By: Ben TC Brooks| River Gee County Contributing Reporter
Tuobo Gbaweliken, River Gee County – Thursday, August 21, 2025 – A farming cooperative Bâituogkhã has successfully harvested its first lowland rice in Tuobo Gbaweliken, Electoral District 3, with help from the Smallholder Agriculture Transformation and Agribusiness Revitalization Project (STAR-P) supported by the Ministry of Agriculture.
Bâituogkhã, which translates to “Let’s Put Strong” in the Grebo dialect, was formed to enhance collaboration among farmers and increase food production in the area.
Cooperative members regard this harvest as a major milestone, symbolizing their collective effort and aiding in the advancement of food security and local economic growth.
Supported by funding from the World Bank and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the STAR-P initiative aims to improve smallholder farming across Liberia.
The Ministry of Agriculture oversees the implementation of the project, which focuses on boosting productivity, strengthening value chains, and improving farmers’ market access in rural regions.
STAR-P, farmers are provided with high-quality rice varieties, modern agricultural tools, and training that facilitates the adoption of enhanced cultivation and post-harvest practices.
The project also invests in essential infrastructure such as warehouses, drying facilities, and feeder roads to reduce post-harvest losses and improve market connectivity.
In River Gee and beyond, STAR-P has become a vital force for rural development, enabling cooperatives like Bâituogkhã to expand operations and achieve agreeable success.
Ma-Victoria Tarlue, a leader of the cooperative, expressed her appreciation to the Ministry of Agriculture, stating that this support has revitalized hope for rural farmers in Tuobo Gbaweliken.
She also commended the efforts of River Gee County Agriculture Coordinator, Jasper Sheriff Tweh; for promoting community collaboration over individual farming.
Tarlue highlighted that Tweh’s encouragement and the Ministry’s backing were crucial in enabling the group to cultivate six hectares of lowland rice, which they are currently harvesting.
She described the cooperative farming approach as transformative for their community, particularly given the challenges many farmers faced, such as a lack of tools, poor seed quality, and limited production capacity before receiving assistance.
“We credit our success to Jasper Sheriff Tweh, who encouraged us to farm collectively. With the ministry’s support, we’ve been able to cultivate more land and enjoy the benefits of rice seedlings, tools, and equipment,” she stated.
As she continues to support her family, Tarlue stressed the necessity of ongoing assistance; saying, “Without sustained support, advancing food production in our district will be challenging.”
County Agriculture Coordinator Jasper Sheriff Tweh commended the farmers for their unity and commitment, noting that their successful harvest showcases the capabilities of rural communities when given the right support.
He reiterated that the success of Bâituogkhã exemplifies how collaborative farming, alongside modern techniques and government support, can transform agriculture in River Gee.
Tweh reaffirmed STAR-P’s dedication to assisting farmers by providing technical support, improved seeds, essential farming tools, and customized training to boost productivity.
He also pointed out that the program emphasizes post-harvest management, helping farmers minimize losses and better connection to markets.
“The success in Tuobo Gbaweliken should motivate other communities to unite and take advantage of existing opportunities,” he remarked, emphasizing that STAR-P’s initiatives are part of a long-term strategy to strengthen food systems, enhance household incomes, and build resilience among smallholder farmers across River Gee County and yea Liberia.
The harvest represents a significant achievement for the cooperative, which sees lowland rice cultivation as vital not just for food security but also as a promising income source that can assist families in escaping poverty.
Farmers believe that producing surplus rice for sale will enable them to cover educational expenses, health care, and other essentials.
Local leaders have highlighted that the progress made by the Bâituogkhã Farmers Association underscores the benefits of cooperative farming and the crucial role of initiatives like STAR-P in unlocking rural potential.
They hope this success story will motivate other communities in River Gee County to establish cooperatives and engage in government and donor-supported programs, stressing that sustainable farming methods, modern equipment, and ongoing institutional support are essential for maintaining the momentum generated by this year’s harvest.
