By: Vaye Abel Lepolu | vayelepolu446@gmail.com
ActionAid Liberia has embarked on the second phase of its impact review under the Smallholder Agriculture Development for Food and Nutrition Security (SADFONS) project. However, the impact review initiative by Actionaid was done on 21st Tuesday 2025, in three communities of rural Montserrado which include the University of Liberia, the Fandell Community, 15 Gate, and Philip Farm Community. https://www.womenvoicesnewspaper.org/actionaid-reviews-impact-on-smallholder-farmers/
The initiative seeks to assess the progress and productivity of smallholder farmers, as well as the institutional beneficiaries such as the University of Liberia’s College of Agriculture and Forestry, Jackson Tommy Cooperative, and Sustainable Integrated Agricultural Cooperative.
During the ongoing review, the Dean of the Agriculture Department at the University of Liberia expressed gratitude for ActionAid’s continued support, noting that the project has strengthened the college’s practical training programs and improved field learning for students.
“Before the SADFONS project, our department cultivated only one hectare of land and produced about five bags of rice. With the support of equipment and the Ministry of Agriculture, we now cultivate over three hectares and harvest more than 25 bags,” explained Farm Manager Daniel H. Momolu.
The University has received two power tillers, two water pumps, and two harrows, which are being used both for student practical training and to assist surrounding farming communities in land preparation and crop cultivation.
The SADFONS project has also enhanced farmers’ productivity across rural Liberia. Local cooperatives, such as the Sustainable Integrated Agricultural Cooperative in Montserrado County, report that the project has boosted yields and introduced improved rice varieties like Nerica L19 and Swag 8.
Farmers, however, highlighted challenges including limited access to fertilizers, seeds, and irrigation systems, as well as pest control issues. “We are grateful for the assistance, but more support is needed to address climate-related risks and increase production,” said Madam Lee, a cooperative leader and women’s group organizer.
Similarly, Mr. Jackson Tommy, head of another farm cooperative, praised ActionAid’s intervention for carry on impact review towards famers and they called for expanded government support. “The power tillers have helped, but with tractors and irrigation, we can double our output,” he noted.
The review team’s findings will guide ActionAid in identifying gaps and scaling up support to sustain agricultural productivity, food security, and income generation among smallholder farmers.
ActionAid Liberia continues to play a critical role in promoting sustainable farming practices, youth involvement, and women’s participation in agriculture advancing Liberia’s broader goals for food sovereignty and rural development.
