Panta Pride, a leading development group in Bong County’s District Number Four, recently organized a successful daylong agricultural thanksgiving event in Zota and Panta Districts.
The vibrant gathering brought together a range of distinguished guests, including Liberia’s Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Alexander Nuta; the Founder and Executive Director of Foundation for Women (FFW), Deborah Lindholm; Collective Impact United CEO Don Turner; Bong County Superintendent Loleyah Hawa Norris; local officials from the Republic of Guinea; as well as chiefs, elders, and residents from the district.
Renowned for its commitment to development, Panta Pride is spearheading large-scale agricultural initiatives across Bong County. These efforts include cultivating expansive fields of rice, kidney beans, and diabetes-friendly rice varieties, as well as rehabilitating critical farm-to-market roads in Panta, Zota, Menquelleh, and surrounding areas.
During the opening ceremony of the agricultural tour in Shankpallai and Garmue towns, Panta Pride’s Executive Director, Mr. Quanuquanei Alfred Karmue, described the organization’s efforts as part of a “collective impact” model. This model, he explained, unites local communities with international foundations and corporate partners to create sustainable development opportunities.
“We’ve established a platform that attracts global partners to a region that might otherwise be overlooked,” Karmue said. “Our goal is to commercialize farming, beginning at the micro-level and scaling up to global markets. While we’re not there yet, we’re already creating something significant that can reach markets beyond our borders.”
Karmue emphasized that the project’s success lies in the collaboration between Panta Pride, Collective Impact United, Foundation for Women, and other global stakeholders. This partnership, he explained, begins with communities coming together to lay the foundation for sustainable farming.
“We’re incorporating mechanized farming and precision agriculture techniques,” he noted. “For instance, once a farm is operational on a smaller scale, we use modern methods to manage larger plots, such as a 24-acre field within a 500-acre development.”
A key component of the initiative is the empowerment of women. Karmue highlighted that Panta Pride’s agricultural technicians are implementing innovative practices, including soil testing and strategic planting, to optimize land use. “Our model allows women to take ownership of the farming process,” he said. “Instead of relying solely on manual labor, they now have access to machinery for planting, harvesting, and processing. This enables them to focus on nurturing crops and improving productivity. Over time, these women will generate significant income, comparable to investments in cryptocurrency.”
Karmue added that the women involved in the project not only play a central role in farming but also benefit from the profits when the produce is sold. “This initiative addresses economic challenges and creates a lasting social impact in our communities,” he explained.
Deborah Lindholm of Foundation for Women shared her excitement about the program’s achievements. “Your dedication is truly inspiring,” Lindholm said. “What stands out to me is how we’re perfecting a model that empowers women to lead with the support of technology, science, and their community. Watching the eight women managing these three-acre plots nurture the land as if it were their own family is deeply moving.”
Don Turner, CEO of Collective Impact United, reflected on his 25 years of experience in development partnerships. He underscored the importance of collective efforts in transformative agricultural projects like this one.
“What captivates our global investors is the human spirit and the social impact we’re witnessing right here,” Turner said. “This is not a project planned for the distant future; it’s happening now, in this community. We’ve turned what was once tropical rainforest into productive farmland using sustainable methods that enhance the soil and add value to the land.”
Turner also lauded the role of women in driving the project’s success. “None of this would be possible without the women on the ground and our partners,” he said. “While I share these stories from the U.S., the real work is being done here by the incredible women and community members who are making it all a reality.”
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