LAC Investments Transform Rural Livelihoods In Grand Bassa
Grand Bassa County – For decades, poor road conditions and limited agricultural support slowed economic growth in rural Liberia. Today, that narrative is changing in Grand Bassa County, where strategic investments by the Liberian Agricultural Company (LAC) are improving infrastructure, strengthening trade, and transforming livelihoods.
At the heart of this transformation is a major road rehabilitation project linking Buchanan to LAC’s operational hub at Compound #3. LAC’s Sustainable Road Repair Strategy, which was introduced in 2024, has greatly improved the 38-kilometer section that was formerly beset by erosion, flooding, and inaccessible terrain during the rainy season.
The project went beyond ordinary maintenance to complete structural restoration, according to Deepak Divaran, LAC’s Local Rubber Purchase (LRP) and Road Maintenance (RM) Manager. To guarantee year-round accessibility, more than fifty old culverts were fixed or replaced, and stronger drainage systems were put in place.
For both locals and transport providers, these improvements have shortened travel times, increased safety, and improved connectivity. Through a collaboration with the Rubber Development Fund Incorporated (RDFI), the project grew in 2025, joining formerly remote areas like Jentro Hill and Saturdays Town and extending roadworks toward the St. John Highway.
Additionally, local transporters claim that the advancements have changed their lives. Commercial motorcyclist Samuel K. Doe remembered the challenges of the past. He said, “Before, this road was terrible. During the rainy season, you could spend hours stuck in the mud or even sleep on the road. Now we can travel safely and faster.”
For his part, Peter N. Zleh added that better road conditions have boosted their income, “Our bikes used to break down often because of the bad road. Now business is better, we can make more trips in one day.” James Bedell and Emmanuel Tarr were among the other riders who emphasised increased mobility and safety, even at night.
Also, truck drivers that transported goods along the corridor reported decreased operating expenses and fewer delays. Trokon, one of the drivers, stated. He stated, “Before, trucks could get stuck for days. Now we move without delay, and business is improving.”
Farmers Gain, but Obstacles Remain LAC’s farmer training initiatives, which go beyond infrastructure, are contributing to better agricultural techniques, especially in the production of rubber. Farmers in Wesseh Town claim that although the training has improved their knowledge, they still require additional assistance. Oreath Jones, who took part in the tapping training session, expressed gratitude and demanded more access.
“The training came during farming season, so many people missed it. More than twenty farmers still want to learn. We need it again. Farmers also cited a lack of equipment as a key challenge. We don’t have the materials needed to improve production,” Jones added.
Moses Paygar said the training has already changed farming practices: “Before, we were tapping without understanding. Now we know how to care for the trees and improve quality.”
Moving Towards a Sustainable Rubber Economy according to LAC officials, their strategy combines market access, infrastructure, and training to create a sustainable agricultural sector. Extension agents keep a close eye on farms to make sure they are adhering to labour and environmental regulations. Additionally, the business offers farming supplies on loan, with repayment contingent on future rubber sales.
LAC is giving smallholder farmers over 140,000 enhanced rubber plants this year. Additionally, there are plans to use farmer cooperatives to provide advanced training in methods like bud grafting. According to Morris Neasain, District Superintendent of Compound #3, the developments are essential to the region’s economic development.
“Had it not been for LAC, that road would have been very deplorable by now,” he said. “Today, people can move freely. What used to take hours now takes minutes.”
He noted that the district’s rubber-driven economy is already improving livelihoods, with some farmers earning between $500 and $2,000 monthly. “LAC is not only focused on profit they are investing in people and the future,” Neasain emphasized.
Community members argue that ongoing support is crucial despite the advancements. They are demanding more agricultural programs, better access to equipment, and ongoing training. Grand Bassa County is becoming a shining example of how focused infrastructure and agricultural investment may promote long-term rural development as roads reconnect towns and farming methods improve. Although many locals still have a long way to go, the path ahead is now clean for the first time in many years.
Reported by: Prince Saah
