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By Ben TC Brooks
River Gee County, Liberia – May 21, 2025 – In a strategic move to revitalize agricultural activities and improve livelihoods across River Gee County, County Agricultural Officer Jasper Sheriff Tweh has rolled out a comprehensive monitoring initiative aimed at strengthening local farming systems through technical support and practical interventions.
Launched in early April 2025, the initiative spans all six agricultural districts of River Gee—Gbeapo, Tienpo, Chedepo, Webbo, Potupo, and Sarbo—and targets both cooperative societies and individual smallholder farmers. The program is designed to assess ongoing farming practices, identify key challenges, and deliver targeted support to boost productivity and sustainability.
Speaking with this reporter, Officer Tweh emphasized that the monitoring program is not merely evaluative but also advisory, with the overarching goal of empowering farmers to adopt improved farming techniques and respond to persistent obstacles within the sector.
“Our farmers are the backbone of the local economy,” Tweh said. “This initiative allows us to identify the specific needs of our farmers—whether it’s access to tools, knowledge of sustainable practices, or coping with climate-related impacts—and provide the right kind of support to enhance their productivity and resilience.”
Initial findings from the monitoring visits revealed several pressing issues affecting farmers, including limited access to modern agricultural tools and inputs, inadequate knowledge of climate-smart practices, and poor pest and soil management. Officer Tweh noted that these constraints have continued to undermine efforts toward food security and economic advancement in the county.
During field visits, Tweh and his team engage directly with farmers, offering hands-on demonstrations and facilitating peer-to-peer learning sessions. The initiative also encourages the exchange of ideas among farmers and promotes awareness about adapting to environmental changes.
Marcus Gray, a cocoa farmer and member of the Theobroma Cacao farming group in Sarbo Sweaken, praised the initiative, expressing optimism about its potential impact. “We’ve faced serious setbacks—from declining yields to pests we don’t know how to control. This program gives us renewed hope. With the right guidance and tools, we can improve our harvests and help uplift our community,” Gray remarked.
The County Agriculture Office plans to complement the monitoring phase with resource mobilization efforts aimed at supplying farmers with essential inputs, including improved seeds, fertilizers, protective gear, and small-scale equipment.
Tweh also highlighted plans to strengthen partnerships with relevant government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and donor institutions to sustain the momentum generated by the program. He reaffirmed his office’s commitment to transforming agriculture into a viable economic sector for the county.
“This is not a one-time exercise,” he noted. “We are committed to ongoing engagement, continuous learning, and tailored support that reflect the evolving needs of our farming communities.”
The monitoring initiative is expected to run through the end of June 2025, with the possibility of extension based on feedback from participants and impact assessments. Farmers across the county have been encouraged to actively participate and take advantage of the technical knowledge and support being offered.
Through this hands-on initiative, the River Gee County Agriculture Office aims to create a more resilient, productive, and sustainable agricultural sector, laying the groundwork for greater food security and economic empowerment.
