance on imports, and strengthening Liberia’s local food system.
“RETRAP really brought us and the farmers together. Before, there was always confusion because the farmers felt we were not buying enough, and we felt they were bringing produce late or in bad condition. But now, with the kiosks and proper coordination, we work like one team. Farmers trust us, we trust them, and the business is moving better for everybody”, Alice Tamba, Chairlady of the Vegetable Sellers situated at Barnersville Junction.
According to the President of the Vegetable Sellers, the association membership continues to grow as more traders and farmers recognize the benefits of being part of an organized, supportive association. “Today, the group represents a diverse and vibrant community. Women make up the largest share, about 50%, totaling roughly 7,500 to 8,000 members, reflecting the crucial role they play in Liberia’s fresh vegetable market. Men account for around 30% of the membership, or approximately 4,500 individuals. The association also attracts a strong youth presence, with an estimated 3,000 young people, about 20–25% of the group, actively involved in trading, transporting, processing, and supporting market operations”, Mulbah Sumo added
As the Liberia Vegetable Sellers’ Association grows stronger, its vision is expanding beyond simply selling vegetables. Today, LVSA is positioning itself as a leader in public nutrition education. Empowered by RETRAP’s training, the association is preparing to launch awareness campaigns that encourage Liberians to adopt healthier diets. These campaigns will take the form of radio programs, short podcasts, community dialogues, and outreach activities in marketplaces and schools.
“Vegetables help stabilize blood sugar, prevent diseases like prostate cancer, and increase lifespan,” explains Noah Kollie, LVSA Administrator. “We want Liberians to eat more vegetables to stay healthy.”
Mr. Kollie wants RETRAP and development partners to expand the kiosk initiative to more locations across Liberia because interest is growing rapidly, and more farmers want to supply the kiosks, and more traders want to join these organized, dignified markets.
Through improved market infrastructure, stronger farmer–trader linkages, and enhanced business capacity, RETRAP’s support to LVSA illustrates how targeted market investments can boost food security, raise incomes, and foster inclusive urban–rural value chains.
