By Christian Appleton
Pleebo, Maryland County – May 13, 2025 – The Maryland Youth Association (MYA) has reaped a promising harvest of over 18 bags of 25kg rice from its lowland farm in Pleebo City, marking a significant stride in its youth-led agricultural endeavor.
In an exclusive interview following the second day of harvesting activities in Zone 5, MYA President Mr. Melvin T. Weah underscored the pivotal role of agriculture in reshaping the perspectives and pathways of young people within the county. He noted that while Maryland’s youth are often stereotyped with political activism, violence, and public unrest, the MYA is dedicated to forging a new trajectory—one grounded in productivity and constructive community involvement.
“This initiative is about rewriting the narrative,” Weah asserted. “Young people must begin to recognize agriculture not merely as farming, but as a potent instrument for empowerment and national advancement.”
Mr. Weah emphasized that the association’s agricultural project directly aligns with President Joseph N. Boakai’s national development vision, particularly his compelling call for Liberians to embrace local production: “Eat what you grow and grow what you eat.” He explained that MYA’s undertaking serves as both a direct response to this national imperative and a strategic maneuver to bolster food security while generating economic prospects for the youth.
Looking beyond rice cultivation, MYA envisions expanding its agricultural operations to encompass other regions within Maryland County, including Barrobo, Karluway, and Harper Districts. The association’s ambition is to provide practical farming training to young individuals before they pursue higher education, thereby equipping them with valuable skills and fostering self-reliance.
Mr. Weah also highlighted that the project is currently sustained through its own efforts, with only minimal seed support received from the Ministry of Agriculture’s Maryland County office. “We take pride in our accomplishments thus far, but to broaden our reach and impact more communities, we require external support,” he stated, appealing to the Government of Liberia, the Ministry of Agriculture, and international NGOs for financial and technical assistance.
According to Mr. Weah, the heavy reliance on imported food continues to burden local economies and compels numerous women to engage in cross-border trade with Ivory Coast. He firmly believes that through local farming initiatives, communities can achieve greater self-sufficiency and reduce their dependence on foreign markets.
Mr. Julople Dennis Jr., Project Coordinator for the Smallholder Agricultural Food and Security Program in the southeast, has lauded MYA’s achievements and pledged future support for their endeavors.
As MYA celebrates its inaugural significant harvest, it stands as a beacon of youth-driven transformation, converting underutilized land into fertile fields of opportunity and reshaping the future landscape of Maryland County—one bag of rice at a time.
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