CAREYSBURG, Montserrado County –President Joseph Nyuma Boakai at a handover ceremony of 304 pieces of agricultural machinery donated by the Government and People of the People’s Republic of China to Liberia said although his administration was not responsible for the country’s past failures, it has an obligation to address existing challenges and ensure that citizens benefit from practical development initiatives.

By J.H. Webster Clayeh websterclayeh@frontpageafricaonline.com

“We are not responsible for the past. Our promise is to ensure that you have them now,” the President said, emphasizing that Liberians deserve practical solutions rather than continued excuses.

He cautioned officials, particularly those at the Ministry of Agriculture, to prioritize agriculture as a major driver of national development and ensure that the donated equipment is made accessible to farmers across the country.

The Liberian leader urged the Ministry to ensure that the machinery is operated by qualified technicians, warning against establishing agricultural facilities in counties without the necessary equipment and trained personnel to make them functional.

He stressed that the value of development assistance should be measured by the results it produces rather than the ceremonies organized to receive it.

“When people give you gifts, the appreciation is not ceremonial; it is for them to see results,” President Boakai said.

President Boakai further cautioned the Ministry against limiting its engagements to theoretical discussions, urging officials to focus on practical interventions that would make agriculture more productive and viable.

“I have lived long enough to listen to plenty talk; but what I want to see is action,” he noted.

The President also reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding relationship with China, praising Beijing for its continued cooperation and support across several development sectors.

He expressed gratitude to Chinese President Xi Jinping and Ambassador Yin Chengwu, describing China as a dependable partner in Liberia’s development efforts.

China Reaffirms Support for Agricultural Development

Chinese Ambassador to Liberia Yin Chengwu reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s agricultural development, pledging continued cooperation in modernizing the sector, strengthening food security and improving farmers’ livelihoods.

Ambassador Yin said China remains prepared to work with Liberia in advancing agricultural mechanization, sharing technical expertise and providing capacity-building opportunities as the country seeks to transform its agricultural sector.

He described the handover as an important initiative through which both countries are working together to promote agricultural modernization and achieve shared development objectives.

The Chinese envoy emphasized that agriculture remains fundamental to national security and socioeconomic development, noting that improvements in the sector are directly connected to food security, public welfare, social stability and national growth.

He commended President Boakai for placing agriculture at the forefront of his administration’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, describing the priority given to the sector as evidence of the Liberian leader’s commitment to agricultural transformation.

Ambassador Yin also acknowledged the Ministry of Agriculture for its role in advancing the country’s agricultural development, noting that recent efforts have contributed to addressing hunger, strengthening food security and promoting sustainable development.

Drawing from China’s development experience, Yin said his country had consistently prioritized agriculture, rural development and farmers’ welfare through its annual Central No. 1 Document.

He noted that China’s agricultural transformation and poverty-reduction efforts had helped lift more than 800 million people out of poverty, providing valuable lessons for developing countries seeking sustainable economic growth.

“As a partner, China is willing to enhance agricultural development and poverty reduction experience sharing and exchanges with Liberia,” he said.

Ministry Establishes 13 Mechanization Hubs

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah described the donation as a significant milestone in Liberia’s efforts to transform its agricultural sector, increase productivity and strengthen food security.

“The 304 agricultural machines that are handed over today represent more than a generous contribution. 

They symbolize a shared commitment to modernizing Liberia’s agriculture, increasing productivity, strengthening food security, and creating economic opportunities for our people,” Minister Nuetah said.

He disclosed that the Ministry of Agriculture has established 13 mechanization hubs across Bong, Nimba, Lofa, Margibi, Montserrado and Bomi counties to make agricultural machinery services more accessible to farmers.

According to the Minister, the Ministry is working with the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) to develop a private-sector management arrangement aimed at ensuring the efficient operation of the facilities and providing affordable services to farmers.

Minister Nuetah also announced that 130 Liberians, mostly young people, have been selected for a 40-day training program in agricultural machinery operation and maintenance.

He said six Chinese specialists would provide technical support during the training, which is intended to equip beneficiaries with the skills required to operate and maintain the donated equipment.

The Minister noted that the initiative aligns with the National Agriculture Development Plan (2024–2030) and the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.

He joined President Boakai in expressing gratitude to the Chinese Government for the donation, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to expanding mechanization hubs to the remaining nine counties.

Minister Nuetah said the expansion would begin in Southeastern Liberia to ensure that farmers across the country benefit from the government’s agricultural mechanization initiative.

China-Liberia Agricultural Cooperation Dates Back to 2006

Agricultural cooperation between Liberia and China dates back to 2006, when Beijing began providing significant assistance to Liberia’s agricultural sector.

Following Liberia’s civil conflict, China provided approximately US$1 million worth of agricultural tools and equipment to support efforts to revitalize local food production.

The assistance included farming tools, tractors, rice milling machines, water pumps and other agricultural supplies.

Another major milestone in the bilateral partnership was the establishment of the China-Aided Agricultural Technology Demonstration Center at the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) in Suakoko, Bong County.

Following the signing of an agreement in March 2008, the nearly US$6 million facility was officially handed over in July 2010 to promote agricultural research, mechanization, technology transfer and capacity-building.

