YEKAPA, Nimba County — In a demonstration of its commitment to community development and sustainable livelihoods, ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) has provided a vital boost to local farmers in Liagbala Town, Yarmein District, through the donation of essential agricultural production tools.
The initiative, spearheaded by AML Chief Executive Officer Michiel Van Der Merwe, aims to empower the community through vegetable farming and to strengthen local food production.
The project, which will be implemented through the Nimba-based group Rural Integrated Center for Community Empowerment (RICCE), is part of AML’s broader effort to support alternative livelihoods in its host communities.
“You are the community we see every day,” Van Der Merwe told residents during a community meeting. “This brings some opportunity for our community here. You’re sitting right next to a road. Our plan is to continue to upgrade the road and make it better. What does that mean for our people? It means you’ve got access. That means if you can somehow start producing some fruit, vegetables and food — even meat — you’ve got access to the markets.”
He added, “You are very well placed to be a primary producer and food source for the times to come. Our people need to eat every day. That means there’s a steady market. There are thousands of AML workers and contractors around here. If you grow it, and it’s good, they will buy it.”
“This is a golden opportunity for your future,” Van Der Merwe declared, emphasizing the importance of local agricultural production. “We don’t want to take our food from Ghana, South Africa or Ukraine. We want to produce our own food right here in Liberia, so that the money can come back into the pockets of our people.”
He continued, “Let’s not be dependent on something else from somewhere else. Let’s build our future with our own hands, in our own soil. Let’s make Liagbala shine.”
The CEO also underscored AML’s commitment to fostering self-reliance. “Yes, we will help. But we must also help ourselves. Let’s work this land, keep this place clean and safe, and make Liagbala a model for what a thriving, empowered community looks like.”
He envisioned a bigger goal: “My dream for Liagbala is that one day we take produce from here and put it on our train to export to the rest of the world. That’s the challenge I want us to take on.”
According to Samuel Peter, a member of AML’s community development team, the initiative was inspired during a visit to Liagbala by Van Der Merwe last year.
“When the CEO came last year, he asked about the farming activities here. He said he’s a farmer and a friend of farmers, and encouraged the community to get into serious agriculture,” Peter said. “The people responded that they were already farming but faced challenges.”
Peter said the community asked for basic tools, seeds and other support. “They said if the company could help with those things, they would be happy to get involved more seriously. And the CEO said if they were willing to farm, he would support them. That’s how this initiative started.”
AML then followed up by sending a team to assess the community’s preparedness. The people of Liagbala presented a concept note and confirmed the availability of five acres of land for vegetable cultivation.
The donated materials — which include assorted farming tools, seeds and other supplies — will be used to cultivate a variety of vegetables. The project’s goal is twofold: to enhance food security and to generate income for the community.
A Vision Beyond Farming
RICCE, the local NGO implementing the project, hailed the initiative as transformational. The organization said ArcelorMittal Liberia’s CEO is “talking about local production, value addition and even export. That means year-round farming, jobs and prosperity for Liagbala.”
“This is power to the people — use it to the best of your ability,” a RICCE representative said during the donation ceremony.
Eric Swen, AML’s community development manager, echoed that sentiment. “Sustainable development means working with the communities as partners,” he said. “This project may look small, but the vision is big. You have your own market. We have our AML canteen, and you can sell your fruits and vegetables there. That puts real money in your pockets.”
Meanwhile, residents of Liagbala welcomed the project with excitement and gratitude, praising ArcelorMittal Liberia for its continued presence and tangible support.
Yarmein Paramount Chief Richard Martin thanked AML for its support. “Agriculture helps to develop countries,” he said. “We can’t depend on the company every day. Always going to ask for work with the company will delay us. Open your farm. Plant plantain and banana. Eddoes will build you and develop you. Liagbala — you need to put power to implement what the people have given you. If you continue to grow more food, the community will develop.”
AML’s intervention in Liagbala reflects its broader commitment to inclusive growth, community empowerment and sustainable development across Grand Bassa, Bong and Nimba counties.
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