By: Ben TC Brooks | River Gee Correspondent
River Gee County |Feb. 25, 2026 | A major milestone in community-driven agricultural development has been recorded in Fleroken, Gbeapo Statutory district, as United Youth for Peace and Sustainable Development officially launched the harvest of 4.5 hectares of lowland rice in River Gee County.
The rice field, cultivated on rehabilitated swamp lowland developed by Liberia’s Ministry of Agriculture under the Smallholder Agriculture Development for Food and Nutrition Security – SADFONS Project, marks renewed progress toward strengthening local rice production and improving food security in the County.
The SADFONS Project is a nationwide agricultural initiative designed to enhance food security, reduce rural poverty, and increase the productivity of smallholder farmers.
It is being Implemented by Liberia’s Ministry of Agriculture – MoA, with funding support from the African Development Bank – AfDB and the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program – GAFSP, the project focuses primarily on boosting rice, cassava, and vegetable production in rural communities.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Field Monitor Bayan Mulbah of the United Youth for Peace and Sustainable Development, a vibrant youth organization originally from Lofa County, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Agriculture and its partners for the opportunity to implement the project in River Gee.
“Months ago, when we entered River Gee to begin this work, it was not easy,” Mulbah said.
“But gradually, we got adjusted to the people’s way of life and the system. Today, we are proud to officially kick off this lowland rice harvest.”
Mulbah thanked the County Agriculture Office, and other stakeholders for their technical and institutional support.
He also called on the Ministry of Agriculture to continue investing in Liberia’s staple food production, particularly rice.
Also addressing the ceremony, at the harvesting site, River Gee County Agricultural Coordinator – CAC, Jasper Sheriff Tweh, described the harvest as a breakthrough in ensuring the productive use of improved agricultural infrastructure.
For months, the County Agriculture Office had encouraged farmers in Fleroken and surrounding communities to make use of the rehabilitated lowlands to increase rice output.
According to Tweh, sustained outreach and technical support from the Ministry’s County Office with backing from Deputy Minister for Regional Development, Research and Extension, Moses R. Gbanyan, played a key role in mobilizing participation.
“Under the supportive leadership of Deputy Minister Moses R. Gbanyan, you are here harvesting today,” Tweh said. “The Ministry invested thousands of dollars to develop this lowland. We needed committed farmers to utilize it.”
Tweh acknowledged that initial efforts to attract local farming groups proved challenging.
As a result, the Ministry reached out to the youth group from Lofa County, which agreed to undertake the project in River Gee.
“We highly appreciate your acceptance and your hard work in producing Liberia’s staple food,” Tweh stated. “We are proud of your achievement today.”
The successful 4.5-hectare harvest demonstrates the vast potential of lowland rice farming in River Gee County and highlights the critical role of youth empowerment in advancing sustainable agriculture.
By transforming rehabilitated swamp land into productive farmland, the youth group has provided a practical example of how coordinated institutional support and grassroots engagement can translate national agricultural policies into measurable results.
“This achievement is not only a victory for the youth group,” Tweh noted, “but also an institutional milestone for the County Agriculture Office.
It proves that with the right partnerships, rehabilitated agricultural assets can directly contribute to food security and local economic growth.”
Special recognition was extended to William J. Doe, District Agricultural Officer (DAO), for his field-level coordination and oversight, as well as to Deputy Minister Gbanyan for his technical leadership.
The SADFONS Project was also commended for its continued investment in strengthening lowland farming systems across Liberia.
Renewed Momentum for Rice Production
The 4.5-hectare harvest signals renewed momentum for rice production in River Gee County and reinforces the growing role of young people in Liberia’s agricultural transformation.
As stakeholders celebrated the milestone, one message resonated clearly: through collaboration, innovation, and youth-driven action, agriculture can serve as a powerful engine for sustainable development.
“Our generation will make agriculture work in Liberia,” members of the youth group affirmed.
