By: Ben TC Brooks | River Gee Correspondent
River Gee County |April 3, 2026 | The Bartuogbeh Farmers Association in electoral district 3, River Gee County, has launched its second phase of lowland site clearing following a highly productive first harvest under the Smallholder Agriculture Transformation and Agribusiness Revitalization Project – STAR-P.
The cooperative, whose name “Bartuogbeh” translates to “Let’s Put Strong” in the Grebo dialect, was formed to strengthen farmer collaboration and increase food production across the Tuobo Administrative District.
Members of the association describe their initial harvest as a major breakthrough, underscoring the impact of collective farming in improving yields, enhancing food security, and generating income for rural households.
The success has encouraged the group to expand its operations, leading to the current second-phase land clearing for increased rice production.
The project is supported by STAR-P, a flagship agricultural program implemented by Liberia’s Ministry of Agriculture with funding from the World Bank and the International Fund for Agricultural Development – IFAD.
STAR-P focuses on strengthening smallholder farmers by improving productivity, enhancing agricultural value chains, and expanding access to markets.
Through the program, farmers benefit from improved rice varieties, modern farming equipment, and hands-on training in better cultivation and post-harvest techniques.
In addition, the project invests in key infrastructure such as storage facilities, drying platforms, and feeder roads, critical in reducing post-harvest losses and improving market access for rural producers.
Speaking on behalf of the cooperative’s women leaders, Madam Lucy Chenekan expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Agriculture for its continued support, noting that the intervention has revived hope among farmers in Tuobo Gbarweliken.
“Our first harvest was successful. We sold part of our produce and saved some for replanting, which motivated us to continue,” she said.
The cooperative cultivated approximately six hectares of lowland rice during its first phase and is now building on those gains.
Chenekan also commended County Agriculture Coordinator Jasper Sheriff Tweh for encouraging farmers to adopt a cooperative approach rather than working individually.
“His encouragement, along with the Ministry’s support, has given us access to better seeds, tools, and equipment, increasing our production capacity,” she added.
She, however, stressed the importance of sustained assistance to maintain progress in local food production.
County Agriculture Coordinator Jasper Sheriff Tweh praised the farmers for their unity and dedication, describing their successful harvest as clear evidence of what rural communities can achieve when given the right support.
He reaffirmed STAR-P’s commitment to providing technical assistance, improved inputs, and specialized training to boost productivity and minimize post-harvest losses.
“The success in Tuobo Gbaweliken should inspire other communities to organize and take advantage of available opportunities,” Tweh emphasized.
For members of the Bartuogbeh cooperative, lowland rice farming is more than agriculture, it is a pathway to economic empowerment and improved livelihoods.
Farmers say increased production will help them meet essential needs such as school fees, healthcare, and household expenses.
Local believe the cooperative’s achievements demonstrate the value of collaboration, modern farming methods, and sustained institutional support in unlocking rural potential.
They remain hopeful that Bartuogbeh’s success will motivate other communities across River Gee County to form cooperatives and actively participate in government and donor-supported agricultural initiatives.
