By Henry B. Gboluma, Jr. | Gbarpolu County
A flagship cassava initiative in Bopolu District has suffered a devastating setback after elephants destroyed nearly half of its crop, raising urgent concerns about food security and livelihoods in the region.
The Realise Cassava Farm Project, spanning 35 acres, was launched to boost local production, create jobs, and strengthen economic growth in Gbaryama Town. But the recent elephant incursion has left farmers reeling, with residents now appealing for immediate intervention from the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) and development partners.
Community leaders say the destruction underscores the growing challenge of human wildlife conflict in Liberia. Farmers are requesting training in nonlethal deterrent methods and financial support to recover losses. “We need skills to protect our farms without harming the animals,” one resident explained, noting that elephants are protected under Liberia’s Wildlife and Conservation Law.
The incident comes amid heightened enforcement of wildlife protections. Just weeks earlier, eight individuals were fined US$500 jointly by the Bopolu City Magisterial Court for killing and selling an elephant in nearby Sando Village.
Conservationists argue that such penalties highlight the government’s commitment to safeguarding endangered species, but farmers insist their survival depends on stronger support systems.
Local authorities are urging the FDA to balance conservation with community needs by providing technical assistance and resources to mitigate future conflicts. The cassava project, once seen as a model for rural empowerment, now faces uncertainty unless swift action is taken.
