Published: October 8, 2025
BONG COUNTY – In many rural regions of Liberia and throughout the African continent, women have historically been the cornerstone of agricultural life. Their daily labor, whether in the fields, local markets, or within their households, plays a vital role in feeding families and sustaining village economies.
Despite their indispensable contributions, their efforts often go unnoticed. Data from Liberia’s Ministry of Agriculture reveals that women are responsible for over 60% of the nation’s food production, primarily through smallholder farming and informal trade (MOA, 2021). Similarly, the FAO reports that women make up half of the agricultural workforce in Sub-Saharan Africa and 43% globally (FAO, 2020). Yet, they continue to face systemic challenges, including limited access to land ownership, financial resources, agricultural tools, and formal training opportunities. The Journey of Future Farmers of Liberia Empowerment for Women
General Manager Matthew Q. Kollie explained that the initiative stemmed from the determination of young graduates to apply their knowledge in practice.
“It all started with Nupolu, a friend, who gathered his colleagues in 2019 to register the organization, and by 2020, we secured this 23.5-acre farmland in Bong,” Kollie recalled.
Initially founded in Lofa County, the project relocated due to land conflict and eventually settled near Tucker Gate, on the outskirts of Gbarnga, Bong County. Today, it employs 15 permanent staff and engages dozens of volunteers and daily female workers. In just four years, the farm has become a thriving hub: maize is dried in warehouses, vegetables grow in newly cleared fields, and fish ponds contribute to food security.
Kollie emphasized that the farm is not merely a production site but also a training and innovation center.
“We want this place to serve as a learning space for young Liberians who want to take agriculture seriously,” he said, noting that many workers are college graduates.
Beyond farming, the organization provides business training to rural women and market traders, while offering small loans to support their household income.
“What we earn here goes toward paying our staff and also supporting women in petty trade,” Kollie added.
“Agriculture is the Bedrock” —Patricia M. Mulbah
On the fields, Patricia M. Mulbah, a technician and graduate of Cuttington University College of Agriculture and Sustainable Development, supervised the planting of vegetables while reflecting on their journey.
“Agriculture is the bedrock of every nation. It is the foundation of food security,” she said. “Here at Future Farmers, corn is our primary crop, but we also grow pepper, radish, okra, greens, and we are expanding into fish farming and watermelon.”
Mulbah highlighted their key achievement: inspiring young people to see agriculture as a viable career.
“It is better to start small in agriculture. This is where opportunities grow. I want to encourage graduates and even high school leavers to enter the field rather than wait for big office jobs,” she urged.
However, challenges remain.
“We need power tillers, tractors, even yellow machines. We are working hard, but we cannot do it all alone. With more support, we can expand across Liberia, beyond Bong to Nimba, Grand Gedeh, Sinoe, and other counties.”
The most potent symbol of the farm’s success is the women who work in the fields every day. From weeding to harvesting, their income supports children’s education and sustains households.
Annie Sackie – Voice of a Pregnant Daily Worker
Among the women weeding the fields was a five-month pregnant worker, bent over the grass with a hoe. Despite her condition, she said the farm remains her only source of livelihood.
“I come here every day to work so I can support my children in school,” she explained. “The money I earn is small, but it helps me buy food and pay their fees. Even though I am pregnant, I cannot stay at home—this work is what we depend on.”
Her determination highlights the critical role women play on the farm, even under challenging circumstances, and underscores the need for additional support to ease their burden.
Mary Flomo, another worker, added:
“The money we earn here helps send our children to school. That is why we keep working hard.”
Others, like Mulbah, expressed similar motivation:
“Most of us volunteer, but we are encouraged because this farm helps us survive. What we need now is support so we can produce more.”
These women are not just laborers; they are the backbone of the enterprise, showing that when agriculture prioritizes women’s empowerment, entire communities benefit.
Progress, Challenges, and an Appeal for Support
The accomplishments of the Future Farmers of Liberia Empowerment for Women, including expanding production, empowering rural women, and training youth, are significant. The farm has also introduced climate-smart practices, including water management in fish ponds and diversified crop planting, to reduce risks from droughts and floods. Additionally, it is building linkages with local markets to ensure steady sales, further enhancing household income and community nutrition.
Yet obstacles persist, from broken power tillers to a lack of mechanized equipment and the broader impacts of climate change.
Kollie made a direct appeal:
“Some people claim to manage 30 acres, but when you visit, there is nothing there. At Future Farmers, you can see results with your own eyes. We are asking for support to expand and mechanize.”
Mulbah echoed the call, stressing that with more investment, the model could be replicated nationwide, reaching even more communities.
Recognition and Community Impact
The farm has begun attracting attention from government agencies and NGOs, establishing it as a model for women-led agricultural development. Its combination of training, production, and empowerment demonstrates how agribusiness can simultaneously achieve economic and social goals.
Sowing Hope for Liberia’s Future
Despite the challenges, the institution’s determination remains unwavering. With women at its core, the Future Farmers of Liberia Empowerment for Women is proving that Liberia’s greatest hope lies in its soil and in the hands of those who cultivate it.
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