The partnership was further strengthened in June 2024 through a Memorandum of Understanding on Agricultural Cooperation, paving the way for expanded collaboration between the two countries.

The latest donation of 304 pieces of agricultural machinery represents another significant step in China’s support for Liberia’s agricultural modernization efforts.

Monrovia — Liberia’s ambitious journey toward agricultural modernization and national food self-sufficiency has received another significant boost as the Ministry of Agriculture, under the leadership of Hon. Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah and his team of Deputy Ministers, receives the final consignment of agricultural machinery donated by the People’s Republic of China. 

The shipment, comprising 42 containers of agricultural machinery, arrived at the Freeport of Monrovia, marking another important milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to transform Liberia’s agricultural sector through mechanization, improved productivity, and strengthened international cooperation.

According to the Ministry, the first 15 containers are being moved from the Freeport today, while the remaining 27 containers are expected to be moved in the coming days.  

Strengthening Liberia’s Agricultural Transformation

The arrival of the machinery represents another step in the Ministry’s broader efforts to transition Liberia’s agricultural sector from predominantly traditional farming practices toward more modern, productive, and commercially viable agricultural systems.

Under Minister Nuetah’s leadership, supported by his team of Deputy Ministers and technical professionals, the Ministry continues to pursue initiatives aimed at improving agricultural productivity, strengthening food security, supporting farmers, and reducing the country’s dependence on imported food.

The Chinese-donated machinery is expected to contribute to these objectives by strengthening the country’s agricultural mechanization capacity and supporting efforts to improve farming efficiency.

Leadership, Partnerships, and Progress

The latest consignment also highlights the importance of international partnerships in supporting Liberia’s agricultural development agenda.

The Government of China’s contribution reflects continued cooperation between Liberia and China in advancing agricultural development, technology transfer, and food production.

For Minister Nuetah and his leadership team, the arrival of the equipment represents an opportunity to translate international development cooperation into practical support for Liberia’s farming communities.

As the Ministry continues implementing its agricultural transformation agenda, attention will increasingly focus on ensuring that modern farming equipment becomes accessible to farmers and contributes meaningfully to increased domestic food production.

Advancing the Vision of a Food-Secure Liberia

Agriculture remains central to Liberia’s economic development, rural livelihoods, employment creation, and national food security.

The Ministry’s continued emphasis on mechanization is particularly important in addressing longstanding challenges associated with low agricultural productivity, limited access to modern farming equipment, and dependence on labour-intensive cultivation methods.

With the arrival of this final consignment, the Ministry has taken another important step toward strengthening the resources available to support agricultural modernization.

The milestone reinforces the Ministry of Agriculture’s commitment, under Minister J. Alexander Nuetah and his team of Deputy Ministers, to building a more productive, competitive, resilient, and food-secure Liberia.

As the machinery moves from the Freeport of Monrovia, the next critical phase will involve its deployment and effective utilization to support farmers and agricultural production across the country.

For Liberia, the arrival of these 42 containers represents more than the delivery of agricultural equipment; it signals another opportunity to turn the country’s agricultural potential into measurable progress toward national food self-sufficiency.

Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah outlined the Ministry of Agriculture’s ongoing efforts to expand opportunities for young Liberians through skills training, employment, entrepreneurship and agricultural innovation as the Government prepares a new generation to drive Liberia’s agricultural transformation.

Speaking Thursday, October 29  at the inauguration of Nimba University’s Third Student Council Government, Minister Nuetah challenged young people to look beyond traditional employment and explore the growing opportunities in modern agriculture.

“We want graduates who do not merely seek employment in agriculture but create agricultural enterprises, develop technologies, provide mechanization services and generate employment for others,” he  stated.

The Minister highlighted ongoing training for 130 Liberians at the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) in Bong County, where participants are gaining practical skills in operating and maintaining agricultural machinery to support 13 mechanization hubs across six counties.

The training comes as the Ministry prepares to deploy over 300 pieces of agricultural machinery and equipment donated by the Government of the People’s Republic of China to improve land preparation, increase food production, and reduce farmers’ dependence on manual labor.

The mechanization initiative is also expected to create technical employment and entrepreneurship opportunities while improving farmers’ access to machinery services.

Minister Nuetah also disclosed plans to recruit 384 additional Liberians across all 15 counties to strengthen agricultural advisory services.

The proposed recruitment, which includes specialist and clan-level technical positions, remains subject to the necessary budgetary, recruitment and administrative approvals.

At Nimba University, the Minister highlighted the Ministry’s investment of more than US$198,000 in a Model Piggery Farm and Livestock Farmers Field School Platform, established to strengthen practical training, research and climate-smart livestock production.

He challenged the University to develop the facility into a center of excellence for livestock research and development, building on the Ministry’s wider collaboration with eight universities and communities to prepare young Liberians for careers in agriculture.

Speaking on the theme:, “Leadership Is Service: Empowering Students to Shape Liberia’s Future,” Minister Nuetah drew on his experience as a student leader in Liberia and China to encourage the newly inducted officials to embrace integrity, unity and accountability.

“Your position is temporary, but your character is not,” he reminded them.

