About
At the heart of Gahiza Farms are two people who believe strongly in the power of home, family, hard work and agriculture.
Deo & Joanna Gahiza
Founders
The People Behind Gahiza
Agriculture has always been close to Deo's heart. He grew up in Liberia on his parents' poultry, cattle and vegetable farms, with his father working as an animal husbandry expert. When Liberia's civil war forced the family to leave, they moved to Ghana, where his father went on to manage one of the country's largest poultry operations.
Years later, Deo built a career in Canada, studying Computer Information Systems before working in information technology, real estate and entrepreneurship. But Liberia remained close to his heart.
In 2018, Deo and Joanna began seriously exploring opportunities to invest in Africa and eventually return home. Their decision ultimately led them back to agriculture and, in 2019, to the establishment of Gahiza Farms in Margibi County, Liberia.
Why Agriculture?
When we began thinking about returning home, we wanted to build something that could provide for our family while also creating opportunities for other Liberians.
Agriculture felt like the natural answer.
Our experiences in Ghana had shown us the power of agriculture to support families, create businesses and contribute to an entire economy. We saw the opportunity for Liberia to build more value from its own agricultural potential.
Liberian-Owned
At the heart of Gahiza Farms are two people who believe strongly in the power of home, family, hard work and agriculture.
From An Idea To An Agricultural Enterprise
We began with cocoa in 2020, after extensive research and guidance from agricultural technicians from Côte d'Ivoire who helped us assess the soil, develop cultivation practices and establish our cocoa nursery.
What began as a vision has grown into a diversified agricultural operation. Today, our activities include cocoa, plantain, pawpaw, chili peppers, country chickens, guinea fowl, goats and fish.
We are continuing to develop Gahiza Farms with a long-term vision of expanding into additional agricultural commodities, processing and other parts of the agricultural value chain.
OUR COMMITMENT TO THE LAND
We want to leave the land better than we found it. Our experience has shown us that agriculture and the environment cannot be separated. That is why we are committed to sustainable agriculture, climate-smart farming, agroforestry, reforestation, responsible water management, soil conservation and responsible land management. We want productive farms surrounded by healthy trees, protected water resources and restored landscapes.
Liberian-Owned
OUR COMMITMENT TO PEOPLE
Creating Jobs:
Providing employment and income opportunities for people from surrounding communities.
Empowering Women:
Creating opportunities for women to develop skills, earn income and build economic independence.
Protecting Children:
Maintaining responsible labour practices and protecting children from unlawful and hazardous agricultural work.