By Amos Harris
KOLAHUN, Lofa County – The Cooperative Development Agency (CDA), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Liberia, has launched a major initiative to distribute essential agricultural inputs aimed at strengthening farmers’ cooperatives across Lofa County.
The distribution is a critical element of the ongoing UNDP/CFBM Project, being executed by the CDA. This effort is focused on empowering rural farmers and promoting inclusive agricultural growth, directly aligning with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
Speaking at the distribution center in Kolahun, Lofa County, Mr. Harris B. Wennie, Director for Program and Projects at the CDA, described the initiative as a crucial step toward achieving President Boakai’s vision of empowering farmers as key drivers of national transformation.
“When farmers are empowered, the nation can depend on them,” Mr. Wennie stated. “We at the CDA, along with our partners, will continue to ensure that the President’s ARREST Agenda becomes a reality in every community across Liberia.”
Mr. Wennie stressed that the project demonstrates the government’s unwavering commitment to promoting food security, improving livelihoods, and fostering sustainable agricultural growth. He affirmed that this ensures every Liberian can become an active part of the national development process.
He also extended appreciation to Madame Lwopu G. Kandakai, Registrar General of the CDA, for her outstanding leadership and consistent support in implementing the Agency’s programs since her appointment.
The impact of the initiative was immediately felt by the beneficiaries. Representing one of the recipient groups, Mr. Wallace M. Boakai, from the Mukpelleh Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative Society in Yandohun Town, Wanhassa District, expressed profound gratitude to the CDA, UNDP, and notably, the Swedish Government for their instrumental support.
“We are very happy to receive these items from our development partners through the CDA/UNDP/CFBM Project,” Mr. Boakai said. “We will use these materials properly to increase our production and contribute to Liberia’s food security.”
The distribution in Lofa County marks another significant milestone in the government’s broader effort to revitalize Liberia’s agriculture through partnership, inclusion, and cooperative empowerment, solidifying the commitment that no farmer will be left behind.
Ultimately, the initiative aligns with the government’s vision to transform agriculture into the backbone of Liberia’s economy by empowering farmers, strengthening cooperatives, and promoting sustainable rural development nationwide.