The Kwakesor United Women’s Group, based in Beadatuo, Liberia, has grown into a thriving farmer-based organization (FBO), sparked by the vision of parents of 4-H members and supported by the 4-H advisor at Beadatuo Public School. The idea for the group originated during a farmer field school, led by the 4-H field officer, where parents were taught and inspired by new farming techniques, decided to organize themselves into a cooperative.

Starting with 25 members in its first year, the group grew to 30 members by the second year. Their early harvests included vegetables, dry-season corn, and lowland rice during the rainy season. The group’s success has been largely credited to the agricultural techniques they learned through the 4-H program, such as raised bed preparation and proper crop spacing for vegetables like cabbage, which significantly improved their yields. Their decision to plant dry-season corn in the lowland—something many local farmers thought impossible—showcased their dedication to test new ideas.

The name “Kwakesor,” which means “let’s do it well” in the Gio language, reflects the group’s guiding principles. As their farming efforts expanded, the group’s vegetable farm grew to 500 square meters, while their rice farm now spans over an acre in the swampy lowlands near the village. Their success has attracted more members, especially women, who recognize the advantages of adopting the modern farming techniques taught through the 4-H Club. After successfully testing the new 4-H innovations as a group, many have taken the new practices back to their home farms to increase production and livelihood for their families.