Liberian farmers see major gains, urge more support for life-changing rice project

Published: June 27, 2025

RIVERCESS AND GRAND BASSA COUNTIES — More than 180 local farmers in Rivercess and Grand Bassa counties are urging the Community of Hope Agriculture Project (CHAP) and Concern Worldwide to continue a farming support program they credit with significantly improving their livelihoods.

Since the project’s launch, backed by Irish Aid, farmers say their communities have seen notable agricultural and economic gains through the introduction of new techniques and better yields.

“Before CHAP and Concern Worldwide came, life was very hard. But now, things are changing for the better. We are learning new farming techniques and seeing real results,” one farmer said.

Now in its third year, the project introduced the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), a farming method that was initially challenging for many. Farmers say they have since mastered the technique and are reaping its rewards.

“At first, the SRI method was tough for us because it was new. But now we are used to it. It makes rice farming easier and faster. We no longer need to move our farms every year or cut down trees,” another farmer said.

Farmers report that using the same plots continuously has reduced both labor and environmental damage caused by traditional shifting cultivation.

“Rice farming used to be backbreaking work, but not anymore. We can now grow more rice using less seed and labor. With what we earn, we are paying school fees, buying land, fixing our homes and even saving to build storage for our rice,” one farmer added.

Farmers from Steward Town, James Town and Gbediah Town in Rivercess County — along with Guayah, Saturday, Gorgbah, Crayton and Gaye Peter towns in Grand Bassa County — expressed pride in taking ownership of their farms. They also said they are passing along SRI techniques to their children and fellow farmers to ensure long-term sustainability.

“We are not only using the method on the CHAP farms but also on our own farms. We’re teaching our children and even other communities. Now, we’re feeding ourselves and helping others too,” the farmers said.

In a collective appeal, they called on the national government and international partners to increase support for CHAP to boost food security and expand the program’s reach.

“We want CHAP and Concern Worldwide to stay. The support they’re giving us is changing our lives. With more help, we can grow more food and support even more communities,” they said.