Karford Multi-Purpose Farmers’ Cooperative Champions Palm and Cocoa Production, Urges Focus on Agriculture Over Government Jobs

By: Ben TC Brooks |River Gee County Contributing Reporter

River Gee County – Sept. 30, 2025 – The Karford Multi-Purpose Farmers’ Cooperative Society in River Gee County is spearheading efforts to expand palm and cocoa production, advancing the ARREST Agenda of the Rescue Mission Government with support from Agro Green Development, a local agricultural organization based in Maryland County.

Located in upper Tienpo Statutory District, the Karford Administrative District is home to nine major communities that have joined forces under the cooperative.

Their shared vision is to transform agriculture into a sustainable engine of growth, improve livelihoods, and reduce over-dependence on government jobs.

Edison S. Chenikan, Chairman of the Karford Multi-Purpose Farmers’ Cooperative Society, revealed that the group has already acquired 20 acres of farmland, with 10 acres each in Cheboken and Jaytoken communities, which will serve as the foundation for large-scale agricultural activities.

To further boost participation, the cooperative has established cocoa and palm nurseries in Cheboken, Jaytoken, Scheraken, and New Jaytoken. These nurseries are expected to provide a steady supply of improved seedlings to farmers across the Karford Administrative District.

Chenikan explained that the cooperative is already engaged in small-scale cocoa production, sourcing harvests from both its farms and member smallholder. Farmers, he noted, now have access to a reliable market for their produce.

A landmark achievement for the cooperative is its first consignment of cocoa scheduled for shipment to Monrovia by mid-October 2025 a development that marks a turning point for River Gee’s agricultural sector.

Beyond farming, the cooperative is working to improve the socio-economic conditions of its members. Plans include creating sustainable markets, providing affordable loans, and pooling resources to strengthen farming activities and household livelihoods.

“This cooperative is more than just farming; it’s about fostering sustainable livelihoods and empowering our people to shape their own future,” Chenikan emphasized.

“Not everyone educated or not will occupy government job. Let’s go back to the soil and develop our country Liberia through enough food productions,” says Karford Multi-purpose Chairman Chenikan.

However, the initiative has already drawn commendation from Abednego F. Russell, Assistant Registrar of the Cooperative Societies in Southeast Liberia, who described it as a model of community-driven development.

He stated its alignment with the government’s broader strategy of alleviating rural poverty through agriculture.

As preparations continue for the first shipment and further expansion, optimism is running high among members and neighboring communities.

The Karford Multi-Purpose Farmers’ Cooperative Society is proving that unity, innovation, and a focus on agriculture can drive resilience, reduce unemployment, and secure prosperity for future generations.