Kpayeakolleh Town, Gbarpolu County: The Life Development Relief Organization (LIDRO) has donated a cassava processing machine to Local Women Farmers in Kpayeakolleh Town, Gbarpolu County, fulfilling a long-awaited dream for many residents of the rural community.
The machine, designed to process cassava into gari and other products, is expected to significantly reduce the physically demanding labor traditionally carried out by hand. The upgrade is seen as a major step toward improving agricultural productivity and economic independence for the women in the town. The donation was made Sunday, April 13, 2025.
During the handover ceremony, held in the center of Kpayeakolleh, Life Development Relief Organization’s Chief Executive Officer, Madam Rebecca Bestman Harris, addressed the gathering. She reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to empowering rural communities, particularly women, through sustainable development and hands-on support.
“We understand the struggles our mothers and sisters go through everyday just to make ends meet,” Madam Harris said. “This machine is not just equipment—it is a tool of transformation, and we are honored to be part of that change.”
The women of the town, many of whom had gathered in traditional attire for the occasion, could not hide their emotions. Songs of praise and expressions of gratitude echoed across the community as they watched the unveiling of the machine.
One of the women leaders, Yatta Morris, expressed deep appreciation for the gesture. “This machine will change our lives. We used to pound cassava from morning to night. Now, we can process more in less time and even sell to other towns,” she said, beaming with joy.
Many women in the group spoke of past disappointments, where promises were made by visitors and organizations, only for those promises to be broken. But Saturday’s donation was different. “This time, we see the result with our own eyes,” said elder Ma Tawah Kollie.
The processing machine, which includes components for grating, pressing, and drying cassava, will not only reduce the burden of manual work but is also expected to increase the community’s capacity to generate income from cassava products.
In response to the donation, the women’s group pledged to take full responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the machine. They assured Madam Harris and her team that the equipment would be managed transparently and used for the benefit of the entire community.
“This gift is for all of us,” said community member Mary Juah. “We want to make sure every household can benefit, and we will work together to ensure it stays in good condition.”
The initiative is part of Life Development Relief Organization’s broader vision of promoting grassroots development by addressing real-life challenges with practical solutions. The organization has been active in rural Liberia, working on issues related to women’s empowerment, agriculture, education, and health.
Madam Harris further revealed that the organization is planning to roll out similar projects in other hard-to-reach towns and villages across Liberia, prioritizing areas with high agricultural potential but limited access to equipment and infrastructure.
“The strength of this country lies in its people, especially our women who form the backbone of our communities,” she said. “We will continue to walk with them, support them, and invest in their futures.”
Local authorities who witnessed the donation praised the initiative and called for stronger partnerships between civil society organizations and rural communities. They described the move as a model worth replicating across Gbarpolu County and beyond.
As the women of Kpayeakolleh took turns inspecting the new machine, laughter and singing filled the air—a sound of hope reborn in a town that had waited far too long for a promise finally fulfilled.
