It was a scene of jubilation in Yangaryah Town, Gbarma District, Gbarpolu County, on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, as women farmers under the Liberia Women Empowerment Project (LWEP) expressed excitement over a financial loan provided by the World Bank to boost their agricultural activities.
The excitement comes as the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP), with funding from the World Bank, commenced the Midterm Review (MTR) of the LWEP. The farmers, many of whom rely on small-scale farming to support their families, described the loan as a life-changing opportunity that will enable them expand their farms, increase productivity, and improve their livelihoods.
During a field visit to Gbarpolu County, officials of the Liberia Women Empowerment Project, in collaboration with representatives of the World Bank, interacted with beneficiaries and toured several farms to assess progress and challenges faced by local farmers. In an interaction with representatives of the World Bank and Ministry of Gender, Madam Marie Zion, owner of Marie Business Center, thanked the World Bank for giving her 50% of the money (US$2,500) that she requested.
“That money has helped me to reopen my shop and even help to send my children back to school,” she said. For her part, the Chairlady of Nunwin-Behgoon, one of the farming groups, Hawa Gballay Varney, commended the World Bank and the Government of Liberia for prioritizing women empowerment through agriculture.
She said the loan will not only improve food production, but also strengthen women’s participation in the local economy. “This is the first time many of us are receiving such support. We are grateful to LWEP and the World Bank for trusting rural women farmers,” she said joyfully.
The head of “We will do it multipurpose”, a farm base organization, Fatu Kabah applauded the World Bank for the financial assistance; stating that it will be used for the intended purpose. LWEP officials emphasized that the initiative aims to empower women economically, particularly those in rural communities, by providing access to finance, skills training, and market opportunities.
According to them, the project focuses on supporting women-led agribusinesses, improving gender equality, and reducing poverty through sustainable farming practices. Representatives of the World Bank expressed satisfaction over the impact of the project, noting that empowering women in agriculture contributes significantly to national food security and rural development.
The team pledged continued support to Liberia’s efforts in promoting gender equality and strengthening the agricultural sector. The Liberia Women Empowerment Project (LWEP) is being implemented in six counties across Liberia, targeting thousands of women involved in farming, small business, and other income-generating activities. The counties include, Bomi, Gbarpolu, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Gedeh, Montserrado and River Cess.
