Published: February 25, 2026
Harper, Maryland County – Peri-urban vegetable farmers in Harper District are celebrating a bumper watermelon harvest, marking a significant milestone for local women-led agricultural initiatives.
The harvest was launched by Women Progress in Agriculture (WOPIA), a local agricultural cooperative established in June 2025. The cooperative comprises 15 women and five men and currently operates as a community-based organization (CBO). The group harvested watermelon from one acre of farmland, generating an estimated value of over L$75,000.
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Making remarks at the launch the lead farmer and founder of the organization, Mr. Daniel F. Chea, called for greater recognition and support from the government and both national and international non-governmental organizations. “We need recognition from the government and other national and international NGOs to help us obtain our articles of incorporation. For now, we are operating as a community based organization (CBO),” Mr. Chea said.
He outlined challenges confronting the group, particularly the lack of modern farming equipment and irrigation systems. “Watering cans are labor-intensive when it comes to vegetable production. We need an improved watering system and better access to quality seeds,” he explained. Chea added that the use of manual tools is limiting their production capacity. “Using hoes to prepare the soil is very labor-intensive. Power tiller tractors have special implements that can dig the soil and remove tree stumps, but we are relying on manual agro equipment. This is preventing us from moving into mechanized farming and expanding our production,” he said.
He expressed hope for the future growth of the organization. “By the end of this year, I want the organization to be financially strong and able to incorporate more people so they can see agriculture as a serious business.”
According to the group, strong market demand exists across the southeastern region, but limited equipment is hindering expansion. “Customers from Maryland, Grand Kru, and River Gee Counties are always requesting more crops, but our limitation is the lack of modern agricultural equipment,” Chea noted. He called for increased support in the form of modern, mechanized farming equipment to enable farmers to transition from traditional hand tools to more efficient methods of cultivation.
According to him, mechanization will significantly improve output, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance food security nationwide. The advocate pledged his commitment to working closely with local farmers—particularly women—to empower them and promote self-reliance. He stressed that women play a vital role in agricultural production and must be given access to modern tools, training, and resources to increase their productivity.
Chea further explained that investing in mechanized agriculture will not only improve food production but also create employment opportunities, strengthen rural economies, and contribute meaningfully to national economic growth. Stakeholders are now being urged to prioritize agricultural mechanization as a strategic step toward reducing hunger, improving incomes, and building a more resilient and self-sustaining economy.
The cooperative’s Warehouse Manager, Madam Louis Kyne, and Co-Chair, Madam Comfort Johnson, disclosed that the group earned L$75,600 from the sale of 330 watermelons harvested from a portion of their crops. “We have earned seventy-five thousand six hundred Liberian dollars from three hundred and thirty fruits harvested so far,” Madam Kyne said. Madam Johnson acknowledged the difficulties the group faces but emphasized their determination. “Our involvement in agriculture is challenging, but we will use these challenges as a stepping stone toward self-reliance through farming,” she said. “We are calling on the government to ease the tension we face in the field by providing modern farming equipment,” Madam Johnson added. Also making remarks, Maryland County Agriculture Coordinator, Mr. Peter Klah, praised the farmers for their efforts and progress. “Mr. Daniel Chea and Mr. Nimely are lead farmers who were trained by the SADFONS project team. Today, we are excited to see their production and marketers coming to purchase their produce,” Mr. Klah said.
He encouraged more women to venture into agriculture as a means of addressing food insecurity. “I call on other women to join their counterparts in venturing into agriculture to help reduce hunger in our country,” he urged.
The County Agriculture Coordinator further pledged continued support to local farmers, especially women. “I remain committed to working with local farmers, particularly women, to make them self-dependent,” he said. The bumper harvest marks a promising step toward strengthening local food production and empowering women in agriculture within Harper District and beyond.
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