By Jallah Crawu & Chris Darpod
Guo Nwolaila District, Liberia – [April 14, 2025] – As part of helping to increase food security in Liberia, a relief organization has made an agricultural donation to women farmers in Gbarpolu County. The Liberia Development Relief Organization (LIDRO) over the weekend made the significant impact on the Kpayeakwelleh Rural Women Agricultural Organization by donating a modern cassava gridding machine.
The event which was celebrated with joy by local farmers, mostly women, marked a new chapter in the organization’s efforts to support women in agriculture.
Madam Rebecca Bestman Harris, the CEO of LIDRO, presented the machine on behalf of his organization. Besides the cassava processing machine, the organization also presented other essential personal effects including lappas and slappers.
“This donation aims to improve the productivity and efficiency of women farmers who work hard to support their families and communities,” Madam Harris said.
The donated machine has the ability to help process cassava into flour more easily, opening doors for better income, saving and growth.
George Kolubah, Chairman of the Kpayeakwelleh Town Rural Women Agriculture Organization, expressed his gratitude to the relief organization for the gesture.
“This machine will change our lives. We can now produce more cassava flour and sell it, which will help us support our families better,” Kolubah said. “With LIDRO’s help, we feel empowered to grow and succeed,” Kolubah stressed.
The ceremony was full of excitement, gratitude and excitement from some key members of the organization.
One of such was Sarah Kolleh, a dedicated member of the organization who shared her excitement saying, “We have been waiting for this moment. This machine will help us to increase our production.” “We can send our children to school and improve our community from the work we do here.
Another member, Krubah Togbah, highlighted the importance of the donation: “This is a blessing for us. We have struggled for too long with old methods. Now, we can compete in the market and provide for our families.” She continued, “The support from LIDRO gives us hope for a better future.”
Cassava is a vital crop in Liberia, providing food and income for many families.
It is the second most stable food next to rice in the West African nation. It is known for its resilience and adaptability, making it a stable in rural farming.
However, traditional processing methods can be labor-intensive and time-consuming. With the introduction of the modern equipment, the relief organization is helping women farmers to increase their efficiency and productivity, leading to greater economic stability in their communities.
Madam Harris emphasized her commitment to the people of Guo Nwolaila District in fighting to increase food security in Liberia. “Agriculture is a path to self-empowerment. I encourage all farmers to embrace this initiative. Together, we can enhance agricultural activities and improve lives in Gbarpolu,” she added.
A Bright Future Ahead
The Kpayeakwelleh Rural Women Agricultural Organization is now better equipped to expand its farms and produce more cassava products, such as garie. This will not only benefit the women involved, but also strengthens the local economy.
Madam Harris’s support goes beyond this donation; she has previously helped the communities in Gbarpolu by distributing school supplies to ensure children have the resources they need for learning.
Edited: Esau J. Farr| Sub-Editor
