Executive Mansion Pledges Support for Community-driven Agriculture Development Initiatives  

Raising hope for Southeastern Farmers Federation (USEFF)

By: Rational Joe Ks Fineboy I Sinoe County Contributing Reporter

Monrovia, Liberia- Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025- The Executive Mansion has affirmed the President of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., support to community-driven agriculture development initiatives in Southeastern Liberia. The confirmation was made recently at the Executive Mansion by Hon. Hadja Mamaka Bility, Minister of State without Portfolio, at a meeting with the leadership of the Union of Southeastern Farmers Federation (USEFF) which comprises of farmers delegates from across Southeastern Liberia.  

The meeting which took place at the directive of the President of Liberia, focused on identifying meaningful ways the Government of Liberia can support the work of the regional farmers’ organization. USEFF operations currently cover five Counties in Southeast Liberia including Grand Gedeh, Grand Kru, Maryland, River Gee and Sinoe.  

According to USEFF Coordinator, Isaiah B. Dapaye, Min. Bility, assured delegates that, the collaboration between USEFF and the Executive Mansion shall take effect soon with a Pilot Project. Dapaye also added, that during the meeting Minister Bility requested her Assistant, Hon. Varfin V. Donzo; Assistant Minister at the Ministry of State, to work with the organization in the preparation of a detailed technical paper on smallholder cocoa development in Southeastern Liberia.

The cocoa development program was one of the two prioritized initiatives presented by USEFF for possible consideration with the other being the launch of a county food basket fund (CFBF).

The purpose of the fund, according to Mr. Isaiah Dapaye, is to provide financial resources to Food and Income Security Initiatives (FISIs) in Southeastern Liberia. The launching is expected to take place in March, 2026.

In a related development, USEFF in partnership with a national organization is expected to embark on large scale rice production in Southeast Liberia. The disclosure was made by the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation Board of Directors Chairman, Dr. Khalipha Bility, during the meeting at the Executive Mansion.

Confirming the report, Mr. Isaiah B. Dapaye, the National Coordinator and Acting President of USEFF, told this Network that he and the entire leadership of USEFF were very grateful to Minister Bility, who on behalf of the President granted their delegation audience and for her attention as well as support throughout the entire meeting.

He asserted that the tone of the discussions held with the Minister demonstrated President Boakai’s administration’s commitment to responsible and inclusive governance.

When quizzed on his impression on the outcome of the meeting. Mr. Dapaye said that with the holding of the Executive Mansion meeting, he viewed their mission to Monrovia as a resounding success and a beacon of hope for all farmers in Southeast Liberia. According to him, everyone on the delegation is optimistic that all those points that were agreed upon during the discussion shall take effect because Minister Bility had given them assurance of the President’s support.

Photo credit by Isaiah B. Dapaye