He urged the student leadership to prioritize practical solutions over promises and measure success by improvements in student welfare rather than the number of announced projects.

Concluding his address, Minister Nuetah challenged young Liberians to use their education, creativity, and skills to contribute to national development.

“To every young Liberian, I leave you with this challenge: Don’t just prepare to inherit the future. Prepare to shape it,” he declared.

The Ministry’s efforts to deepen youth and women’s participation in agriculture will continue with the upcoming Liberia National Youth and Women in Agriculture Conference (LNYWAC) 2026, scheduled for early December in Bong County.

The conference will bring together young people and women from all 15 counties to share their experiences, discuss challenges related to access to land, financing, technology, extension services and markets and contribute ideas to expand opportunities in agriculture.

Monrovia – A new investigation released Friday warns that a “cocoa rush” spilling across the border from Côte d’Ivoire is driving deforestation into Liberia’s protected forests, and that the encroachment, though still at an early stage, could repeat the devastation already seen on the Ivorian side if left unchecked.

The report, produced by Fern, a Brussels-based NGO that campaigns on forests and EU forest policy, in collaboration with Liberian NGO Save My Future Foundation (SAMFU) and Ivorian NGO l’Association Initiatives pour le Développement communautaire et la conservation de la Forêt (IDEF), focuses on the Taï–Grebo-Krahn landscape, which straddles both countries and forms one of the largest remaining blocks of the Upper Guinean Forest, a globally significant biodiversity hotspot.

Field teams carried out the investigation between May and July 2026, shortly after a sharp fall in global cocoa prices at the end of 2025. Despite the price drop, investigators found that deforestation pressure remained high.

Depleted Soils Driving Farmers Across the Border

According to the report, depleted soils and land scarcity in Côte d’Ivoire have pushed cocoa cultivation into Grand Gedeh and neighbouring counties, including protected areas where land clearing and farming are illegal. The expansion has brought a substantial influx of migrant labourers, mainly from Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso.

Declining cocoa productivity in Côte d’Ivoire, combined with limited livelihood opportunities in Liberia, is sustaining the expansion into forested areas, including national parks, the report says. It warns that the long-term trend is for deforestation in Côte d’Ivoire to shift into Liberia, “potentially with equally devastating consequences.”

The investigation describes cocoa expansion, migration, land governance and cross-border trade as parts of “a single transnational system.” It found evidence of a structured network linking labour recruitment, land allocation, farm establishment and cocoa marketing across national borders.

‘No Problem, There’s Plenty of Forest’

The report notes that many people in affected communities do not see the expansion as a threat. One elder in Garleo, Liberia, told investigators: “no problem, there’s plenty of forest,” adding that “if animals aren’t comfortable here they can go [to neighbouring counties].”

Investigators found that forest land is often allocated to people who sponsor migrants to travel, promising them work on cocoa farms. The land is handed over through weak verbal agreements, while unclear boundaries between community land and protected areas create openings for encroachment and disputes.

The report cautions that relying solely on enforcement of forest, land and immigration laws is unlikely to work unless accompanied by stronger land governance, livelihood support and infrastructure development.

EU Rules Raise the Stakes

The findings come as Liberia’s cocoa sector faces growing international scrutiny. The European Union, which imports most of the world’s cocoa, will begin enforcing its Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) in 2027, banning cocoa linked to deforestation after 2020 or produced in violation of the producing country’s laws. The United Kingdom is expected to introduce similar legislation.

The report says this creates “a large economic incentive” for governments, companies and smallholders to ensure cocoa is deforestation-free and respects human rights. It also flags significant traceability challenges for governments, exporters and buyers trying to prove their supply chains are clean.

In Liberia, SAMFU’s team researched the north-west section of Grebo-Krahn National Park, the adjoining Konobo Community Forest and nearby farming communities. In Côte d’Ivoire, IDEF worked in communities around Taï and at Cavally River crossing points near Tempo. Interviewees included chiefs, women’s and youth leaders, farmers, security personnel and Granex, a major cocoa trader operating in Liberia. All were anonymised for safety reasons.

Fern, which marked its 30th anniversary in 2025, has long pressed for stronger EU forest protections, policies it says are now under concerted attack in Europe.

What Liberia Is Being Urged to Do

The report calls on the Government of Liberia to:

• Join international initiatives: Partner with countries implementing the African Regional Standard for Sustainable Cocoa (ARS 1000) and the EU Sustainable Cocoa Initiative.
• Enhance cross-border tracking: Strengthen a joint Liberia–Côte d’Ivoire monitoring mechanism for cocoa expansion, migration, and cross-border trade.
• Improve institutional coordination: Better the coordination among land, forestry, protected-area, agriculture, immigration, customs, and mining authorities.
• Map boundaries clearly: Better demarcate and publicise protected-area boundaries.
• Accelerate land reforms: Advance customary land reforms, including participatory mapping, community land governance committees, and land title registration.
• Target enforcement: Prioritise enforcement efforts in cocoa expansion hotspots around Grebo-Krahn National Park.
• Deploy technology: Use satellite and remote sensing tools to monitor at-risk areas.
• Update management plans: Integrate cocoa and mining risks into protected-area management plans.

