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Story Written By LAEJNET Senior Reporter
In recent years, the agricultural sector has seen a rising trend of young female farmers stepping into the industry, bringing with them a fresh perspective and innovative ideas. These women are now calling for better market access and more opportunities for value addition to ensure their businesses thrive and contribute effectively to the economy.
Young women in agriculture are becoming increasingly visible, challenging traditional gender roles and proving their capabilities in a field historically dominated by men. With a strong commitment to sustainable practices and community development, these young farmers are not only producing food but are also actively engaged in transforming the agricultural landscape.
Despite their potential, young female farmers face significant challenges in accessing markets. Limited access to information about market prices, lack of infrastructure, and difficulty in reaching buyers are some of the hurdles that need to be addressed. Many of these farmers operate in rural areas where connectivity and transportation can be major obstacles.
Sianneh H Kulleh a vegetable grower based in Gbarnga, Bong County explains, “We have the produce, but getting it to the market is a challenge. Sometimes we are forced to sell at lower prices to middlemen because we can’t access better markets.”
Value addition is another critical area where young female farmers see an opportunity for growth. By processing and packaging their products, farmers can increase their profit margins and reduce post-harvest losses. This also opens up new markets and creates more job opportunities within the community.
Sianneh Kulleh who is a trained agronomist and a graduate of Cuttington University situated in Suakoko, Bong County, began her agricultural journey five years ago, cultivating vegetables on a plot of land she acquired in the suburb of Gbarnga. Her passion for farming and determination to succeed have made her a local success story. However, she acknowledges that there are substantial barriers that she and other young female farmers must overcome to reach their full potential.
For Sianneh and many other farmers, accessing markets remains a daunting task. She often faces difficulties in finding reliable buyers and securing fair prices for her produce. The lack of infrastructure, such as proper roads and transportation facilities, exacerbates these challenges, making it hard to move her products to urban markets where demand is higher.
Value addition presents a promising solution for Sianneh and her peers. By processing raw agricultural products into finished goods, farmers can increase their earnings and reduce waste. For instance, turning tomatoes into paste or fruits into juice can open up new revenue streams and make products more appealing to a broader market.
Sianneh is keen on exploring these opportunities but faces hurdles in terms of resources, and technology. “With proper training and the right equipment, I could significantly improve my income and ensure that less of my produce goes to waste,” she says.
To address these challenges, she wants increased support from governments, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. Key areas of support could include better roads, storage facilities, and transportation options to help farmers access markets more efficiently. She also stressed the need for programs that provide training on value-addition techniques, business management, and market analysis including access to affordable credit and grants to invest in necessary equipment and technology for value addition.
To attract more young female farmers to Liberia’s agriculture sector, Sianneh thinks there is also a need for policies that promote gender equality in agriculture and provide incentives for women-led agricultural enterprises.
The voices of young female farmers like Sianneh are crucial in shaping the future of agriculture in Liberia. By addressing the challenges they face, there is potential to not only improve their livelihoods but also enhance food security and economic development. It is essential for the government, agriculture sector NGOs, and the private sector to collaborate and provide the necessary support to these farmers. Stakeholders at all levels must support these young women in their endeavors, ensuring a brighter future for agriculture and food security across Liberia.
