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 [email protected]
“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.
Support Independent Journalism
Your support helps FrontPage Africa continue delivering independent, credible, and impactful journalism. Every contribution strengthens our ability to investigate, inform, and hold power accountable while keeping quality journalism accessible to our readers.
Support our journalism or subscribe to receive the latest FrontPage Africa stories and updates.
