BARD Project empowers women and youth in rural communities in Kparyedey Town, Worrwein, Grand Bassa County through climate-smart agriculture, irrigation, and farmer training to improve food security, create jobs, and protect communities from deforestation Barmic Agriculture & Rural Development (BARD) Project
Overview
Barmic Agriculture and Rural Development (BARD) Project is a not-for-profit com
munity-based initiative established in 2023 and operating in Kparyedey Town, Worrwein Clan, Grand Bassa County, Liberia. BARD works to transform subsistence farming into climate-resilient, income-generating agriculture while empowering women and youth, improving food security, creating rural jobs, protecting the environment and discouraging harmful traditional practices such as female ge***al mutilation (FGM). Operating directly within underserved rural communities, BARD integrates agriculture, livelihood development, environmental protection, and basic community support to address the root causes of poverty, food insecurity, and environmental degradation. Community Challenges
Rural communities along the Farmington River and surrounding areas face multiple challenges, including:
• Heavy reliance on rain-fed, subsistence farming
• Seasonal hunger and unemployment during the dry season
• Youth involvement in charcoal burning, illicit mining, and illegal logging due to lack of opportunities
• Unsafe river crossings and poor rural infrastructure
• Limited access to farming tools, quality seeds, and training
• Economic marginalization of women and youth
These challenges contribute to persistent poverty, food insecurity, and environmental damage. BARD’s Integrated Approach
BARD addresses these challenges through a holistic, community-led model that combines:
• Climate-smart and commercial agriculture
• Irrigation and water conservation
• Farmer training and input support
• Youth employment and women’s empowerment
• Environmental awareness and protection
• Community infrastructure and safety interventions
The project operates a 100-acre demonstration and production farm that serves as a training hub, employment center, and source of earned income. Key Achievements
Over the years, BARD has achieved the following:
• Empowered women and youth through agricultural training, paid farm work, and leadership opportunities
• Established cocoa nurseries using poly bags to improve seedling survival and productivity
• Supported banana production through improved crop care and management
• Successfully harvested pepper crops, demonstrating year-round farming potential
• Distributed assorted farming tools, seeds, and essential items to underserved households
• Constructed irrigation systems and farm-related infrastructure
• Built a motorcycle road and safety stairs in a high-risk area along the Farmington River, preventing accidents and saving lives
• Donated zinc sheets and mattresses to vulnerable households unable to afford basic shelter materials
• Donated a new canoe to the Owengroves community to replace a dangerous, dilapidated canoe at a risky river crossing point
• Conducted awareness campaigns on deforestation, charcoal burning, illicit mining, and harmful traditional practices
• Promoted youth cooperation and recreation through sports, including the distribution of jerseys, footballs, and training materials
Community Interventions
1. Community Engagement and Awareness
BARD begins by engaging community leaders, women’s groups, and youth to identify needs and raise awareness on environmental protection, safe livelihoods, and sustainable development.
2. Training and Capacity Building
Farmers—especially women and youth—receive hands-on training in climate-smart agriculture, commercial farming, agroforestry, cocoa nursery development, and irrigation practices.
3. Provision of Inputs and Tools
After training and awareness sessions, BARD distributes assorted farming tools, seeds, seedlings, and farming materials prepared in bags and cartons for equitable community distribution.
4. Employment and Site Preparation
Youth are hired and paid to carry out environmentally responsible site clearing for cocoa and cashew planting, providing income while protecting the ecosystem.
5. Infrastructure and Safety Support
BARD constructs critical infrastructure such as farm access roads, safety stairs, irrigation systems, and river-crossing solutions to reduce risks and improve mobility.
6. Ongoing Support and Monitoring
BARD continues to provide technical support, monitor farm progress, and promote adoption of commercial, year-round farming practices. Ongoing Activities
• Management of the 100-acre demonstration and production farm
• Cocoa nursery development using poly bags
• Banana, mango, cashew crops care and pepper production
• Farmer training and mentorship programs
• Youth employment in farm operations and land preparation
• Environmental awareness and community education
• Maintenance of irrigation and safety infrastructure
Upcoming Activities
• Expansion of cocoa and cashew plantations
• Increased dry-season vegetable production through irrigation
• Training of additional farmer groups across 25 villages
• Establishment of satellite farms under a hub-and-spoke model
• Strengthening women- and youth-led farming cooperatives
• Scaling environmental protection campaigns
Environmental and Social Impact
BARD actively discourages subsistence farming and destructive survival practices by promoting economic-driven, commercial agriculture. Through training, jobs, and awareness, the project reduces deforestation, charcoal burning, and illicit mining while restoring dignity and opportunity in rural livelihoods. In addition, BARD intends to construct a community school and health clinic to serve over 5,000 inhabitants who currently lack access to these essential basic social services, further strengthening education, health, and long-term community resilience. Donations and Community Support
BARD welcomes donations to support its work in underserved rural communities. Contributions directly support:
• Farming tools and equipment
• Seeds, seedlings, and nursery materials
• Irrigation and water systems
• Youth employment programs
• Community infrastructure and safety initiatives
• Training and capacity-building activities
Contact for Donations and Support:
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone/WhatsApp: +231 886 670 616
Conclusion
BARD Project stands as a practical, community-owned solution to rural poverty, food insecurity, and environmental degradation in Liberia. By integrating agriculture, employment, infrastructure, and environmental stewardship, BARD is building resilient communities where women and youth can thrive through sustainable, year-round farming.
