— As Bong County Farmers Harvest First Watermelon After-Flood
By: Emmanuel Kerkulah
Smallholder farmers affected by flooding in parts of Bong County are beginning to see the fruits of their recovery efforts following timely humanitarian intervention by the Liberia National Red Cross Society (LNRCS), with support from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
On October 13, 2025, the Liberia National Red Cross Society distributed assorted agricultural seedlings and farming implements to several smallholder farming groups whose livelihoods were disrupted by severe flooding.
The intervention was funded through the ECOWAS Humanitarian Response Project and implemented by the Liberia National Red Cross Society including the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) of Liberia.
The support, provided under the Strengthening Resilience and Supporting Disaster-Affected Populations in Liberia (SRSDAP) Project, included wheelbarrows, shovels, hoes, and watering cans, rain boots, rakes, as well as pepper, corn, okra, and other vegetable seedlings.
On January 20, 2026, the Kerkema Farming Group in Jorquelleh District #2, Bong County, recorded a major milestone by harvesting their first watermelon since receiving the support marking a significant step toward recovery and food security.
Speaking during the harvest, Mr. Daniel Dorbor, Bong County Field Officer of the Liberia National Red Cross Society, described the achievement as evidence of the impact of timely humanitarian assistance.
He noted that the successful harvest demonstrates the resilience of beneficiary communities and the importance of supporting disaster-affected populations beyond immediate relief.
Beneficiaries under the agricultural component of the project expressed heartfelt gratitude to ECOWAS and LNRCS the National Disaster Management Agency, acknowledging that the support has restored their confidence and ability to sustain their families through farming.
