Over 188 local farmers from Rivercess and Grand Bassa Counties are appealing to the Community of Hope Agriculture Project (CHAP) and Concern Worldwide to continue their farming support initiative, which they say has significantly improved their livelihoods.
Speaking in an interview, the farmers emphasized that since the intervention of CHAP and Concern Worldwide—backed by Irish Aid—their communities have witnessed notable agricultural and economic transformation.
“Before CHAP and Concern Worldwide came, life was very hard. But now, things are changing for the better. We are learning new farming techniques and seeing real results,” said one of the local farmers.
The project, now in its second to third year, introduced farmers to the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), a method many initially found difficult. However, they say they have now mastered the technique and are reaping its benefits.
“At first, the SRI method was tough for us because it was new. But now we are used to it. It makes rice farming easier and faster. We no longer need to move our farms every year or cut down trees,” another farmer explained.
Farmers reported that they are now able to use the same plots of land continuously, significantly reducing the labor and environmental degradation associated with traditional shifting cultivation methods.
“Rice farming used to be backbreaking work, but not anymore. We can now grow more rice using less seed and labor. With what we earn, we are paying school fees, buying land, fixing our homes, and even saving to build storage for our rice,” they added.
The farmers, hailing from Steward Town, James Town, and Gbediah Town in Rivercess County, as well as Guayah, Saturday, Gorgbah, Crayton, and Gaye Peter Towns in Grand Bassa County, expressed pride in taking ownership of their farms. They also revealed they are transferring the SRI knowledge to their children and other local farmers to ensure sustainability.
“We are not only using the method on the CHAP farms but also on our own farms. We’re teaching our children and even other communities. Now, we’re feeding ourselves and helping others too,” they stated.
In a collective appeal, the farmers called on the national government and international partners to increase support for CHAP to boost food security and expand the reach of the project.
“We want CHAP and Concern Worldwide to stay. The support they’re giving us is changing our lives. With more help, we can grow more food and support even more communities,” they concluded.
