Grand Kru County continues to face serious challenges in expanding agricultural production, with limited access to agricultural inputs, the reported suspension of support programs, and poor road connectivity; the situation has left many farmers largely dependent on handouts.
Joseph Nimely Toe, a United States-based citizen from the county, says, the lack of sustained agricultural interventions has contributed to a situation in which the overwhelming majority of farmers remain dependent on small-scale production, making it difficult for them to meet market demand, or expand their farming activities.
Toe observed that Grand Kru is among counties that have received limited agricultural inputs. This, he believes, has weakened the capacity of local farmers to transition from subsistence production to a more commercially viable agricultural sector.
Toe also expressed concern over the reported suspension of activities by the Rural Economic Transformation, and Resilience Project (RETRAP) in the county.
RETRAP activities in the county have been suspended for more than three months, despite the program remaining active in other parts of the country.
Before its reported suspension, Toe said, the program assisted farmers with technical, and logistical support.
He questioned why farmers in the county are no longer benefiting from similar interventions while RETRAP continues providing cash, and logistics to farmers in other parts of the country.
Toe said, Grand Kru agricultural difficulties are further compounded by deplorable roads linking farming communities to major markets.
For Grand Kru farmers, improved roads could mean more than easier transportation. They could reduce the cost of moving agricultural products, improve access to markets and create incentives for farmers to increase production.
