In the small town of Farwhenta, in the south of Bopolu, Gbarpolu County, a remarkable transformation is underway. Here, the ability to feed oneself has become a profound symbol of independence. Residents no longer wait for frozen chicken or imported rice to journey from Monrovia, navigating muddy forest roads. Instead, they are taking matters into their own hands.
“For the last three years, we have acquired the necessary skills to grow our own food—and we feel independent,” say the town’s two chiefs, reflecting a newfound self-sufficiency that has blossomed since the World Bank-financed Youth Opportunity Project came to a close in 2021.
Changing the narratives
Among the residents, Miatta stands out as a beacon of entrepreneurial spirit. She has turned her attention to Farina, a popular cassava product in West Africa. “After the project, I decided to put my business development skills to the test,” she explains. “My husband and I purchased a gari (farina) production machine. Since then, our profits have surged, enabling us to send our children to Monrovia for higher education.”
But Miatta’s ambitions extend beyond mere production. Her small-scale operation has grown to employ three workers. “We have one person grinding the cassava, while two others dry and package it,” she says proudly, showcasing the collaborative effort that fuels their success.
Making most of the little
When the Youth Opportunity Project first arrived in Farwhenta, it selected twenty-eight households to form a farming group. The initiative provided essential tools and a labor subsidy, allowing the community to cultivate a 35-acre farm for their own use.
Three years later, that group has evolved into a thriving cooperative, boasting over fifty members. They have invested in production machinery and are now embracing climate-smart farming techniques. “This farming season, my group and I are moving away from highland farming to lowland,” says the chairman of the cooperative. “This shift will allow us to cultivate one area sustainably for years to come.”
As Farwhenta Town continues to grow, its residents are not just feeding themselves; they are nurturing a sense of community resilience, paving the way for a brighter future.
A Worthy Investment
The World Bank is not taking this story lightly. Bank’s Senior Social Protection Specialist Mack Mulbah, travelled through the muddy terrains for two days, before finally reaching Farwhenta Town, to share his sentiment of joy and pride with the determined residents. “What you have done here is not a joke and the bank considers your effort as a serious example for other communities around you to follow. We stand with you in this life changing struggle. When I go back, I will inform my boss (the country Manager) that the investment we made years ago, is making real impact Mack said.
The Project Coordinator of the defund Youth Opportunity Project Jesse Bengu was also on the ground. What I see here has made me to believe that Liberians can feed themselves if the rightful investment is made. “We stand with and will continue to seek more resources for community development”. He noted.
