ZAYGLAY, Nimba – The Khodo Farmers Cooperative in Central Nimba has received an 80 kVA generator through the Liberia Agribusiness Development Activity project.

The donation is meant to strengthen the group’s rice production capacity.

Thomas L. Gayeplu, the Nimba County Coordinator for the LADA project, said the donation was made over the past weekend to the group. The LADA project is funded by USAID and operated by Cultivating New Frontiers in Agriculture.

“We are aware that you have been processing [rice], but on a very low scale,” he said. “Today, CNFA/LADA, with support from USAID is pleased to do a donation of an 80 kVA generator that will empower you to continue your processing of paddy rice, to make Nimba County food secured.”

Gayeplu assured the group that the donation would soon be followed by a rice processing machine that would also assist in boosting their production capacity. He challenged them to make maximum use of the generator for increased production.

Richard Beyon, the co-chair of the organization, received the donation on behalf of the group, adding that the organization and the town appreciated the gesture.

“To receive this giant-sized generator here today, it will be used for the intended purpose which the generator is brought here for,” he said.

The CNFA/LADA team, and citizens of the town at the presentation. Photo: Thomas L. Gayeplu, CNFA/LADA

LADA targets smallholder farmers and other agricultural businesses to increase household-level food security and nutrition through improved agricultural practices, an introduction of new varieties, diversification of crop production, food preservation and storage, development of farmer-based organizations and as well, strengthened market linkages.

Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly suggested that L$20,000 cash donation was part of the USAID-funded donation. Additionally, the name of the Khodo Farmers Cooperative was incorrectly spelled. Featured photo courtesy of Thomas L. Gayeplu, CNFA/LADA