Monrovia, Liberia – Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo, Executive Director of Liberia’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has urged Liberians to adopt lowland rice cultivation as a sustainable way to save forests, lessen reliance on imported food, and boost the country’s economy. In order to assist local farmers reinvest in their crops and raise their standard of living, he also urged major clients like Mary’s Meals, the World Food Program (WFP), and other stakeholders to buy rice from them.
“EPA has been leading efforts in lowland rice farming and is showcasing a promising model for sustainable agriculture,” Dr. Yarkpawolo stated in an EPA release dated January 20, 2025.
“I am deeply impressed by the work being done here. This cooperative is not just growing rice, they are demonstrating how we can protect our forests, build food security, and create better futures for our families. Lowland farming aligns with the President’s ARREST Agenda, which prioritizes agriculture and environmental conservation,” the EPA boss noted.
Dr. Yarkpawolo praised the cooperative’s efforts but underlined the need for other purchasers to intervene and help out local rice producers. He encouraged individuals and businesses, as well as organizations like the WFP and Mary’s Meals, to buy rice from the Kwapageh Cooperative.
“Reliable buyers are essential for farmers to prosper,” he added. By purchasing from them, you enable them to improve their lives, educate their children, and reinvest in their farms. We must all cooperate in order to help these diligent Liberians.
Since its founding in 2012 with WFP assistance, the cooperative has farmed lowland rice on 11 of its 69 hectares of land. In order to express his support, Dr. Yarkpawolo purchased rice from them and commended their commitment.
Francis T. Pilawoe, the Kwapageh Cooperative’s chairman, gave his thoughts on the group’s journey and acknowledged the government’s recent assistance through Dr. Alexander Nuetah, Liberia’s minister of agriculture.
“This is the first time the government has given us such strong support. It has significantly changed what we can accomplish. By guaranteeing that the rice we produce is fully ours, Minister Nuetah has given us the autonomy to cultivate and market it on our own.”
Finding consumers for their rice is their largest obstacle, Pilawoe noted. It’s difficult to proceed without buyers, Pilawoe said. “We’re urging the government, companies, and institutions to purchase rice that is cultivated locally. In addition to supporting us farmers, this assistance will lessen Liberia’s reliance on imported food.
Pilawoe and Dr. Yarkpawolo both emphasized the value of agriculture as a means of achieving environmental and economic sustainability.
Pilawoe stated that griculture is about securing a future for our children and our nation, not just sowing seeds,”
This view was supported by Dr. Yarkpawolo, who emphasized that lowland farming offers a mutually beneficial solution to Liberia’s environmental and economic problems.
He declared, “We need to farm smarter, not harder. The future of a more wealthy and environmentally friendly Liberia lies in lowland farming. By helping out local farmers, we can improve food security and preserve the environment.”
Dr. Yarkpawolo urged communities, companies, and legislators to support programs like the Kwapageh Cooperative and reiterated his dedication to advancing ecologically friendly agriculture.
“Investing in our farmers is an investment in the future of our country,” Dr. Yarkpawolo said. Let’s unite to promote lowland farming and create a more independent, sustainable, and prosperous Liberia.”