The report also urges the EU and UK to support deforestation-free cocoa supply chains and inclusive dialogue, stressing that encroachment in Liberia “can still be stopped” if governance and traceability gaps are addressed through long-term cooperation between the two countries.

Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah has vehemently rejected allegations that the Ministry of Agriculture is repackaging imported rice as locally produced rice and engaging in irregular cattle procurement practices, describing the claims as unfounded.

By Augustus D.R Bortue-augustusd.rbortue@frontpageafricaonline.com  

Speaking to  journalists, Minister Nuetah responded to allegations by Nimba County Electoral District #5 Representative Kortor Sehwongbay Kwagrue that the Ministry was importing rice from China and presenting it as Liberian-grown rice.

“We are not in the business of selling rice. Why should we be interested in repackaging rice for the public?” he questioned.

The Minister suggested that the allegations may have arisen from improvements in the quality and packaging of locally produced rice.

“The quality of the rice that our people produce, our processors, is equally as good as the imported rice,” he emphasized.

Minister Nuetah explained that the Ministry began purchasing paddy rice from local farmers after they repeatedly complained that they had no market for their produce.

The rice is processed and packaged locally, giving farmers a buyer while supporting Liberian rice processors.

He identified five Liberian rice brands: Gbedin Rice and Dan Rice from Nimba County; Selma Rice and Foya Queen from Lofa County; and I Love Liberian Rice, produced by CHAP in Montserrado County.

According to the Minister, Mohamed Kamara, a processor based in Foya, Lofa County, is among the suppliers contracted to process and package locally purchased rice.

 He also disclosed that a major rice importer recently requested 1,000 bags of Liberian rice.

The Minister further revealed that the Ministry’s Smallholder Agriculture Transformation and Agribusiness Revitalization Project (STAR-P) facilitated the provision of about 500,000 empty branded rice bags to support local rice processors and improve the packaging and marketing of Liberian rice.

To substantiate his explanation, Minister Nuetah offered journalists access to supply contracts and encouraged them to visit processing facilities and speak directly with farmers and suppliers.

Addressing separate allegations concerning the procurement of 200 cattle, the Minister denied having any personal or business relationship with the contractor.

“I don’t get involved with processes. The procurement director is there,” he stated, explaining that the bidding and evaluation were conducted through the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) system.

Minister Nuetah confirmed that cattle had been delivered to the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) and Grand Kru County.

He acknowledged that 24 animals died but said the contractor accepted responsibility for replacing them.

According to him, the supplier later delivered two additional batches of 40 cattle each to Grand Kru County, where county authorities received them.

He also denied allegations that cattle intended for Grand Kru County had been diverted to his wife’s family community.

Reaffirming his willingness to have the allegations independently examined, Minister Nuetah invited journalists to review procurement records and contact the Ministry’s suppliers.

“You can ask for our vendor registry. They have the contracts we signed this year. Take the contact information, call each and every one of them,” he stated.

The Minister maintained that the Ministry remains committed to supporting Liberian farmers, expanding domestic food production, and strengthening the country’s agricultural sector.

MONROVIA — The Ministry of Agriculture(MOA), in collaboration with the Society for the Conservation of Nature Liberia (SCNL) and other partners, has convened a national workshop to validate findings from Liberia’s first national honeybee survey, aimed at establishing baseline data to guide the development of the country’s beekeeping industry.

By Francis G. Boayue

The validation workshop held over the weekend brought together stakeholders in agriculture, beekeeping and conservation to review the survey findings, identify challenges facing honey producers, and recommend measures to strengthen production, improve market access, and promote sustainable beekeeping practices.

The survey covers Liberia’s 15 counties and seeks to establish baseline information on the number and distribution of beekeepers, honey production trends, harvesting methods, and the marketing of honey products.

Austin G. Yeanay, Director of Extension at the Ministry of Agriculture, welcomed participants and expressed optimism that the findings would provide useful information to advance the sector.

Yeanay acknowledged that the survey process had faced delays but said the information gathered from the field would provide a basis for discussions and further action. He encouraged participants to carefully review the findings and contribute to deliberations that would help move the beekeeping sector forward.

Cecil S. Wilson, Country Director of Universal Outreach, said the survey presented an opportunity to understand the current state of beekeeping in Liberia, particularly in areas where organizations have supported the activity for several years.

Wilson, who said he had spent 14 years working in Liberia, noted that the initiative would help stakeholders assess developments in the sector and identify barriers to its growth.

He urged participants to pay close attention to the findings and provide meaningful contributions to ensure the final report accurately reflects the realities of beekeeping across the country.

Michael E. Taire, Program Manager of SCNL, described the survey as significant, noting that Liberia had not previously conducted a national assessment of honey production.

According to Taire, the findings will establish a baseline against which future changes in the number of beekeepers, production levels, and market participation can be measured.

He explained that the survey examines the number of farmers engaged in honeybee production, their geographic distribution, harvesting practices and the plant species that attract bees.

The assessment also considers how beekeepers process, package and market their products, including whether they sell locally or supply supermarkets and other larger markets.

Taire said the information would help stakeholders determine whether honey production is increasing or declining and identify opportunities to improve the competitiveness of Liberian honey.

