By: Ben TC Brooks |River Gee Correspondent
River Gee County | April 29, 2026 | Farmers in River Gee County have taken a major step toward advancing local agriculture by endorsing cocoa as their primary commodity under Liberia’s One County, One Commodity initiative.
The decision was reached during a high-level stakeholder meeting held earlier this month, which brought together a diverse group of participants, including farmers, local county officials, traditional leaders, youth and women representatives, and civil society actors.
The gathering is part of a nationwide effort led by the Ministry of Agriculture to identify key commodities that can drive economic growth in each county.
According to County Agriculture Coordinator Jasper Sheriff Tweh, the consultation followed a directive from Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah.
The minister had instructed all County Agriculture Coordinators, through the Office of the Deputy Minister for Extension, to engage stakeholders and farming communities in selecting the most viable crop for their respective counties.
Tweh explained that the daylong meeting aimed to ensure that River Gee identifies a commodity with strong potential for sustainability, profitability, and competitiveness in both local and international markets.
The process was conducted in close collaboration with the county administration to ensure inclusivity and transparency.
After extensive discussions, participants unanimously agreed that cocoa offers the greatest opportunity for economic transformation in the county.
Stakeholders mentioned its potential to improve livelihoods, increase household incomes, and contribute significantly to both county and national development.
The Ministry of Agriculture is expected to provide technical support, agricultural inputs, and investment to boost production of selected commodities nationwide, positioning them as pillars of Liberia’s agricultural transformation agenda.
Participants also stressed the need for unity, coordination, and shared responsibility to ensure the policy’s success.
Many expressed confidence that with adequate training and institutional support, cocoa farming can become a sustainable and profitable enterprise across River Gee.
In closing remarks, Acting Superintendent and County Administrative Officer Alexander Dennis thanked attendees for their strong participation and commitment.
He acknowledged the presence of chiefs, elders, district officials, religious leaders, persons with disabilities, and representatives of women and youth groups.
“We appreciate your active engagement in shaping the future of our agricultural sector,” Dennis said. “We are hopeful that the Ministry of Agriculture will support our collective decision to expand cocoa production in River Gee County.”
With cocoa now identified as its flagship commodity, River Gee County is poised to harness new economic opportunities, strengthen food security, and contribute meaningfully to Liberia’s broader development agenda.
“Together, our generation will make agriculture work in Liberia.”
