Liberia Feed Yourself Agriculture Initiative Empowers 137 Students

By: Peter Kollie | Lofa Correspondent

Tinsue Town, Lofa County |February 17, 2026 |The Liberia Feed Yourself Agriculture Initiative – INC has put smiles on the faces of 137 farmers’ school-going children in Tinsue Town, following the expansion of its scholarship and educational support program.

The initiative, which focuses on boosting food security through sustainable agriculture, education, and community empowerment, brought together community members, parents, students, and government representatives to celebrate its growing impact.

Investment Growth and Scholarship Support

During the program, the organization presented its investment update covering 2023 to 2025. The report highlighted major progress in crop and livestock production, which has enabled the initiative to support vulnerable children through education.

Between 2023 and 2024, the organization supported 125 students from ABC to 12th grade in Salayea District and Zorzor District, with four students graduating from high school. During the same period, rice production reached 11,528.86 kilograms, generating a profit of US$2,940.02.

In 2024–2025, the number of beneficiaries increased from 125 to 137, targeting 11 communities in Lofa County and Bong County. This expansion followed a profit increase of US$12,552.72 in 2025.

The organization disclosed that part of its earnings is being used to construct a modern warehouse to improve farm operations and storage capacity.

Government Commends Initiative

Representing the Ministry of Agriculture (Liberia), guest speaker Stephen Marvie praised the initiative for its contribution to rural development and community empowerment.

He described the organization’s engagement with over 10,000 farmers as a major opportunity to improve livelihoods and strengthen Liberia’s economy.

“This is exemplary leadership in rural development. It shows how investment in agriculture and education can stabilize communities,” Marvie said.

He also announced that Lofa County will host this year’s National Agriculture Fair and expressed hope that the Liberia Feed Yourself Agriculture Initiative will participate.

Addressing challenges raised in a petition, including limited funding and poor access roads, Marvie assured participants that the ministry would push for solutions and provide seeds and farming equipment. He added that such support would help farmers improve productivity, similar to progress seen in Nimba County.

CEO Highlights Community Impact

Speaking to reporters in Tinsue Town, Chief Executive Officer James Kollie Galakpai said the organization practices mixed farming, including rice production, livestock rearing, soybean, and of course plantain. Others are fisheries, vegetables, and cassava cultivation.

He explained that the scholarship program was established after observing that many children in rural communities were out of school due to financial hardship.

“Most times, when we ask children why they are not in school, they say their parents have no money. As an institution in this community, we decided to step in and help,” Galakpai said.

He confirmed that the organization currently supports 137 students across Lofa and Bong counties and has distributed school materials to all beneficiaries to help them focus on their studies.

Challenges and Future Vision

Galakpai noted that one of the organization’s major challenges is convincing people to believe in its long-term vision. However, he commended residents of Tinsue Town for standing firmly behind the initiative.

He disclosed that the organization has a membership of 100 and often works alongside community members to complete major tasks.

Looking ahead, Galakpai said he hopes to expand operations to all 15 counties within the next three to five years. He also stressed that scholarship beneficiaries must maintain good academic performance, especially in agriculture-related subjects, to remain in the program.

Call for Increased Agricultural Funding

In his concluding remarks, Galakpai appealed to President Joseph Boakai to increase the national agriculture budget to better support farmers who are contributing to economic growth.

Parents who attended the program expressed gratitude to the organization and pledged their continued support, describing the initiative as a lifeline for their children’s education and future.

With its growing investments, expanding scholarship program, and strong community partnerships, the Liberia Feed Yourself Agriculture Initiative continues to position itself as a key driver of food security, education, and rural development in Liberia.