He added that the findings could inform strategies to expand market access and explore opportunities for exporting Liberian honey to other countries.

The initiative is supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) through the Apimondia program, with the Ministry of Agriculture taking the lead in collaboration with SCNL and other organizations involved in beekeeping development.

Other partners identified during the workshop included the Wild Chimpanzee Foundation, Samaritan’s Purse, Universal Outreach, and the Association of Beekeepers of Liberia. The names and roles of participating organizations will need confirmation before publication.

Beyond agricultural production, Taire said beekeeping also contributes to environmental conservation because honeybees depend on flowering plants, including those found in forests and agricultural areas.

He encouraged communities, particularly those living near forest areas, to embrace beekeeping while protecting forests and planting trees that provide suitable habitats and food sources for bees.

According to him, maintaining healthy forest ecosystems can support honey production while advancing broader conservation efforts. The validated report is expected to provide the Ministry of Agriculture and its partners with information to guide interventions, address challenges confronting beekeepers, and strengthen the development of Liberia’s honey production industry.

The organization cites grassroots rice-farming initiatives in Grand Cape Mount County and raises concerns over an agricultural proposal it says has gone unanswered for about a year.

By Patience Jones

Monrovia — The OMNIA Institute for Contextual Leadership–Liberia is urging the government and its agricultural partners to ensure that investments aimed at reducing food insecurity reach community farmers already working to increase local food production.

The organization’s appeal follows reports that the Liberian Government is seeking US$243 million in investment to boost domestic rice production and reduce the country’s dependence on imported rice.

While welcoming efforts to mobilize resources for agriculture, OMNIA Liberia said securing investment commitments alone would not guarantee food security unless existing community-led initiatives receive the technical, financial and material support needed to expand production.

In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, William U.B. Lloyd Jr., the organization said local farmers were already organizing, cultivating and developing practical responses to food insecurity despite limited resources.

It argued that government agricultural policies and large-scale investment plans should complement these grassroots efforts rather than overlook the communities already contributing to domestic food production.

Community Farmers Take the Lead

Through its Interfaith Peacemaker (IP) Teams, OMNIA Liberia works with communities to address shared challenges through collective action and locally driven initiatives.

In Gohn and Bambala in Grand Cape Mount County, the organization said its teams have been mobilizing farmers and supporting a transition from upland farming to lowland rice cultivation.

Similar initiatives are underway in Blamacee, where community-led agricultural activities are intended to increase food production and farmers’ incomes while reducing pressure on forests associated with slash-and-burn farming practices.

In Gohn, approximately 54 farmers directly involved with the IP Team are working across six hectares of land under a lowland rice cultivation initiative.

According to OMNIA Liberia, the project has involved soil testing, agricultural training, engagement with the Ministry of Agriculture and the development of local infrastructure to support farming activities.

The organization described the initiative as an example of what communities can achieve through collective action, even when access to resources is limited.

However, it warned that such initiatives could struggle to reach their full potential without stronger institutional support and partnerships that respond to farmers’ practical needs.

Organization Raises Concern Over Unanswered Proposal

OMNIA Liberia said it had previously submitted proposals seeking assistance for community farming initiatives and facilitated visits by Ministry of Agriculture representatives to project sites.

However, the organization reported that a proposal submitted approximately one year ago had yet to receive a substantive response.

The statement did not provide details about the proposal’s specific budget or the amount of assistance requested.

OMNIA Liberia said its concern was not with the government’s efforts to mobilize agricultural investment, but with whether farmers already working to address food insecurity would have a fair opportunity to benefit from the resources secured.

It said community farmers and voluntary IP Team members were contributing their time, local knowledge, energy and organizational capacity to agricultural initiatives aligned with the country’s food security objectives.

The organization called for a more responsive relationship between government institutions and community-based agricultural groups, including clearer communication on how proposals are assessed and what applicants must do to qualify for assistance.

Calls for Technical Assistance, Equipment and Financing

OMNIA Liberia said grassroots farmers require more than encouragement to sustain and expand their work.

It identified technical assistance, improved farming inputs, equipment, financing and agricultural extension services as key areas where government and development partners could provide support.

The organization also called for recognition and encouragement of community volunteers and local leaders whose participation helps sustain agricultural initiatives.

It urged the Ministry of Agriculture and relevant development partners to establish a clear process through which community organizations can submit proposals, receive feedback and understand the requirements for accessing support.

Such a mechanism, the organization argued, could improve coordination between national agricultural priorities and local initiatives while helping community farmers identify opportunities to expand production.

OMNIA Liberia maintained that stronger institutional engagement would allow government and development partners to build on existing community efforts rather than treating grassroots initiatives as separate from national agricultural development plans.

Food Security Requires Partnerships

The organization said reducing food insecurity requires coordinated efforts involving government leadership, international investors, private-sector participation and community initiatives.

While acknowledging the importance of large-scale agricultural investment, OMNIA Liberia stressed that farmers in rural communities must also be included in plans to increase domestic food production.

It argued that existing farming initiatives offer opportunities to strengthen local production and demonstrate the potential of community-led agriculture when appropriate partnerships and resources are available.

