The involvement of youths in agriculture remains a crucial issue if Liberia is to adequately address food insecurity and job creation in the sector. Although the government and its partners are making efforts to increase youths' involvement so far, it is observed that many young people still lack interest in agriculture. Youths can be agents of change in transforming Liberia's agri-food system, provided there's more investment to make the sector attractive to them, experts have said.
To improve the skills of young people in agriculture, Dukuly Farm International, in partnership with Mercy Corps, has been working with 25 youths, including women, in Bomi County over the past few months to develop better skills in vegetable production. The initiative also aimed to equip the participants with basic farming tools, fertilizers, and agro chemicals to help them start their own projects and establish market linkages, enabling them to earn sustainable incomes.
The 6-month initiative under Mercy Corps' PROSPECT IV program has shown positive results so far, with several young people gaining knowledge and sharing testimonials about their participation.
Margaret Nigba- Gayedyu, CEO of the Her Voice Agriculture Farm Ltd, said, "I have struggled a lot before when it comes to the production of my vegetables. I didn't know how best to manage pests, insects, and diseases until I got in contact with Dukuly Farm. Because I enrolled in the program, today my tomatoes are fresh and healthy, ready to sell and make more money on the market."
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The training program for the 25 youths in vegetables started in November 2024, teaching the young farmers in Good Agriculture Practices (GAP) that ensure sustainable ways to produce.
The youths were trained using a manual that covered land preparation, seedling production, transplanting, crop management and support, fertilization, insect control, harvest, and post-harvest handling. With support from Mercy Corps, Khalil Dukuly, the main trainer, developed the manual.
Speaking at the close of the training program, the CEO of Dukuly Farm International, Khalil Dukuly challenged the participants to make good use of the knowledge acquired.
"I want to see you continue in farming by applying the knowledge that you have learned. This is going to help improve your farming business," he said.
Dukuly informed the participants that his company will ensure that the vegetables produced will be bought, stating that they are setting up a center that will ensure the purchase of the products.
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He said that Mercorps was empowering the farmers so that they could continue farming.
Rose Blidi Kansuah of Mercy Corps commended the Dukuly International Company for collaborating with her institution to enhance the skills of the young people in agriculture.
As the government and its partners continue engaging young people in agriculture, vegetable farming could become a profitable business for youths to create jobs and improve food security, provided there is increased investment to attract more young people.
