From Chemicals to Sustainability: Jubah Jackson’s Organic Farming Journey

In Sergeant Kollie Town (SKT), Suakoko District, Bong County, Jubah Jackson has always been a hardworking farmer. As a founding member of the women’s advocacy group Women for Peace and Justice, she believed in the power of agriculture to sustain her family and uplift her community. For years, she cultivated cucumbers, greens, and cabbage, determined to provide fresh food for her customers.

Like many farmers in Liberia, Jubah faced increasing challenges. She had been introduced to chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which promised higher yields. At first, she embraced the practice, hoping it would improve her harvests and boost her income. However, over time, she began noticing a troubling pattern—her crops, though abundant, lacked the rich taste and quality that customers expected. Many buyers complained, saying the vegetables didn’t taste as natural as they used to. Worse still, she realized she was spending a large portion of her earnings on purchasing these expensive chemicals, leaving little room for other farm investments.

Jubah’s turning point came when she was selected to participate in ActionAid’s Peer-to-Peer Learning and Sharing Experience Scheme in Gbarnga City, Bong County. During this training, she met Jackson Bee, a beneficiary of the SPAC project under ActionAid Liberia, and a facilitator from Liberia Agriculture Without Borders, who introduced her group to the concept of organic biopesticides. Jackson explained how farmers could produce their natural pesticides using locally available materials like neem leaves, garlic, and pepper. These organic alternatives were not only safer for crops but also more environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

For Jubah, this knowledge was a revelation. She returned home with a renewed vision and immediately put what she learned into practice. She began producing her organic biopesticides, eliminating the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Within months, she saw remarkable changes; her vegetables were healthier, tastier, and more appealing to customers.

The impact of this shift extended beyond her farm. 

"Since I started producing organic biopesticides, the money I used to spend on chemicals now goes towards expanding my farm and improving my family’s well-being." 

Jubah proudly shared. Her reputation as an organic farmer grew, and instead of struggling to sell her produce at the market, customers started coming directly to her farm. Some even traveled from neighboring districts, covering transportation costs just to buy her vegetables. "I feel relieved and happy when customers praise my crops, saying they are different from most of what’s available in the market," she added with a smile.

Jubah’s story is a powerful example of how sustainable agricultural practices can build resilience against climate change. Liberia, like many other African nations, is experiencing unpredictable weather patterns, soil degradation, and food security challenges due to climate change. The overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has further worsened these conditions, harming soil health and biodiversity.

Through organic farming, Jubah has not only improved the quality of her crops but has also strengthened her farm’s ability to withstand harsh climatic conditions. Organic biopesticides enrich the soil, improve water retention, and promote natural pest control which contributes to long-term sustainability. By adopting these methods, Jubah is no longer dependent on costly external inputs, making her farm more resilient and economically stable.

Recognizing the importance of knowledge-sharing, Jubah has taken it upon herself to train other local farmers in organic pesticide production. She has become an advocate for climate-smart agriculture, encouraging more farmers to transition to organic practices. "If more of us learn these methods, we can improve our health, protect the environment, and save money," she emphasized.

Jubah’s transformation is a testament to the power of grassroots initiatives like ActionAid’s Peer-to-Peer Learning and Sharing Experience Scheme. However, she believes more can be done. She is calling on ActionAid and other partners to expand awareness and training on organic farming across Liberia. "If we increase awareness, more farmers will embrace this method, and our food system will become healthier and more sustainable," she said.

As climate change continues to threaten food production in Liberia, Jubah’s journey serves as an inspiring example of resilience and innovation. Her farm is not just a source of income. It is a beacon of hope, showing that sustainable agriculture is possible, profitable, and essential for the future. Through knowledge-sharing, community empowerment, and the support from ActionAid, farmers like Jubah are proving that organic farming is not just a choice, it is the key to a more resilient and food-secure Liberia.