By: Mellish Gbor, Nimba D-9 TV Regional Media Coordinator 

gbormellish20@gmail.com / nimbad9tv2018@gmail.com Edited & Posted by: Edmund C. Gbarwee

Sahnpa, Blinlon, Liberia: In the heart of Sahnpa, Blinlon Administrative District, Nimba County Electoral District Nine, a story of resilience, passion, and community collaboration unfolds. The San-Kwadoo Agriculture Cooperative, a recently established farming initiative, has made remarkable strides in addressing Liberia’s Food Security challenges. Spearheading this movement is Newah Behnzukeh, a passionate agriculturalist with a vision to transform his community and, by extension, the entire country.

After completing his Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture in 2022, Behnzukeh returned to his hometown of Sahnpa with a dream: to create a sustainable agricultural system that would uplift not just his village but the entire region. Sharing his dream with the people of Sahnpa, he found unwavering support from the community. In 2024, the San-Kwadoo Agriculture Cooperative was officially launched to promote food security and support local farmers.

With fertile soil perfect for growing various crops, including rice, Sahnpa was an ideal location for the cooperative’s mission. The land in the region is known for its ability to support nearly all crops grown in Liberia. This rich resource became the foundation for San-Kwadoo’s first major success: the cultivation of 17.5 acres of lowland rice. Despite starting with minimal resources -17 rain boots, 8 cutlasses, and 2 hand files — the cooperative achieved a bountiful harvest in its first year of operation.

In an exclusive interview with Nimba D-9 TV and the Liberia Agricultural Journalist Network, Behnzukeh shared the cooperative’s long-term vision: “San-Kwadoo is committed to supporting food security not just for Sahnpa, but for all 14 communities in the Blinon Administrative District, which is part of Electoral District 9 in Nimba County.” He emphasized that the cooperative’s impact goes beyond providing food; it is also about ensuring sustainable agricultural practices that can withstand the challenges of climate change.

Despite their early success, the San-Kwadoo Cooperative faces several challenges that hinder its growth and sustainability. Among these are the lack of proper machinery for de-stumping and land layout, inadequate storage facilities, and poor infrastructure. Behnzukeh also pointed out the absence of reliable irrigation systems, which is crucial for consistent crop production. Additionally, the lack of access to mobile networks in the area, with no coverage from Liberia’s major GSM companies like Orange and Lonestar, has made it difficult for the cooperative to stay connected and access vital market information through technology.

“We are in dire need of government support, especially from the Ministry of Agriculture,” Behnzukeh said. “We need machinery, storage facilities, irrigation systems, and roads to connect us to the rest of Liberia. But beyond that, we also need assistance in terms of financing and network connections to help us grow our market and reach new opportunities.”

One of the cooperative’s primary goals is to practice conservation farming, which not only protects the environment but also ensures the preservation of vital microorganisms in the soil. Behnzukeh made it clear that the cooperative is dedicated to climate protection and wants to be a part of the global effort to safeguard the planet’s resources. He passionately stated, “We want to be a part of the team that will protect the environment. We understand that protecting the land is just as important as growing crops.”

As the San-Kwadoo Cooperative continues to grow and evolve, Behnzukeh calls on the Ministry of Agriculture and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to offer their support and guidance. With the right resources and expertise, the cooperative believes it can become a leading force in Liberia’s agricultural sector, contributing to the country’s food security while promoting sustainable farming practices.

Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, Liberia’s Minister of Agriculture, and his entourage visited Sahnpa and were greeted by all stakeholders of the district and the community as a way of strengthening the agriculture sector of the Country.

Speaking to a cross section of citizens and stakeholders, the Minister highlighted President Boakai’s ARREST Agenda.

“President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID) is a comprehensive national development plan launched in January 2025. It aims to address key challenges such as poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment by focusing on modernizing infrastructure, fostering good governance, revitalizing the economy, and empowering citizens.

For local farmers, the ARREST Agenda offers several significant benefits:

Improved Infrastructure: The plan prioritizes the construction and rehabilitation of roads, including “farms to market” roads, to facilitate the efficient movement of agricultural products from rural areas to urban markets. This enhancement aims to reduce transportation costs and post-harvest losses, thereby increasing farmers’ profitability.

Access to Modern Farming Tools and Training: The agenda includes initiatives to provide farmers with modern equipment and training on sustainable agricultural practices. This support is designed to boost productivity and resilience against climate change.

Financial Support and Market Access: Plans are in place to establish financial mechanisms, such as an Agriculture Enterprise Development Bank, to improve farmers’ access to financing. Additionally, efforts to expand agricultural value chains aim to connect farmers to both local and international markets, enhancing their competitiveness and income potential.

Climate Resilience Initiatives: The agenda emphasizes the adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices, including the use of drought-resistant crops and efficient irrigation systems, to help farmers adapt to changing weather patterns and ensure sustainable food production.

Overall, the ARREST Agenda represents a strategic commitment to transforming Liberia’s agricultural sector, aiming to empower local farmers and contribute to the nation’s economic development.

In conclusion, the San-Kwadoo Agriculture Cooperative’s journey is one of perseverance, unity, and hope. Despite the challenges they face, the cooperative is determined to continue working toward its goals, providing food for Liberia’s future and contributing to a healthier, more sustainable world. As Behnzukeh put it, “Show us the way, and we will find the path to success.”