Liberia – Gbarpolu Cooperatives Celebrate Milestone with New Agricultural Facilities

Gbarpolu County — The Farwhenta and the Parkuget Medina Agricultural Cooperatives in Gbarpolu County have officially handed over newly constructed office and production facilities. Each facility was funded with a $20,000 USD grant under the government-led and UNDP co-funded Accelerated Community Development Programme (ACDP).

During the handover ceremony, the Board Chair of the Farwhenta Agricultural Development Cooperative Society expressed gratitude for the trust placed in the cooperative to manage the construction project.

“This is a test case,” said the Board Chair. “You could have given this contract to someone else, but you chose to entrust us with this amount. We are grateful for the confidence reposed in us.”

The facility was formally inspected by the ACDP/UNDP team and later handed over to the Superintendent of Gbarpolu County, Hon. Sam Zinnah.

Louis Kuukpen, UNDP Liberia Deputy Resident Representative, praised the cooperatives for their swift and effective execution of the project.

“We are indeed very proud of how fast you moved within one year to construct this facility,” Kuukpen said. “You have demonstrated that if we give you more, you can deliver more. Agriculture is self-sufficiency and self-dignity. I encourage everyone to see agriculture as an investment—especially the youth. It’s not just about feeding your household but producing enough to feed Gbarpolu County and beyond.”

Kuukpen reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to supporting communities with technical and logistical assistance to expand their farms.

“You are among the leading cooperatives UNDP is supporting. Let that unity and oneness continue. There is no development without peace, and we appeal to you to hold onto the peace Liberia is enjoying.”

Receiving the keys and cutting the ribbon, Superintendent Sam Zinnah urged the cooperatives to manage the facilities wisely.