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By Jeff Massah
As Liberia seeks to diversify its economy and strengthen domestic revenue generation, the tourism sector continues to emerge as a promising but largely underdeveloped area. Despite the country’s rich natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and agricultural potential, substantial investment in tourism has remained limited over the years.
However, renewed hope is emerging with the establishment of the Liberia National Tourism Authority as an autonomous agency of government, creating fresh opportunities to reposition tourism as a viable driver of economic growth. Against this backdrop, Richards’ Farm in Margibi County has taken a bold step to support this national vision by launching its first-ever agritourism initiative.
The event, dubbed the Richards’ Farm Tour Experience, marks the farm’s official entry into agritourism. This innovative approach combines agriculture with tourism to promote learning, recreation, and local enterprise development.
“This is our first attempt at agritourism here at Richards’ Farm, and we are truly excited to share this experience,” the hosts said during the tour’s opening.
Richards’ Farm traces its origins to the late Anna and Joseph Richards, who acquired the 500 acres of land in the late 1950s and began rubber farming operations in 1961. What started as a modest agricultural venture has grown into a multi-generational family enterprise built on resilience, commitment, and vision.
Following the passing of the founders, responsibility for the farm shifted to the second generation ,led by their daughters, Wiyata Mensah, Joann Richards Abrams, & Dawn Richards Tolbert. Today, the farm proudly involves a third generation, with younger family members such as Tianna Sherman Kesselly, Chelsey Abrams, & Dominique Tolbert, playing active roles in shaping its future.
Notably, the farm is now owned & led by women.
“We have been blessed to inherit this land, and we are determined to preserve our parents’ legacy while taking it to a higher level,” the family shared.
The younger generation has introduced innovative ideas aimed at transforming the farm beyond traditional rubber production. These include agritourism, crop diversification, and value addition—strategies designed to improve income, attract visitors, and demonstrate modern agricultural practices.
The farm tour itself reflects this new direction, offering visitors a hands-on look at farming operations while creating a platform for learning, networking, and collaboration.
The event was graced by representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, including the Deputy Minister for Planning and Development, David Akoi, Assistant Minister for Technical Services, Zogbo Luther, and other technical staff. Their presence underscored the government’s growing interest in promoting agriculture not only as a food security tool but also as a tourism and investment opportunity.
Participants were encouraged to interact openly with ministry officials, share their ideas, ask questions, and explore how government support mechanisms, such as technical assistance, agroforestry programs, and extension services, can enhance agricultural enterprises.
“The idea is for people to see what we are doing, exchange ideas, and leave with practical knowledge,” the organizers noted. “This is about learning, collaboration, and building sustainable pathways for agriculture and tourism.”
Speaking during the tour, Deputy Minister for Planning and Development at the Ministry of Agriculture, Hon. David Akoi, lauded the Richards’ Farm initiative, describing it as a timely and innovative model for redefining agriculture in Liberia.
Minister Akoi emphasized that agriculture must no longer be viewed solely as subsistence farming but as a dynamic sector with strong linkages to tourism, industry, employment, and national development.
“Agriculture is not just about growing crops,” he said. “It has a direct impact on several other sectors of the economy, including tourism, trade, and manufacturing. What we are seeing here today is a clear demonstration of how agriculture can be diversified to create value beyond food production.”
He noted that agritourism presents a unique opportunity to showcase Liberia’s agricultural heritage while generating income, creating jobs, and attracting both local and international visitors. According to him, initiatives such as the Richards’ Farm Tour Experience help change the narrative around farming and highlight its potential as a profitable and modern business venture.
Minister Akoi further stressed that the Ministry of Agriculture remains fully committed to supporting farmers and agribusinesses that are willing to innovate and expand beyond traditional practices.
“The Ministry stands ready to provide technical support, policy guidance, and institutional backing to farmers who want to unlock the full potential of agriculture,” he said. “We want to move agriculture from being seen as a survival activity to a productive and extractive business that drives growth and wealth creation.”
He also used the occasion to challenge long-held misconceptions that farming is only for those trapped in poverty, describing such thinking as outdated and counterproductive.
“That mindset must change,” Minister Akoi asserted. “Agriculture is a business. It is an enterprise that can generate income, empower young people, support tourism, and contribute significantly to national development when properly managed.”
He concluded by commending the Richards family for their vision and leadership, noting that their initiative aligns with the government’s broader agenda of promoting private-sector participation, youth involvement, and innovation within the agricultural value chain.
As Liberia works to reposition tourism as a key contributor to national development, initiatives like the Richards’ Farm Tour Experience demonstrate how local innovation can align with national policy goals. By blending agriculture, heritage, and community engagement, Richards’ Farm is setting an example of how agritourism can create economic opportunities while preserving family legacy.
The organizers expressed hope that the tour would inspire similar initiatives across the country and strengthen collaboration between farmers, policymakers, and the private sector.
“We hope everyone leaves here with useful information, valuable connections, and a positive experience,” they concluded.
