As part of its efforts to drive rural economic transformation and strengthen food security, the Ministry of Agriculture, through its Rural Economic Transformation Project (RETRAP), has officially inaugurated two major agricultural facilities in Nimba County: a modern cold storage facility in Whenlenle and a Model Piggery Farm and Livestock Farmers Field School at the Nimba University campus in Sanniquellie.
The two projects, funded through World Bank loans totaling nearly US$500,000, aim to boost agricultural productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, promote climate-smart farming practices, and expand market access for farmers across the region.
The cold storage facility, valued at US$300,000, is strategically located along the Ganta–Monrovia Highway, one of the country’s key vegetable production corridors. Housed in a 40-foot container with a 77-cubic-meter capacity, it is powered by a 15kVA solar energy system backed by a 20kVA generator, ensuring reliable, year-round operations. Additionally, the Ministry provided a new vegetable van capable of transporting 3–4 tons of produce at a time, strengthening the farm-to-market supply chain.
At the launch event, RETRAP National Program Coordinator Gala Toto shared the inspiration behind the cold storage project: “Each time I traveled this route, I saw farmers working tirelessly, loading cabbages through the night. I thought—why not support them by providing cold storage to preserve their produce for market sales?” he explained. “We included it in the project proposal, and the steering committee approved it.”
“For too long, farmers have seen their hard work go to waste due to post-harvest losses,” Mr. Toto added. “Today, we offer a solution. This facility will help ensure that farmers’ efforts truly pay off.” He emphasized that the facility will support farmers transporting produce to Monrovia and strengthen local markets, helping rural communities thrive.
Representing Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah at both dedications, Assistant Minister Folton Blasin reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering farmers, enhancing market access, and promoting sustainable agrifood systems. He encouraged farmers to take ownership of the facilities: “Use these facilities wisely for the benefit of your communities and yourselves. A lot of investment has been made; it’s now up to you to ensure that investment yields lasting results.”
On behalf of the vegetable farmers, Ezekiel Sayetee, Chairperson of the “Say No to Hunger Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative Society,” thanked the government and partners for the cold storage facility. He emphasized its importance in supporting farmers from Nengbein to Beila and pledged responsible management to ensure it remains operational and impactful.
In a related development, the Ministry also commissioned a Model Piggery Farm and Livestock Farmers Field School Platform valued at over US$190,000 at Nimba University. This project, executed through a tripartite partnership between RETRAP, Nimba University’s College of Agriculture and Food Sciences (CAFS), and the Nimba Livestock Farmers Cooperative, is set to serve as a hub for research, training, and demonstration of modern, climate-smart pig farming practices.
Under this collaboration, Nimba University provided the land and will use the facility for hands-on student learning and climate-resilient livestock research. The Nimba Livestock Farmers Cooperative will manage daily operations and provide the initial stock of pigs (. The Ministry contributed funding, technical assistance, and market linkages to support the initiative’s success.
Assistant Minister Blasin hailed the model piggery as a “living testament” to Liberia’s vision for sustainable agriculture: “This facility offers students invaluable hands-on experience while opening new opportunities for the livestock market and agribusiness entrepreneurship in Liberia,” he said.
Gala Toto of RETRAP stressed the project’s broader vision: “Our hope is to see the cooperative thrive, the university active in research, and more pork products reaching communities across Liberia.” He challenged stakeholders to make Nimba County a center of excellence for improved pig breeds.
Speaking on behalf of Nimba University, Nathan Gono Sr., Dean of the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, expressed gratitude: “For years, we taught theories without the ability to demonstrate practically. Our students will now have critical, real-world learning experiences on campus.”
Tarnue Jeke, Operations Manager RETRAP, expressed optimism about the project, saying, “We look forward to improvements in the livestock value chain at Nimba University and hope that this model farm will take the name of the Nimba University and its Agriculture College to a higher height that people will recognize and want to follow similar step in Liberia.”
Meanwhile, Lawrence Gonkanu, Chairman of the Nimba Livestock Farmers Cooperative, welcomed the project, calling it a major boost for more than 300 pig farmers in the county. He pledged the farmers’ commitment to making Nimba the leading hub for pig farming in Liberia.
The launch of the cold storage facility and the commissioning of the model piggery farm represent critical steps toward enhancing agricultural resilience, boosting farmers’ incomes, and building a more sustainable, inclusive food system in Liberia. Through innovative partnerships and investments, the Ministry of Agriculture continues to drive transformation, create jobs, and improve livelihoods across the country.
