By Eric Opa Doue with Liberia Forest Media Watch
YARPAH TOWN, River Cess–The Rural Integrated Center for Community Empowerment (RICCE), in partnership with PADEV, successfully concluded a series of impactful activities as part of the UNDP-funded Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) project in River Cess. The week-long initiative, which ran from March 17 to 21, 2025, focused on building community capacity in both handicraft production and financial management. This initiative is a key component of the CBFM project’s goal to preserve the proposed protected community forest in Weasein Clan, Nyorwein District, River Cess County.
The activities kicked off with a Handicraft Value Addition Training held from March 19-20, 2025, in the community of Yarpah. Over 20 participants, representing four local handicraft production groups from the communities of Kampala, Gaye/Tarr, Wee/Goweh, and Buegbah, took part in the training. The session provided hands-on instruction on producing traditional handicrafts, including baskets, filters, fender, and rattan chairs—artifacts deeply rooted in the cultural traditions of the Bassa and Kru tribes in River Cess.
“We are happy to provide the community with the tools they need to produce and trade in these unique handicrafts,” said Madam Renee Gibson, RICCE’s Program Manager. “By empowering local artisans, we are helping them unlock new economic opportunities and preserve the cultural heritage of River Cess, while also discouraging practices that could harm the forest.”
In addition to the handicraft training, PADEV also conducted a refresher course for five Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) from the communities of Logan, Wrobune, Toby, Gbloseo, and Judu. From March 17 to 21, these community groups received updated training on financial management and savings practices, enhancing their ability to manage funds, improve household savings, and offer small loans to members.
On March 20, the training culminated in a Handicraft Production Display and Sale, where the participants showcased their newly crafted goods. The public event allowed local producers to display their creations, offering them the chance to market and sell their products to the broader community. The successful sale not only demonstrated the skills acquired during the training but also helped generate immediate income for the producers.
This week of activities under the CBFM project marks another milestone in the ongoing effort to empower rural communities in River Cess. With enhanced skills in handicraft production and improved financial literacy, local communities are better positioned to strengthen their economies, preserve their cultural heritage, and protect their local environment for future generations.
