By: Julius Konton
Her Voice Liberia Agriculture Farm, a women-led agricultural enterprise in western Liberia, has praised Dukuly International Agriculture Company and Mercy Corps, supported by funding from the Government of Sweden, for their significant contribution to strengthening smallholder farming and improving agricultural productivity in Bomi County.
The commendation was made by the organization’s Chief Executive Officer, Cllr. Margaret Nigba-Gayedyu, who described the partnership as a transformative intervention that has enhanced the technical capacity of local farmers and increased vegetable production across the region.
“On behalf of our organization, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dukuly Farm for its continued support and commitment to vegetable farmers in Liberia,” Cllr. Nigba-Gayedyu said.
“The practical training, mentorship, and technical guidance we received have greatly improved our ability to produce quality vegetables and access reliable markets.”
She also expressed appreciation to the Government of Sweden for its financial support of the initiative, noting that the opportunity to showcase the impact of the project demonstrates the value of international partnerships in promoting sustainable agriculture and rural development.
Empowering Women Through Agriculture
Cllr. Nigba-Gayedyu, a professional Liberian lawyer, women right advocate and entrepreneur, ventured into vegetable farming with a vision of producing high-quality crops for local markets.
However, like many smallholder farmers in Liberia, she encountered significant obstacles, including poor seed quality, limited irrigation systems, inadequate farming inputs, and restricted access to profitable markets.
According to Liberia’s Ministry of Agriculture, smallholder farmers account for approximately 70 percent of the country’s agricultural production, yet many continue to face challenges related to financing, technology adoption, and climate resilience.
Through a collaborative initiative implemented by Dukuly International Agriculture Company and Mercy Corps, with financial support from Sweden, Margaret participated in an intensive hands-on agricultural training program focused on modern vegetable production techniques, soil management, composting, irrigation practices, and business development.
The intervention also provided participating farmers with improved farming inputs, including fertilizer, quality seeds, and ongoing technical support designed to increase productivity and profitability.
Increased Production and Market Success
Officials from the Swedish Embassy near Monrovia reported that the program has yielded remarkable results for Her Voice Liberia Agriculture Farm.
Following the training and continued mentorship, the farm experienced a significant increase in vegetable production.
The improved output has enabled the enterprise to consistently meet growing market demand, with produce regularly selling out in local markets.
The increase in revenue has further allowed the farm to reinvest in improved seed varieties, fertilizers, and staff development initiatives, including advanced composting techniques that promote environmentally sustainable farming practices.
Agricultural experts note that access to quality inputs and extension services can increase smallholder farm productivity by as much as 30 to 50 percent, helping farmers improve food security, household incomes, and economic resilience.
Strengthening Liberia’s Agricultural Sector
Agriculture remains the backbone of Liberia’s economy, employing more than 60 percent of the country’s workforce and contributing significantly to rural livelihoods. Despite its vast agricultural potential, the sector continues to face structural challenges, including limited mechanization, inadequate infrastructure, and vulnerability to climate change.
Development partners have increasingly focused on supporting smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth, as part of broader efforts to strengthen food systems and reduce poverty.
Women’s participation in agriculture is especially critical, as they constitute a substantial share of Liberia’s agricultural labor force.
The partnership between Dukuly International Agriculture Company, Mercy Corps, and the Government of Sweden is being viewed as a model for community-based agricultural development that combines practical training, market access, and sustainable farming practices.
For Cllr. Margaret Nigba-Gayedyu and many other beneficiaries, the initiative represents more than increased harvests, it symbolizes empowerment, economic opportunity, and a pathway toward long-term agricultural sustainability.
As Liberia continues its efforts to modernize agriculture and strengthen food security, stakeholders say expanding similar programs could help thousands of smallholder farmers increase productivity, create jobs, and contribute to national economic growth.
“The knowledge and support we have received have changed the way we farm,” Nigba-Gayedyu emphasized.
“We are now better equipped to produce quality vegetables, increase our income, and contribute to Liberia’s agricultural development.”
The success story of Her Voice Liberia Agriculture Farm stands as a testament to the impact of strategic partnerships in transforming rural communities and empowering farmers to build more prosperous and sustainable futures.
