USEFF Initiative Brings Hope to Over 2,000 Farmers in Southeastern Liberia

Monrovia – Farmers across Southeastern Liberia, including Sinoe, Grand Kru, Maryland, River Gee, and Grand Gedeh counties, have expressed optimism for renewed support to boost their agricultural productivity through the Union of Southeastern Farmers Federation (USEFF). The federation has lauded the government for prioritizing agriculture in its ARREST Agenda and called on the Ministry of Agriculture to decentralize agricultural initiatives to benefit all farmers, regardless of political or ethnic affiliations.

Speaking during USEFF’s first engagement with farmers, locals praised the initiative, terming it as a “timely intervention” that could serve as a major advocacy tool for farmers in the region. They described USEFF as a well-organized group capable of representing their interests before the national government, unlike previous initiatives.

Local chapter chairperson, Author Nyepyne, called on the Ministry of Agriculture, led by Minister Alexander Nuateh, to ensure that support for agriculture reaches every corner of Liberia. Nyepyne noted that southeastern farmers are yet to feel the impact of promises made under President Joseph Boakai’s administration, despite optimism surrounding agriculture reforms.

“As a former agriculture instructor, I urge the Ministry to assign competent officers in designated areas to avoid repeating past failures. Without the right people, achieving the agriculture goals under the ARREST Agenda will remain a challenge,” Nyepyne emphasized.

Farmers in the region remain hopeful that the Boakai administration will deliver on its promises, describing the President as a leader who views agriculture as the cornerstone of Liberia’s economic revival. They underscored that agriculture had been neglected for too long under previous administrations.

USEFF Leads Regional Agricultural Empowerment Drive

The lead organizer of the USEFF initiative, Isaiah B. Dapaye, disclosed that his team is conducting an “awareness, sensitization, and recruitment” drive to mobilize farmers across the region. Dapaye revealed that the team plans to conclude this exercise by mid-December 2024, after which they will consolidate data and engage key stakeholders in Monrovia, including the Ministry of Agriculture, development partners, banks, and investors.

Dapaye explained that USEFF aims to align its efforts with the ARREST Agenda, particularly its agriculture component, by empowering local farmers to contribute to national food security and self-reliance.

Farmers are being categorized based on the crops they produce, which will make implementing projects tailored to specific communities more effective. USEFF’s funding model relies on contributions from registered members, government support, partnerships with businesses and banks, and international donors.

Thus far, USEFF has recruited over 1,000 farmers in Sinoe and Grand Kru counties, with data collection continuing in Maryland, River Gee, and Grand Gedeh. Dapaye highlighted the importance of accurate farmer data for initiating realistic and impactful projects, noting that his team is reaching even the most remote areas to ensure inclusivity.

Dapaye called for closer collaboration between county agriculture coordinators and extension officers, arguing that such partnerships are critical for economic revival. He pointed to Ivory Coast as an example of how strategic collaboration in agriculture can transform a nation’s economy.