By Emmanuel Mafelah, mafelahemmanuel29@gmail.com
GBARNGA, Liberia- Smallholder farmers in the central Bong County have all reasons to laugh, as they have received financial support from the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) to help boost food production in a bid to attain self-sufficiency in the country.
Addressing Journalists in Gbarnga recently, the newly-appointed Agriculture Extension Coordinator for Bong County, Mr. Moses Stubblefield did not say how much funding was being provided. But he disclosed that through the County Legislative Caucus and the office of the county superintendent, funding allocated for smallholder farmers across the county has been released.
Mr. Stubblefield stated that the fund will help to empower local farmers in the county, who have for long been marginalized, to increase their productivity.
Stubblefield, who was recently appointed Agriculture Extension Coordinator for Bong County, pointed out that he will ensure that Central government identifies with smallholder farmers to improve the sector.
Meanwhile, the Agriculture Extension Coordinator has underscored the need for more support to the sector that will enable his office to empower small holder farmers in the county through technical skills training and education, among others.
Coordinator Stubblefield is calling on the county authorities to push the agenda of the Agriculture Ministry in order to improve food productivity.
He said to solve the agriculture problem in the country, smallholder farmers must be trained to raise their level of education, noting that this will ensure food sufficiency and human capacity.