The organization also maintained that Liberia does not need to wait for every proposed investment to materialize before supporting communities already prepared to cultivate land and increase food production.

For OMNIA Liberia, the effectiveness of the government’s agricultural investment drive should be assessed not only by the amount of funding mobilized but also by how effectively the resources reach farmers and strengthen their capacity to produce food.

“The question should not only be how much money Liberia can mobilize to reduce rice imports, but also how effectively that investment will reach the people cultivating the land and building solutions from the ground up,” Lloyd said.

He called for a stronger partnership between the government and organized community farmers to ensure that national food security efforts translate into practical benefits for rural communities.

The organization said supporting farmers who are already producing food could complement larger agricultural investments and contribute to Liberia’s broader efforts to reduce dependence on imported rice.

William U.B. Lloyd Jr. is the National Coordinator of the OMNIA Institute for Contextual Leadership–Liberia.

Monrovia Calls for Concessional Loans, Credit Guarantees and Private-Sector Partnerships to Boost Food Production, Strengthen Agribusiness and Advance Inclusive Growth

NEW YORK — Liberia has called for increased investment in agriculture and affordable financing to accelerate poverty eradication, strengthen food security and transform the country’s largely subsistence-based agricultural sector into a commercially viable industry.

Leon Mannie Talery, Assistant Minister for International Cooperation and Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered Liberia’s position during a joint general discussion of the United Nations General Assembly’s Second Committee at its 81st session.

The discussion focused on Eradication of Poverty and Other Development Issues and Agricultural Development, Food Security and Nutrition.

In his statement, Talery called for expanded concessional financing, blended-finance instruments, credit guarantees and responsible private-sector investment to reduce risks associated with agricultural production and attract capital across the agricultural value chain.

He emphasized that agriculture remains central to Liberia’s economic transformation, particularly as the country seeks to move beyond subsistence farming toward commercially viable agribusinesses capable of generating employment, increasing household incomes and improving national food security.

Liberia’s priorities include increasing domestic food production, improving storage, processing and packaging facilities, strengthening links between farmers and markets, and expanding value addition to locally produced agricultural commodities.

The government believes that increased investment in these areas could improve agricultural productivity, reduce post-harvest losses and create greater economic opportunities for farmers and other participants in the agricultural value chain.

ARREST Agenda at the Center of Development Strategy

Talery also highlighted Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), the government’s nationally owned development framework intended to promote inclusive economic growth, reduce poverty and translate economic progress into measurable improvements in citizens’ lives.

He said Liberia’s development priorities are directed at building a more productive economy, expanding opportunities and ensuring that economic growth contributes to improved living conditions for all Liberians.

The agenda is also intended to support Liberia’s efforts to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those relating to poverty reduction, food security, employment and access to essential services.

Talery stressed that achieving these objectives would require sustained investment, effective implementation of national development policies and stronger partnerships between the government, the private sector and international development partners.

He underscored the importance of national ownership and sound governance in ensuring that development financing translates into tangible benefits for communities.

Five-Year Development Plan Emphasizes Key Sectors

During the discussion, Talery outlined Liberia’s five-year development plan, highlighting agriculture, roads, the rule of law, education, sanitation and tourism as priority areas.

He emphasized that progress across these sectors would be essential to expanding economic opportunities, strengthening public institutions and improving the delivery of essential services.

Agriculture, in particular, remains a key component of the government’s strategy to reduce poverty by expanding productive activities beyond subsistence farming and creating stronger connections between rural producers and domestic markets.

The government’s approach also places emphasis on mobilizing resources to support agricultural production and related businesses, including enterprises involved in processing, packaging, transportation and marketing.

Talery called for greater cooperation with international partners to secure financing and technical support while encouraging responsible private investment capable of strengthening domestic production and supporting long-term economic growth.

Affordable Financing Needed to Unlock Agricultural Potential

Liberia’s appeal for affordable financing reflects the need to mobilize capital for agricultural development while reducing the risks that can discourage investment in the sector.

Concessional financing, which generally offers more favorable terms than commercial borrowing, could help fund agricultural infrastructure and other development priorities. Blended finance, meanwhile, combines public or development resources with private capital to encourage investment in projects that might otherwise be considered too risky.

Credit guarantees could also help improve access to financing for agricultural businesses and other enterprises across the value chain.

Talery stressed that these instruments, alongside responsible private-sector investment, could help attract the resources needed to expand agricultural production and improve the sector’s commercial viability.

However, the effectiveness of such financing would depend on sound implementation, accountable management and the ability to connect investment with practical improvements in production, processing and market access.

Poverty Eradication Requires Long-Term Transformation

In concluding his remarks, Talery described poverty eradication as a central challenge of sustainable development, arguing that it requires structural economic transformation rather than reliance on short-term relief measures.

He said development strategies must prioritize the creation of decent jobs, higher household incomes, stronger food security and expanded access to education, healthcare and other essential services.

For Liberia, these objectives are closely linked to the country’s ability to increase domestic production, strengthen its agricultural sector and create sustainable economic opportunities.

Talery’s statement at the United Nations underscored the government’s position that affordable development financing, stronger partnerships and effective national policies are necessary to accelerate poverty reduction and achieve inclusive growth.

