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By Thomas West
Women are playing a pivotal role in transforming Liberia’s agricultural sector, contributing significantly to food security and economic growth. According to the Executive Director of the Women in Agriculture for Sustainable Development (WASUDEV ) , the active participation of women farmers is not only helping to improve agricultural productivity but is also creating pathways for sustainable development in rural communities.
WASUDEV Executive Director, Hawa Dunor Varney speaking in a recent exclusive interview with the Liberia Agricultural and Environmental Journalists Network highlighted that women make up a substantial portion of the workforce in Liberia’s agriculture sector, yet their contributions have often gone unnoticed. “Women have always been at the forefront of agriculture in Liberia, whether it’s in farming, marketing, or food processing. They are the backbone of the industry, yet their work continues to be undervalued,” she said.
According to the WASUDEV Executive Director, the organization has been advocating for gender equality in agriculture, pushing for policies that empower women with better access to land, technology, and financial resources. Through training programs and advocacy campaigns, the organization has been able to enhance the skills of women farmers and promote their involvement in decision-making processes that affect agricultural policies.
Currently, the initiative supports over 300 women with fundamental agricultural training alongside essential farming tools and financial assistance through its Village Empowerment Saving Loan program. According to Madam Dunor, these initiatives are pivotal in enhancing women’s learning capacities and boosting their yields in crops such as cassava, corn, rice, pepper, and watermelon.
Highlighting their impact, Madam Varney noted that the initiative has reached over 500 women across Monsterrado, Bong, Margibi, and Nimba counties. She expressed pride in witnessing women farmers thrive despite challenges, attributing much of their success to the Village Saving Loan Association (VLA) programs which have strengthened their financial independence.
Madam Hawa Dunor Varnery revealed plans to expand their efforts to five additional counties within the next two years. However, she underscored that access to finance and adequate farming tools remains a significant hurdle for rural women, hindering their productivity and economic contributions.
A World Bank report shows that women in rural areas contribute to over 70% of agricultural production in Liberia. Despite this, they face numerous challenges, including limited access to land, credit, and modern farming tools. WASUDEV has been working tirelessly to address these barriers by partnering with government agencies, international organizations, and local stakeholders.
The organization’s recent success stories include training women on sustainable farming practices and providing them with tools that have helped increase yields and reduce post-harvest losses. In addition, women farmers have been empowered to form cooperatives, which have facilitated collective marketing and improved their access to local and international markets.
The Executive Director emphasized the need for more investment in women-led agricultural enterprises, stating, “Investing in women farmers is investing in the future of Liberia’s agriculture.”
The government of Liberia has also been urged to support policies that foster gender equality in agriculture, particularly by ensuring that women have equal access to resources and opportunities in the sector. Through such initiatives, Liberia can achieve greater food security, poverty reduction, and sustainable development.
“The National Agriculture Development Plan outlines a roadmap for transforming Liberia’s agriculture into a dynamic, resilient, and inclusive sector,” she said. “Women play a central role in this transformation, and our efforts are focused on ensuring they have the tools and opportunities to thrive.”
WASUDEV implements projects in line with the NADP’s strategic objectives, including increasing agricultural productivity, improving market access, and promoting sustainable resource management. Through targeted training and resource distribution, women farmers have adopted modern farming techniques that have significantly increased yields while minimizing environmental impact.
“The success of the National Agriculture Development Plan depends on inclusivity,” she added. “By integrating women into every level of agricultural planning and implementation, we can achieve food security and drive economic growth.”
WASUDEV Executive Director called on the government and private sector to increase investments in women-centered agricultural initiatives. “Supporting women farmers isn’t just about equity; it’s about leveraging a vital resource to achieve national development goals,” Hawa Dunor Varney
As Liberia advances its National Agriculture Development Plan, organizations like WASUDEV remain at the forefront of ensuring the active participation of women, paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous agricultural sector.
