— A Milestone for Agricultural Empowerment and Sustainable Development
By Amos Harris
Gbarnga, Bong County – June 14, 2025 – In a significant move to invigorate Liberia’s agricultural sector and foster local empowerment, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Cooperative Development Agency (CDA), has officially certified 14 high-performing cooperatives across six Liberian counties.
The certification ceremony, held from June 11 to 13, 2025, in Gbarnga, Bong County, marked the successful conclusion of a rigorous training and refresher program under the Accelerated Community Development Programme (ACDP). This pivotal initiative brought together cooperative leaders from Bong, Nimba, River Cess, Gbarpolu, Lofa, and Bomi Counties.
The selected cooperatives earned their recognition for meeting stringent standards in governance, transparency, and accountability – foundational pillars for sustainable development and robust community-led growth. These certifications are set to unlock expanded access to crucial funding, technical support, and vital new market opportunities, ensuring their long-term sustainability.
Speaking at the event, UNDP Representative Stanley Kamara lauded the cooperatives for their unwavering dedication and remarkable resilience. “This certificate is more than just paper; it is a testament to your commitment and readiness to elevate your operations,” Kamara asserted. He further reaffirmed UNDP’s continuous support under the leadership of Resident Representative Aliou Dia, emphasizing the commitment that “no community will be left behind.”
CDA Registrar General Madam Lwopu G. Kandakai extended heartfelt appreciation to UNDP, acknowledging the organization’s enduring contributions to Liberia’s development. “Since my childhood, I’ve heard of UNDP’s work. Today, I see the real impact on our people,” she remarked.
Also addressing the gathering, Harris B. Winnie, CDA’s Director of Programs and Projects, hailed the certification as a crucial benchmark for cooperative legitimacy. “This marks a clear definition of your role as certified cooperatives in Liberia,” Winnie stated, adding, “We salute the government under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, whose ARREST Agenda prioritizes agriculture as a foundation for national development.”
Local cooperative leaders enthusiastically welcomed the initiative as transformational. William S. Larpeh of the Dokodan Cooperative in Nimba County expressed optimism: “With this certification, we can now engage in meaningful business and distribute our products more effectively across Liberia.”
Cecelia Gaye, Co-Chair of the Kukatonoon Farmers Cooperative Society in Donfah, Bong County, underscored the positive impact: “This is a great opportunity; our community has benefited greatly from government and UNDP interventions.” Her colleague, Esther K. Gilling, Chairlady of the same cooperative, highlighted the critical need for practical support for cassava farmers. “We now have hope. With the right tools, cassava producers can thrive and make meaningful contributions to Liberia’s food security.”
Ma-Kebbeh Bemah, Chaplain of the Kpagefalleh United Rural Women Inc. in Lofa County, echoed the call for sustained assistance: “With UNDP and the government behind us, we’re ready to scale up rice and vegetable production, but we still need tools, seeds, and resources to move forward.” She used the occasion to commend President Boakai and UNDP for their joint commitment to empowering rural women and boosting national food self-sufficiency.
Prior to Liberia’s civil conflict, over 700,000 cooperatives were registered nationwide. These recent certifications signal a strong and promising revival. CDA officials expressed optimism that the agency, operating under the Ministry of Agriculture and with ongoing UNDP support, is regaining significant momentum under the Boakai administration.
This certification program is widely regarded as a vital step toward strengthening grassroots institutions, substantially increasing rural incomes, and ensuring Liberia’s national food security. As Liberia’s cooperatives embark on this new course, the joint UNDP-CDA effort stands as a powerful model for inclusive growth, community resilience, and sustainable agricultural development.