Liberia’s call places agricultural investment at the center of its broader development ambitions, with the stated goal of building a more productive economy in which growth generates measurable improvements in the lives of its citizens.

QUEENIE-1 TOWN, Bomi County — Residents of Queenie-1 Town in Suehn Mecca District, Bomi County, are expanding rice production and investing in processing equipment under the Government of Liberia’s Rural Economic Transformation Project (REALISE), as they seek to increase household incomes, reduce post-harvest challenges, and strengthen their livelihoods.

By Patience M. Jones,patiencejones@frontpageafricaonline.com

The community has cultivated 39 acres of rice, exceeding its initial target of 35 acres, and established an operational rice mill intended to ease the burden of traditional processing, particularly for women, while creating opportunities to generate additional income.

The progress was highlighted during a joint field visit by representatives of the REALISE Project and the Liberia Women’s Employment Project, both financed by the World Bank.

For residents, the intervention combines agricultural support, practical training, financial assistance, and a community-selected development project aimed at improving local economic opportunities.

According to project officials, 33 people are directly involved in the intervention, including 28 beneficiaries organized into a Livelihood Agriculture Support group and five members of a Community Oversight Committee. The farming group comprises 14 men and 14 women.

Anita Marshall, Deputy Project Coordinator for Economic Inclusion at REALISE, commended the beneficiaries for exceeding their cultivation target, describing their achievement as evidence of community commitment and ownership.

Marshall explained that the project provides agricultural inputs, financial support, mobile technology, life-skills training, and climate-smart agriculture to help rural residents improve productivity and develop sustainable sources of income.

The farming group received US$1,680 in agricultural input support, while the community received US$1,800 to finance a development project of its choice.

Community Chooses Rice Mill

Rather than investing the community development grant in a bridge or pond, residents decided to purchase a rice-processing machine after consultations on their most pressing needs.

Varmah Dorley, a representative of the Community Oversight Committee, said the community prioritized the rice mill because residents, particularly women, had long struggled with the time and physical effort required to pound rice manually.

Following the consultations, residents purchased the machine and constructed a shelter to house it. The facility is now operational and is expected to serve Queenie-1 Town and surrounding villages.

The mill is intended to improve processing efficiency, reduce the burden of manual labor, and create opportunities for the community to earn income by providing milling services.

Dorley said residents were also considering reinvesting proceeds from their activities in larger agricultural machinery to expand production.

However, the amount of revenue generated by the mill and the timeline for acquiring additional equipment remain to be established.

The community’s ability to maintain the machine, manage its operating costs, and account for any revenue will be important to ensuring that the investment continues to benefit residents beyond the project’s direct support.

Women Build Businesses Through Project Support

Beyond collective rice farming, some beneficiaries are using the assistance to establish small businesses and meet household expenses.

Harrietta Sirleaf, a beneficiary, said the support enabled her to invest in goods for resale, including fish and other market products.

She travels between towns and communities to sell her goods, using the proceeds to support her children and meet other family needs.

Sirleaf also credited the project’s financial management training with improving her understanding of saving, spending, and reinvesting earnings.

She said the training had encouraged her to make more deliberate financial decisions and plan for future expenses rather than immediately spending all her earnings.

She expressed appreciation to the Government of Liberia and the World Bank for the assistance, adding that the opportunity had helped her contribute to her children’s education and household welfare.

Sirleaf called for continued support to enable beneficiaries to strengthen their businesses and improve their economic independence.

Farmers Adopt Improved Agricultural Practices

Beneficiaries also said training provided under the REALISE intervention had improved their understanding of farming and crop management.

Amar Sirgon, another beneficiary, explained that farming had previously been difficult because community members lacked adequate knowledge of land preparation, planting schedules, and effective crop management.

Through the project, beneficiaries received life-skills and climate-smart agriculture training intended to improve production and promote sustainable farming practices.

The training covered appropriate planting periods, farmland preparation, and weed management.

Beneficiaries said they were applying the knowledge to the collective rice farm and their individual gardens, where they cultivate cucumber, pumpkin, pepper, and other crops for household consumption and sale.

The additional production is helping some households meet food needs, generate income, and contribute to school expenses.

The project also aims to connect beneficiary farmers with farmer-based organizations and market actors to improve access to buyers. Such connections are important because increased production does not automatically translate into higher incomes without reliable markets.

Us$42 Million Project Targets 14 Counties

The intervention in Queenie-1 Town forms part of REALISE, which has a total financing portfolio of US$42 million, comprising US$30 million from the World Bank, US$9.5 million from the French Government, and US$2.5 million from the Swedish Government.

The project operates in 14 of Liberia’s 15 counties, excluding Maryland, through components targeting agriculture, social protection, small businesses, and employment.

Its agriculture component operates in Bomi, Grand Cape Mount, Bong, Lofa, Nimba, Grand Gedeh, Gbarpolu, and Sinoe counties.

The Social Cash Transfer component covers River Gee, River Cess, Grand Bassa, and Grand Kru counties, while the Small Business Support and Labor-Intensive Public Works components operate in Montserrado and Margibi counties.

In Queenie-1 Town, the project also provides mobile phones and mobile-money SIM cards to beneficiaries and committee members to facilitate payments and support participation in the initiative.

