Liberia Agricultural and Environmental Journalists Network (LAEJN) Promote informed journalism and public engagement on agricultural and environmental nalists Network (LAEJN)
By Christina Sonpon, LAEJN Margibi County Coordinator
Jupiter Farm, a growing agribusiness in Margibi County, is emerging as a hub for food production, job creation, and agricultural innovation in Liberia’s agriculture sector. With support from the Smallholder Agriculture Transformation and Agribusiness Revitalization Project (STAR-P), which is funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the World Bank. This agribusiness is reshaping the local farming landscape.
The farm, managed by veteran agriculturist Emmanuel Dowai, covers 18 acres and currently employs 25 workers—15 men and 10 women—from nearby communities. Beyond crop production, Jupiter Farm is pioneering integrated farming systems that combine vegetable cultivation with aquaculture and other enterprises, offering a model of diversification for smallholder farmers.
“We receive improved seeds and support for land preparation through STAR-P. Sometimes they even finance brushing. That has really encouraged us to keep expanding,” Dowai said, praising the project’s hands-on support.
The impact goes beyond the farm gate. Dowai explained that Jupiter Farm sustains households in at least four to five villages, providing both income and food security. “The farm is a source of livelihood. Men and women from surrounding communities earn a daily income by working here. This is how agriculture can transform lives,” he noted.
Jupiter cultivates variety of crops, including cabbage, potato greens, cucumbers, watermelon, and papaya. Alongside these, the farm also raises tilapia supplied by the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA). The integration of aquaculture is giving local households access to affordable protein, while mixed cropping ensures a year-round food availability, supply and steady market sales.
Dowai has ambitious expansion plans. He hopes to introduce poultry and rabbit rearing, as well as investing in cash crops like cocoa, to strengthen both household incomes and contribute to Liberia’s long-term agricultural output.
“Labor is costly, inputs are expensive, and sometimes we don’t have the right machines to do things faster. But when you have passion, you stand the test,” Dowai said, underlining his determination to persevere.
From his early days as an agriculture teacher to his current role as farm manager, Dowai has been consistent in his belief that farming is key to Liberia’s development. He sees Jupiter Farm’s work as a proof of what can be achieved when communities are empowered and investments are targeted. “If STAR-P continues to monitor and support us with materials and financial aid, you’ll see Jupiter Farm transformed into a larger, more productive enterprise that empowers even more people,” he emphasized.
As Liberia works to reduce food imports and create opportunities/jobs for its growing youth population, stories like Jupiter Farm’s highlight the transformative potential to drive agriculture transformation when smallholders are equipped with the right tools training and opportunities.
