In a landmark effort to strengthen rural economies and advance sustainable development, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Cooperative Development Agency (CDA), has officially certified 14 high-performing agricultural cooperatives across six counties in Liberia.
The certification ceremony, held from June 11 to 13, 2025, in Gbarnga, Bong County, was a highlight of the Accelerated Community Development initiative—a comprehensive training and refresher program focused on building local capacity and enhancing governance in cooperative societies.
The certified cooperatives—drawn from Bong, Nimba, River Cess, Gbarpolu, Lofa, and Bomi counties—were recognized for their excellence in transparency, accountability, and member-driven governance.
This achievement positions them for expanded access to financial support, technical assistance, and wider market opportunities.
Speaking at the event, the head of UNDP Liberia Governance Pillar, Stanley Kamara, congratulated the cooperatives for their leadership in community development. “This certificate is not just a piece of paper; it’s a testament to your hard work and readiness to operate at a higher level,” he said.
Kamara reaffirmed UNDP’s ongoing commitment to rural transformation under the leadership of UNDP Liberia Resident Representative Aliou Dia, adding that “no community will be left behind.”
CDA’s Registrar General, Madam Lwopu G. Kandakai, lauded UNDP’s enduring support to Liberia, remarking, “Since my childhood, I’ve heard about UNDP’s support. Today, I am witnessing its real impact on our people.”
Echoing that sentiment, CDA Director of Programs and Projects Harris B. Winnie underscored the importance of certification as a marker of cooperative legitimacy.
“This defines your role as a certified cooperative. We also commend the Boakai-led administration, whose ARREST Agenda puts agriculture at the center of Liberia’s development strategy,” Winnie noted.
Local cooperative leaders celebrated the milestone as a turning point in their economic growth.
William S. Larpeh of Dokodan, Nimba County, noted, “With this certification, we can now engage in meaningful business and product distribution across Liberia.”
From Bong County’s Donfah District #5, Cecelia Gaye, Co-chair of Kukatonoon Cooperative Society LTD, called the initiative transformative. “We’ve received tremendous support from both the government and UNDP. This recognition motivates us to grow even more.”
Chairlady Esther K. Giddings of Kukatonoon Farmers’ Cooperative Society LTD emphasized the importance of support for cassava production. “With the right tools and support, Liberian farmers can succeed. This opportunity is for all of us committed to improving agriculture.”
Ma-Kebbeh Bemah, Chaplain of the Kpayaquelleh United Rural Women Inc. in Lofa County, extended heartfelt gratitude to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and the UNDP.
“Women in Lofa and across Liberia now have renewed hope. With support in rice, vegetables, and cassava production, we can transform our communities.”
Bemah also appealed for additional support. “We call on the government and UNDP for more tools, seeds, and inputs so we can boost food security.”
Recalling Liberia’s pre-war history of over 700,000 registered cooperatives, speakers commended the Ministry of Agriculture, CDA, and UNDP for reviving the cooperative movement as a cornerstone of national development.
CDA emphasized that the certification process is a vital step toward strengthening grassroots institutions and expanding economic opportunities. It aligns with UNDP Liberia’s broader goals of inclusive economic development, rural resilience, and poverty reduction.
As these certified cooperatives move forward, the initiative stands as a beacon of progress, empowering communities through unity, innovation, and sustainable agriculture.