Each of the 28 farming beneficiaries is entitled to a US$350 labor subsidy. Project representatives indicated that outstanding payments were expected to be completed before December 2026, with funds transferred through registered mobile-money accounts.

Sustainability Remains A Key Test

Despite the reported progress, sustaining the community’s gains will depend on continued cooperation, financial accountability, and reliable market access.

Beneficiaries have discussed dividing proceeds from their collective activities among savings, individual business investments, and community initiatives. Residents are also considering expanding agricultural production, including cultivating cassava during the next farming cycle.

These plans reflect an effort to move beyond short-term assistance toward activities that can support future investments and household incomes.

However, the long-term impact will depend on whether farmers can maintain their equipment, secure agricultural inputs, sell their produce at viable prices, and continue operating their businesses after external assistance ends.

For Queenie-1 Town, the immediate priorities are to complete the rice harvest, strengthen market connections, and develop a sustainable system for managing the community rice mill.

The intervention demonstrates how agricultural inputs, practical training, financial assistance, and community-led investments can support rural livelihoods.

Whether these early gains translate into lasting economic improvements will ultimately depend on the community’s ability to turn increased production and shared assets into consistent income and sustainable opportunities.

Rome, Italy– Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah has unveiled a US$370 million agricultural investment portfolio at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum in Rome, rallying international investors, development finance institutions and agribusiness leaders to support Liberia’s drive to boost domestic food production, reduce import dependence and create thousands of jobs.

By Augustus D.R Bortue@frontpageafricaonline.com

Minister Nuetah, accompanied by a high-level Liberian delegation, is attending the 2026 World Food Forum, being held from October 8–16 at FAO headquarters under the theme, “Innovate Today. Nourish Tomorrow.”

The gathering brings together government leaders, investors and development partners to advance agricultural investment, innovation and global food security.

Presenting Liberia’s investment opportunities on Wednesday, October 14, under the theme, “Liberia: From Import Dependence to Food Self-Sufficiency,” Minister Nuetah outlined four priority investment areas: US$243 million for rice, US$70 million for cocoa, US$32 million for cassava and US$25 million for maize.

“Liberia should not remain a country with abundant agricultural potential that depends heavily on imported food. We must turn our land and natural agricultural endowment into food, wealth, employment and prosperity,” the Minister declared.

Rice accounts for the largest share of the proposed investments, reflecting the Government’s determination to reduce import dependence. Domestic production currently meets only 35 to 40 percent of national demand, while rice imports exceeded US$75 million during the first half of 2026.

With more than 600,000 hectares of potentially irrigable land, Minister Nuetah highlighted opportunities to invest in irrigation, mechanized production, modern milling facilities, and market development.

“Our ambition is not simply to grow more rice. It is to build a competitive domestic industry that serves not just Liberian consumers but continental Africa and the rest of the world,” he emphasized.

The Minister also highlighted opportunities in cassava processing for industrial starch and animal feed, cocoa production and value addition, and maize cultivation to support Liberia’s poultry and livestock industries.

The four investment opportunities are projected to benefit about 23,900 people directly and 119,700 indirectly, creating jobs, expanding markets, and improving livelihoods, particularly for smallholder farmers, women, and young people.

With agriculture contributing approximately 29 to 34 percent of Liberia’s GDP and employing more than 60 percent of the workforce, Minister Nuetah stressed the importance of private investment in unlocking the sector’s largely untapped potential.

He assured prospective investors of the Government’s commitment to facilitating investment through One-Stop-Shop services, investment incentives, agro-industrial processing zones and duty-free provisions for eligible agricultural machinery and inputs.

“Capital does not move on ambition alone. Investors need credible information, sound project preparation, clear implementation arrangements and a supportive policy environment.

The Government of Liberia(GoL) is committed to providing these,” he stated.

Concluding his investment presentation, Minister Nuetah invited international investors, financial institutions and development partners to engage directly with the Liberian delegation and explore opportunities to transform the proposals into concrete investments.

“Let us move from agricultural potential to productive investment. From import dependence to food self-sufficiency. And from underused resources to a prosperous, resilient and inclusive agricultural economy,” he urged.

The Minister thanked FAO for providing a platform to connect Liberia’s agricultural priorities with international financing, expertise, and commercial partnerships.

In a related engagement earlier in the day, Minister Nuetah participated in a high-level panel discussion titled “From Bean to Bar: Ensuring Chocolate’s Value Reaches Cocoa Farmers,” alongside senior representatives of the Democratic Republic of Congo, European Investment Bank, African Development Bank and global chocolate manufacturer Ferrero.

The discussion examined how cocoa-producing countries can secure greater benefits from the global chocolate industry through improved farmer incomes, stronger market access, sustainable production and increased investment in processing and value addition.

For Liberia, the engagement highlighted the country’s growing potential as an emerging cocoa producer in West Africa and the importance of attracting private investment in processing, aggregation, storage, and marketing to strengthen competitiveness in international markets.

The discussion also reinforced Liberia’s US$70 million cocoa investment proposal, which seeks to expand production, promote value addition and improve market opportunities for more than 40,000 smallholder cocoa farmers.