JUARZON, SINOE: To support Liberia’s food security, under the ARREST Agenda of the Liberian government, Richchabod Multipurpose Cooperative Society (RICO) in Bilibokree City, Juarzon Statutory District in Sinoe County, has expressed its commitment to enhancing agricultural activities.
Comprising 53 members—36 women and 17 men—RICO is determined to help meet the nation’s food sufficiency goals.
Funded by RICHCHABOD LIBERIA INC., the Cooperative has already cultivated over 150 acres of land for cassava.
However, members are facing significant challenges in processing their yields due to the inactivity of a local cassava processing mill.
A member, who is also an advisor, Madam Mary D. Menjay highlighted the urgent need for support, stating, “I produced over ten tons of cassava last year, but processing them for the market remains a challenge.”
The RICO members are calling for more support from the government and the Ministry of Agriculture.
They emphasized the need for processing equipment, farming implements, and transportation facilities.
Chairlady Decontee John reiterated their commitment to expanding their operations, aiming to cultivate additional 100 acres of land for cassava and rice beginning this November.
RICHCHABOD LIBERIA’s county coordinator, Peterson Eric, stressed the importance of government grants and loans for cooperatives like RICO that meet necessary requirements.
He noted that RICO’s only support has been from RICHCHABOD LIBERIA, despite the cooperative meeting all criteria set by the Cooperative Development Agency (CDA).
Eric urged the Ministry of Agriculture and donor community to actively identify and support potential farming groups, stating, “We have done everything possible to establish this cooperative, yet support has been limited.”
He emphasized the need for proper verification of agricultural claims by organizations seeking funding.
RICHCHABOD LIBERIA has acquired over 500 acres of farm land for cultivation, and plans to apply advanced cassava farming techniques.
The group is committed to supporting RICO in producing not just cassava but also rice and other crops, aligning with the government’s agricultural agenda.
As RICO continues to advocate for necessary resources and support, its members remain hopeful about contributing significantly to Liberia’s agricultural landscape; F. P. Martin.
