…As the US and China Commit to Support Liberia’s Agriculture Sector
By: G Bennie Bravo Johnson I
Liberia’s President Joseph Nyumah Boakai has pledged that his government will fulfill the promises made during national events. He emphasized his commitment to advancing policies and programs that prioritize agriculture and ensure sustainable development for future generations. “Whatever you will hear, you will see it. As Chief Executive of the nation and a farmer myself, I am committed to advancing policies and programs that prioritize agriculture, empower our citizens, and ensure sustainable development for generations to come,” President Boakai declared.
During the official opening of the 2024 National Agriculture Fair on Friday, December 6, 2024, President Boakai reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling the ongoing challenges that impede agricultural progress in Liberia. “Today, as we officially open this Fair, we celebrate our farmers, their innovations, and their dedication. Even more so, we commit ourselves to addressing the persistent challenges that hinder our agricultural progress,” he stated.
He highlighted that his administration’s ARREST Agenda is built on five pillars: Agriculture, Roads, Rural Laws, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism. Agriculture serves as the cornerstone of this agenda, central to achieving food security and improving livelihoods throughout Liberia.
The President went on to explain that the National Agriculture Development Plan (NADP 2024–2030) outlines a roadmap for transforming the agricultural sector, with a strong emphasis on enhancing smallholder productivity. He noted that specific efforts will be directed toward expanding value chains to connect farmers with markets and building climate resilience in agriculture.
Furthermore, the President revealed that under the NADP, his administration aims to boost the productivity of critical crops such as rice, cassava, cocoa, and vegetables. He disclosed plans to mechanize farming, provide essential inputs and support for poultry, and modernize infrastructure to ensure the sector thrives. He emphasized that these efforts align with the global agenda of eradicating hunger and poverty by 2030, as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Liberia is firmly committed to the goals of reducing hunger and malnutrition by supporting sustainable food systems, promoting gender equity by empowering women in farming and fostering partnerships to mobilize resources for agricultural development. We also endeavor to create an agriculture bank to ensure funding for farmers. I therefore urge all stakeholders to play their part to ensure the actualization of this shared vision. The clarion call of this Fair is clear: ‘Liberians Feed Yourselves.’”
The Liberian leader pointed out that for many years, Liberians have depended on imports to satisfy their food needs, asserting that it is time for a change in this dependency. “Far too long, we have relied on imported food to meet our food needs. This has to change. Liberia has fertile soil, abundant resources, and industrious people. It is high time that we pull ourselves together and harness these assets to feed ourselves and build an agriculture-driven economy,” he urged.
President Boakai also called on stakeholders and international partners to participate in the transformation of Liberia’s agriculture sector. He emphasized that the 2024 National Agriculture Fair is not merely an event but a call to action, serving as a reminder of the collective responsibility to build a resilient agricultural sector capable of meeting Liberia’s food security, nutrition, and development needs.
“We all acknowledge that development requires collaboration. I summon the attention of all stakeholders and, in the same breath, extend an open hand to our international partners, private sector players, and financial institutions to join us in transforming Liberia’s agriculture sector.” “This year’s National Agriculture Fair is not just an event; it is a call to action. It is a reminder of the collective responsibility we share in building a resilient agricultural sector capable of meeting our food security, nutrition, and development needs,” he added.
The Liberian leader concluded by stating that the journey to food security begins with a single step, starting with a farmer planting a seed, followed by government investment in agriculture, and culminating in community support for local production. “Let us rise to this occasion. Let us work together to ensure that Liberia feeds itself, nourishes its people, and sustains its development for generations to come,” he urged.
Simultaneously, the U.S. Government, represented by the Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy near Monrovia, Catheter Rodriguez, reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing Liberia’s agriculture sector. “I want to reaffirm the United States’ commitment to partnering with Liberia to grow a sustainable and vibrant agriculture sector,” Rodriguez stated.
She explained that this commitment is supported by the collaborative efforts of various U.S. agencies working in Liberia. “This commitment is backed by the collaborative efforts of the multiple U.S. Government agencies working in Liberia,” she noted. Rodriguez emphasized that Liberia is a “Feed the Future” country, allowing the United States to provide resources, training, and tools to help smallholders increase their income. She further explained that U.S. assistance aims to empower farmers to feed their families, support their communities, and contribute to Liberia’s future.
Rodriguez highlighted that U.S.-Liberia relations have evolved from aid to trade. “Through U.S. assistance, Liberia’s palm oil is now a feature among U.S. market products, with hundreds of tons set to be exported to the United States next year. This is the future of agriculture that drives economic growth and showcases Liberia’s potential.”
Meanwhile, Ambassador Yin Chinwu of the People’s Republic of China also reaffirmed China’s commitment to improving Liberia’s agriculture sector. Ambassador Yin stated that to enhance the agricultural sector, China will fulfill the promises made to President Boakai during the FALCAS summit. “To improve agriculture, China is going to deliver on the promises made to President Boakai during the FALCAS summit,” Ambassador Yin affirmed.
