As a way of investing in farmers in Liberia, President Joseph N. Boakai has disclosed plans to create an agriculture bank in the country to ensure local farmers have access to funding.
Speaking Friday, December 6, 2024 at the National Agriculture Fair in Margibi County, held under the theme, “Promoting Agriculture for Food Security, Nutrition, and Sustainable Development,” Boakai urged all stakeholders to play their part to ensure the actualization of the shared vision.
According to him, the clarion call of the agriculture fair is clear, “Liberians, Feed Yourself.” He said for far too long, the country has relied on imports to meet their food needs but this must change.
Boakai said Liberia has fertile soil, abundant resources, and industrious people. It is high time that citizens pull themselves together and harness the assets to feed and build an agriculture-driven economy.
He indicated that taking into account the demographics of the country, the government is prioritizing youth participation in agriculture; in collaborating with partners and stakeholders, it aims at creating opportunities for young people in the sector.
The president said particular efforts will be directed to expanding value chains to connect farmers to markets and build climate resilience in agriculture.
According to him, this year’s National Agriculture Fair is not just an event; it is a call to action, a reminder of the collective responsibility the nation shares in building a resilient agricultural sector capable of meeting the food security, nutrition, and development needs.
“Today, as we officially open this Fair, we celebrate our farmers, their innovations, and their dedication. Even more so, we recommit ourselves to addressing the persistent challenges that hinder our agricultural progress,” he said.
Boakai said the ARREST Agenda of his administration is grounded in five pillars, naming Agriculture, Roads, Rural of Laws, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism. Agriculture, being the cornerstone, is central to achieving food security and improving livelihoods across Liberia.
He said in line with the ARREST, the National Agriculture Development Plan (NADP 2024–2030) provides a roadmap for transforming the sector, with much focus on enhancing smallholder productivity.
Under the NADP, the President said that his government aims to boost the productivity of critical crops like rice, cassava, cocoa, and vegetables; adding, “We are also working to mechanize farming, provide inputs and support, poultry, and modernize infrastructure to ensure the sector thrives.”
He said the country 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.
”To you our young farmers present today, I say take yourselves as the future of agriculture in Liberia. Be assured that the Government will continue to support you with training, funding, and resources including the use of appropriate technology to help you succeed in this noble mission,” he said.
He at the same time expressed profound gratitude to hardworking farmers who continue to provide for the nation, and applauded partners and stakeholders whose support has been instrumental in advancing Liberia’s agricultural sector.
By Prince Saah
