By: Gabriel M C Parker
BOMI COUNTY – The National Bureau of Concessions (NBC), in collaboration with the Liberia Land Authority (LLA), has concluded a day-long engagement with smallholder farmers in Bomi County.
The initiative, held on Tuesday, June 25, 2025, was supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Food Programme (WFP).
Themed “Access to Land for Women and Youth for Smallholder Farmers,” the event brought together over twenty farmers from concession communities across Bomi, Gbarpolu, and Grand Cape Mount Counties.
It aimed to address challenges surrounding land ownership and usage in concession areas, with a particular focus on women and youth.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, NBC Executive Director Theodore Momo emphasized the critical role of land access in promoting peace and development in rural communities.
“This engagement is about addressing key policy issues on land access for smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth, who are often the most affected in concession areas,” Momo stated. “It’s not just about farming—it’s about creating platforms for peacebuilding, innovation, and attracting private sector investment in agriculture.”
Momo further stressed the importance of social cohesion, noting that equitable land access empowers communities and supports sustainable agricultural development.
“We are focusing on ensuring that land is accessible to all, including women and youth, to strengthen community participation and advance Liberia’s agricultural and food security goals,” he added.
The forum also provided an opportunity for farmers to engage directly with policymakers and development partners, share their experiences, and offer recommendations for better land governance.
Participants expressed appreciation for the initiative, calling it both timely and impactful.
“This training has opened our eyes to the legal and policy frameworks that affect us as smallholder farmers. We now know our rights and how to engage concession companies on land issues,” said Kulah Kamara, a farmer from Gbarpolu County.
Boakai Kamara from Grand Cape Mount County echoed the sentiment: “This event is a gateway to improving farming in concession areas. We’re grateful for the opportunity and hope more of these trainings continue.”
The event concluded with a renewed commitment from NBC, LLA, and their partners to support inclusive land access and promote sustainable agricultural practices in concession-affected communities across Liberia.
