Published: April 20, 2026
BOMI COUNTY — A growing agricultural initiative in Bomi County is transforming smallholder farming and drawing international attention.
Dukuly International Farm, founded by Khalil Dukuly, has become a center for training, empowerment and market access for farmers across several counties.
The farm recently hosted delegates from the European Union, who praised its role in strengthening local food systems and improving livelihoods.
Dukuly says the initiative began with the training of 25 farmers in partnership with Mercy Corps, providing them with tools, seeds and hands-on support to manage their farms.
Today, that number has grown to more than 250 farmers across Bomi, Gbarpolu, Margibi, Grand Cape Mount and Montserrado Counties.
He explains that the training focuses on practical farming techniques, including transplanting, pest control and fertilization, with continued follow-up to ensure farmers apply what they learn.
For many farmers, the impact has been life-changing.
Margaret Nigba-Gayedgu, a farmer and agricultural entrepreneur, says the program has not only improved skills but also created access to markets, allowing farmers to sustain themselves.
She notes that farming in Liberia is often underestimated, but without technical knowledge, farmers can invest resources and still fail.
Mercy Corps, through its Project Four initiative supported by Sweden, has played a key role in building farmers’ capacity.
Program officials say Dukuly was selected because of his commitment to supporting local farmers and creating a sustainable system that goes beyond training.
The approach includes providing seeds, fertilizer and extension services, helping farmers expand production and reach new markets.
Dukuly admits that in the early stages, production outpaced market access, leading to heavy losses.
He recalls harvesting thousands of watermelons daily without buyers, while poor roads and high transport costs caused vegetables to spoil before reaching markets.
Today, the farm supplies major buyers, including mining companies, supermarkets and hotels, reducing waste and stabilizing farmers’ incomes.
A vegetable store has also been established in Monrovia, with plans underway for a post-harvest warehouse to further cut losses.
However, while vegetable farmers are benefiting, livestock farmers in Bomi say they are being left behind.
They are calling for support to address challenges such as high feed costs, limited veterinary services and poor market access.
The visit by European Union officials highlighted the broader significance of the project.
Sweden’s Ambassador to Liberia, Karl Backéus, described the work of local farmers as encouraging, noting that the skills gained will remain long after the project ends.
Also speaking, EU Head of Cooperation Jeroen Witkamp said the farm aligns with broader European initiatives to strengthen food systems.
The visit comes at a time when global aid cuts and economic challenges are affecting development programs, making local resilience even more critical.
Dukuly says the goal remains clear—empowering farmers to increase productivity and sustain their livelihoods.
Farmers involved in the program say they are ready to expand and do more, as long as support continues.
The success of Dukuly Farm is now being seen as a model for how local leadership, combined with international support, can transform agriculture and build resilience across Liberia.
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