From Division to Cooperation: Farming Initiative Unites Communities in Zuo Town, Gbarpolu County

Over recent months, the Danakiayou Farmers Group, in Zuo Town, has undergone a remarkable transformation. Formerly fragmented by social and economic challenges, the community has come together through a World Food Programme (WFP) peacebuilding and resilience-building initiative supported by the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund. This week marked a significant milestone as the group began harvesting four hectares of cassava cultivated under the project.

The initiative has gone beyond agricultural production. Through a combination of training, farming tools, and food-for-assets support, it has strengthened livelihoods while rebuilding trust, cooperation, and social cohesion among community members.

One of the most impactful outcomes has been the establishment of a Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA). The group has mobilized savings exceeding LRD 200,000, excluding funds currently issued as loans to members. For many women, this represents their first access to formal savings and credit, enabling them to support household needs, invest in small enterprises, and improve financial security. As one beneficiary noted, “Now I can access money when I need it.”

Peacebuilding efforts have also been institutionalized through the formation of a community-based conflict resolution committee, which mediates disputes and supports peaceful cooperation as members work collectively. This locally driven mechanism highlights how peacebuilding can be integrated into everyday community life and sustained over time.

The harvest marked another milestone with the facilitation of direct market access. Through WFP’s Home Grown School Feeding Programme, a cooperative purchased the freshly harvested cassava on site—boosting farmers’ incomes while contributing to the supply of nutritious food for schoolchildren.

To enhance sustainability and value addition, WFP also provided the group with a cassava processing machine, enabling the production of super gari and opening pathways to new market opportunities.

From division to unity, and from subsistence to opportunity, the Danakiayou Farmers Group demonstrates how targeted peacebuilding and livelihood interventions can foster resilience, economic empowerment, and lasting social cohesion. The initiative stands as a practical example of peacebuilding in action—community-driven, inclusive, and sustainable.