By Christian Appleton
Harper City, Maryland County—Arise from Ashes (AFA), an environmental and agricultural advocacy organization, recently concluded a successful two-day intensive Mentorship Training for Smallholder Farmers on the Principles and Application of agroecology. The training, which took place at Cape Palmas High School Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET), was aimed at equipping agriculture students and local farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to adopt sustainable farming practices that protect the environment.
The training brought together agriculture students from Cape Palmas High School TVET and William V. S. Tubman University, offering a unique opportunity for collaboration and learning. Dr. William S. Kollie, the session’s facilitator, led participants through discussions on sustainable agricultural methods, emphasizing the urgent need to move away from harmful traditional farming techniques, such as the cutting and burning of trees and grasses.
“These destructive practices contribute significantly to environmental degradation, including the ozone layer depletion, which worsens the global climate crisis,” Dr. Kollie noted during his address. He stressed that farmers can still increase crop yields while adopting farming methods that are environmentally friendly and sustainable.
During the interactive sessions, participants had the opportunity to share their experiences and ideas, as well as identify challenges in implementing agroecological principles. They also discussed strategies to overcome these challenges and were introduced to practical steps that could help transition from conventional to sustainable farming practices. The training highlighted how agroecology could lead to increased agricultural productivity while safeguarding the environment.
Mr. Willie Torgbor, Head of the Agriculture Department at Cape Palmas High TVET, expressed his gratitude for the timely intervention of Arise from Ashes. “This initiative is timely and important for our students. They are now not only equipped with knowledge but also with the responsibility to serve as ambassadors of agroecology in their communities,” Mr. Torgbor said.
Students from Tubman University recommended the establishment of strong policies to discourage the burning of trees and grasses, recognizing the critical role trees play in sustaining life on Earth. They urged the government to implement regulations that would protect Liberia’s natural resources and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
In addition to the school-based training, Arise from Ashes announced plans to expand the mentorship program to rural areas across Maryland County. This outreach effort aims to further educate local farmers and communities on the importance of adopting sustainable farming methods that can help combat environmental challenges while promoting food security.
As a token of appreciation and commitment, all attendees received certificates upon the completion of the training. This recognition not only celebrated the participants’ commitment to sustainable farming but also reaffirmed Arise from Ashes’ dedication to empowering local communities.
Arise from Ashes (AFA) continues its mission to provide training and skills development to underserved youth, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. By equipping them with the tools they need to succeed, the NGO seeks to foster autonomy, self-esteem, and social integration while promoting sustainable development in Liberia.
This training marks another milestone in Arise from Ashes’s ongoing efforts to support communities, improve livelihoods, and advocate for environmental sustainability. The organization’s work is an important step toward creating a more resilient and environmentally conscious Liberia.
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