Agriculture has been a significant element in the development of civilizations since ancient Egypt. Liberia is no exception. The Farmer to Farmer logo was designed to express the importance of farming in developing countries. What are your thoughts? We chose to include five components in the design: the Sun, the Liberian Lone Star flag, two clasped hands, a description of our mission, and a John Deere tractor.
The Sun
The Sun is represented in our logo as a rising sun, signifying our desire to encourage Liberians to believe in something once again, as the pioneers did in 1847 when they experienced liberty. Sunlight symbolizes the future through cultivation.
The Lone Star
The Lonestar symbolizes the people overcoming a brutal civil war and establishing a new country. It also symbolizes the establishment of the country, in which freed slaves from the United States created a solitary path that resulted in a clash with the local population. Through all the wars, this lesson people are still learning. Community investment in our compound solidifies our connection with the people we are trying to help.
Two Clasped Hands
Despite numerous attempts to create a stable economy after the war, Liberia has still not successfully developed strategies to assist in the country’s rebirth. Years after the war, welfare states remain common, as they usually do in developing nations. Infrastructure is lacking, as is a working economy, which exacerbates people relying upon gifts from overseas relatives.
Our Statement
Our statement of purpose, “to transform Liberia one farmer at a time,” is expressed in our slogan. We will establish a cooperative of ten farms supplying seeds, tools, and microloans to fifty farmer families in the next five years. Repayment of loans will be due at harvest time.
The John Deere Tractor
The John Deere tractor symbolizes the power of industrial development. 450 horsepower goes a long way in a country that lacks sustainability. Farm machinery will enable farmers to produce higher yields with fewer people.
Human Effort
The efforts of individuals drive the transformation of any society. While we may not always see the impact these individuals make, their work often goes unnoticed until we look back later on.
It will take brave men and women to carve out their own paths and revolutionize society for the better. They are our farmers, who are working tirelessly to leave a positive impact on Liberia one farmer at a time. In today’s digital world, it’s easy to think that every piece of information we need is just a Google search away.
In some ways, this is true, but it couldn’t be further from the truth in other ways. Those who know rural communities well will tell you that information about agribusiness isn’t readily available; there are no libraries or books that you can read at your leisure.
In fact, education about agronomy was almost non-existent in rural communities until recent efforts by non-profit organizations and forward-thinking people like our farmers took root in Liberia. Below is a wishlist for how Liberian farmers can transform the country one farmer at a time:
1. Our farmers are helping to rebuild the country after years of war.
Liberia has a rich history dating back centuries, but unfortunately, many of its proudest moments were marred by war. In the past two centuries, the country has seen more than 20 civil wars, 10 of which occurred after the end of the First World War.
Unfortunately, the wars also left the country deeply impoverished, losing much of its agricultural capacity and forcing many to seek employment in Monrovia’s capital. As a result, Liberia became reliant on imported food. But with the help of our farmers, Liberia’s agricultural sector is growing rapidly and is expected to reach pre-war production levels by 2030. This will help provide a sustainable food supply for Liberians and generate revenue through exports.
2. They are creating a sustainable food supply for Liberians.
Liberia has been heavily reliant on imported food since the war decimated its agricultural sector. However, with the help of our farmers, the country is moving towards sustainability through various methods such as greenhouse farming, an innovative method of growing crops without soil.
A greenhouse is essentially a mini-ecosystem where plants are grown in an enclosed space with artificial lights to generate heat. Some organizations use greenhouses to grow a variety of crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and sweet potatoes. Greenhouses offer a number of advantages over outdoor farming, including controlled temperatures and access to water.
3. They educate fellow citizens on better farming practices and encourage sustainability in rural communities.
Horticulture is a profession that requires a deep understanding of the land and the environment, so it’s crucial that farmers know the best ways to make the most of their land. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Many farmers inherit their lands from family members or friends but have no agricultural background or ideas about how best to use the land. This is where our organization comes in. We plan to offer farming workshops to help farmers make the most of their lands and make the switch to sustainable practices. We encourage our farmers to sustainably manage their lands to ensure the best yield possible year after year.
4. They are equipping farmers with the tools and knowledge they need to increase farm productivity and profitability for years to come, which makes them heroes in our eyes.
While sustainable farming practices are a must, they aren’t enough to sustain a profitable farm. Farmers also need the right tools, like seeds and fertilizers, to ensure that their crops are successful. Unfortunately, many of our farmers don’t have the funds to purchase these tools, which is where our organization steps in. We equip our farmers with everything they need to grow successful crops. For example, we offer training in crop rotation and help our farmers to develop seed banks. This ensures that their farms will always have the seeds they need to keep producing crops. We also help our farmers to identify pests and diseases that could harm their crops and prevent them from spreading to other farms.
5. There is still a lot of work to be done before Liberia can feed itself, but we’re optimistic that one day, this will become a reality thanks to our resilient farmers.
To say that cultivation has been through a rollercoaster ride in Liberia would be an understatement. At times, it’s felt as though there were more ups and downs than in a thrilling theme park ride, but with each challenge, our farmers have risen to the occasion and emerged stronger. Now, our farmers are working diligently to change the narrative about agriculture in Liberia, ensuring that it is no longer seen as a profession only fit for men; instead, they want women to see agriculture as a viable career option too and inspire more women to take up farming as a profession and join the ranks of our most important workforce: Women Farmers!
6. Finally, they are working diligently to change the narrative about agriculture in Liberia, ensuring that it is no longer seen as a profession only fit for men; instead, they want women to see agriculture as a viable career option too and inspire more women to take up farming as a profession and join the ranks of our most important workforce: Women Farmers!
While men and women farmers have their own unique challenges, there are many ways to support both groups. We believe that women farmers in Liberia face unique obstacles that aren’t commonly seen in men. Fortunately, you can do a few key things to support our women farmers: – Stay informed – Be aware of the challenges our women face, and support women farmers in your community. – Be inclusive – Include women in your agricultural activities. – Invest in women’s education and training – Help women, and farmers, advance their careers.
Conclusion
The future of agriculture in Liberia hinges on the success of our farmers. We’re optimistic about what the future holds for the agricultural sector in Liberia, but it all hinges on our farmers. If you’re inspired by what our farmers have accomplished so far and want to lend a hand, consider donating to our organization or volunteering your time.