By: Ben T. C. Brooks | River Gee County
A landmark in community-led agriculture unfolded this week as the United Youth for Peace and Sustainable Development (UYPSD) launched the harvest of 4.5 hectares of lowland rice in Gbeapo Statutory District, River Gee County.
The rice field, cultivated on rehabilitated swamp land developed under Liberia’s Ministry of Agriculture’s Smallholder Agriculture Development for Food and Nutrition Security (SADFONS) Project, represents renewed momentum in local rice production and food security.
SADFONS, funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP), is designed to reduce rural poverty and boost productivity among smallholder farmers nationwide, with a focus on rice, cassava, and vegetables.
At the launch ceremony, UYPSD Field Monitor Bayan Mulbah reflected on the challenges and triumphs of the initiative. “Months ago, when we entered River Gee to begin this work, it was not easy,” Mulbah said.
“But gradually, we adjusted to the people’s way of life and the system. Today, we are proud to officially kick off this lowland rice harvest.” He expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Agriculture and local stakeholders for their technical and institutional support, urging continued investment in Liberia’s staple food production.
River Gee County Agricultural Coordinator Jasper Sheriff Tweh hailed the harvest as a breakthrough in utilizing improved agricultural infrastructure. He credited sustained outreach and technical support from the County Agriculture Office, backed by Deputy Minister for Regional Development, Research and Extension, Moses R. Gbanyan, for mobilizing participation.
“Under the supportive leadership of Deputy Minister Gbanyan, you are here harvesting today,” Tweh told participants. “The Ministry invested thousands of dollars to develop this lowland. We needed committed farmers to utilize it.”
Initial efforts to attract local farming groups faced setbacks, prompting the Ministry to invite UYPSD from Lofa County to take on the project. Tweh praised the youth group’s dedication, noting that their success demonstrates the potential of lowland rice farming in River Gee and the critical role of youth empowerment in advancing sustainable agriculture.
“This achievement is not only a victory for the youth group,” Tweh added, “but also an institutional milestone for the County Agriculture Office. It proves that with the right partnerships, rehabilitated agricultural assets can directly contribute to food security and local economic growth.”
Special recognition was extended to District Agricultural Officer William J. Doe for field-level coordination and oversight, and to Deputy Minister Gbanyan for technical leadership. The SADFONS Project was commended for its continued investment in strengthening lowland farming systems across Liberia.
The 4.5-hectare harvest underscores the growing role of young people in Liberia’s agricultural transformation. By turning swamp land into productive farmland, UYPSD has provided a tangible example of how grassroots engagement and institutional backing can translate national agricultural policy into measurable results.
As stakeholders celebrated the milestone, one message resonated: collaboration, innovation, and youth-driven action can make agriculture a powerful engine for sustainable development. “Our generation will make agriculture work in Liberia,” youth members declared, signaling renewed momentum for rice production in River Gee County.
