Bealay Town, District Number five in Nimba County – Nimba County Superintendent Kou Meapeah Gono has praised rural women in Nimba County Electoral District Number 5 for their growing involvement in agriculture, describing their work as vital to reducing Liberia’s dependence on imported rice.
By Franklin Doloquee / Nimba County
Speaking at the launch of the Buu-Yao Concerned Women’s Farm Harvesting ceremony in Yao Bealay Town,
Superintendent Gono said the women’s commitment to rice, cassava and other food production is an important contribution not only to District #5, but also to Nimba County and Liberia as a whole.
“I am very happy to see concerned women. Your involvement in agriculture is very important for the county and the district,” Superintendent Gono said.
She commended the Buu-Yao Concerned Women for organizing themselves and taking the lead in large-scale farming activities.
According to her, their efforts demonstrate that rural women are not only caregivers and market traders, but also major partners in food security, job creation and community development.
Pledge of Support
Following her remarks, Superintendent Gono pledged a rice-processing machine and L$400,000 to the Buu-Yao Concerned Women, who are engaged in extensive rice farming in District Number 5.
She said the support is intended to help the women process their harvest, reduce post-harvest losses, improve the quality of their rice and increase their income.
A rice-processing machine is expected to ease the burden of manual milling and allow the group to produce more market-ready rice for local communities.
Superintendent Gono also announced plans to present the women’s concerns, particularly those relating to women’s empowerment and agricultural support to the Nimba County Council of Nine Elders.
The Council is the highest decision-making body on the use of the county’s social development fund.
She said she wants to ensure that women-led agricultural groups receive greater attention in county development planning, especially as agriculture remains one of the main sources of livelihood for many rural families in Nimba.
Massive Turnout in Yao Bealay
Hundreds of rural women from the Buu-Yao Concerned Women group, along with women from District #6, gathered in Yao Bealay Town for the farm-harvesting ceremony.
The event was marked by traditional songs, dancing and the presentation of food items to Superintendent Gono as a sign of appreciation and love from the rural women.
The women said President Joseph Nyuma Boakai did not make a mistake in appointing Kou Meapeah Gono as Nimba County Superintendent.
They praised her for bringing pride to women and Nimbaians through development activities taking place across the county’s 19 administrative districts.
According to the women, Superintendent Gono’s leadership has renewed hope among rural communities, particularly women who have long called for greater support in farming, business and empowerment programs.
Women’s Agricultural Work
The Buu-Yao Concerned Women group has more than 200 members engaged in large-scale farming activities, including rice, cassava and plantain production.
Their farms provide food for their families, employment for community members and produce for local markets.
The group has received financial and material support from Nimba County District Number 5 Representative Kortor Kwagrue.
At the ceremony, Representative Kwagrue pledged his continued support for the women’s empowerment program in District Number 5.
He said supporting rural women in agriculture is essential because they play a central role in feeding their communities and strengthening the local economy.
He also encouraged the women to remain united and continue expanding their farms.
Importance for Food Security
Liberia continues to rely heavily on imported rice, making local production a major national priority.
Support for farmer groups such as the Buu-Yao Concerned Women can help increase domestic rice production, create rural employment and reduce the country’s import bill.
Superintendent Gono’s pledge of a rice-processing machine and cash support is, therefore, being seen by many in the community as more than a ceremonial gesture.
Residents said it could help transform the women’s farm project into a more sustainable agricultural business.
Community members expressed hope that the promised support will be delivered promptly and that other women’s farming groups across Nimba County will also benefit from similar empowerment initiatives.
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