Bong County is a County in Liberia where rice farming is not just an occupation but a way of life. Two resilient communities, Tamata and Gbayata, are celebrating a transformative milestone. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Lutheran Development Service (LDS) under its Community Livelihood Assistance Project, both communities now boast fully functional rice mills and protective shelters, promising a new era of agricultural productivity and economic empowerment.
For years, farmers in Tamata and Gbayata faced significant challenges in processing their rice. Manual milling was labor-intensive, time-consuming, and often led to significant post-harvest losses. Without proper milling facilities, many farmers had to travel long distances to access services, cutting into their profits and discouraging higher yields.
Recognizing these obstacles, LDS, with support from its development partner, Bread for the World, and in collaboration with the local leadership, stepped in with a solution that would not only increase productivity but also foster community ownership and resilience. Through participatory planning and community engagement, the construction of the rice mills and their shelters became a shared vision.
Today, that vision is a reality.
The newly constructed rice mills are equipped with modern machinery that significantly reduces the time and effort required to process rice. The shelters provide critical protection for the equipment, ensuring year-round operation regardless of weather conditions. These advancements have led to improved processing efficiency, reduced post-harvest losses, and higher-quality rice production that meets market standards.
Beyond the technical improvements, the project has ignited a renewed sense of hope and purpose within the communities. Local farmers, especially women who make up a substantial portion of the agricultural workforce, now have better opportunities to increase their income and invest in their families’ well-being. Additionally, the management committees formed to oversee the operation and maintenance of the mills have strengthened community cohesion and accountability.
“We used to spend hours pounding our rice by hand, and sometimes we lost a lot during the process,” says Tamgbe Togba, a farmer from Tamata. “Now, with the new mill, we can process more rice faster and sell at better prices. It’s changing our lives.”
General Town Chief Mr. James Kollie of the Gbayata community also expressed gratitude, stating, “This project has brought our community together. We are not only producing more, but we are also learning to manage our resources for the future.”
The LDS Community Livelihood Assistance Project is a shining example of what can be achieved when development is community-driven and solutions are designed to meet the real needs of people. As these communities continue to reap the benefits of their new rice mills and shelters, they stand as a model of resilience and progress for rural Liberia.
The success in Tamata and Gbayata reflects LDS’s ongoing commitment to empowering vulnerable communities and building sustainable livelihoods. With increased production, better processing capacity, and stronger community networks, the future looks bright for these dedicated farmers.
