The Editor,
The two cardinal features of the Liberian economy are; a very small modern (monetized) sector and a large agricultural subsistence sector which thrive on low productivity contributing about 20% to Liberia’s GDP. Making agriculture taking a center stage will be the best way for the revival of Liberia’s ailing economy. Getting agriculture moving in Liberia is a big task. In the past too much emphasis has been placed on direct foreign investment in the sector which created some level of long, medium and short term jobs and but eventually led to land grab from local communities for the expansion of concession areas. The land grab policy resulted in conflicts and strained relationships between concessionaries and the local people.
The best way to diffuse the tension is for the government and concessionaires to empower local communities in developing small to medium sized farms rather than for community inhabitants to be mere spectators in the sector. This time around national policies and programs developed in the agricultural sector should impact the development of Liberian owned small and medium scale Agribusiness firms which aimed at wealth creation.
Priorities list for agriculture development in Liberia;
- 1. RESEARCH
Research should be prioritized; institutions such as the Central Agricultural Institute, CARI should be strengthened. Universities should be portent components of the research program.
- 2. LAND TENURE
Land tenure security should be assured through issuing long term leases for larger land farms and permits for smaller farms. This should be complemented by clear regulations to avoid land concentration and to facilitate women’s access to land. This can be achieved through multiform tenure system based on trusted, secure property relations.
- 3. FINANCE
Getting private bank finance flowing is essential. Bankable Leases will help, as will the acceptance of a range of forms of collateral by finance institutions. State assurances and the building of trust will be a key.
- 4. PARTNERSHIPS
Partnerships and joint ventures will be significant for some larger farms and certain crops, where external finance and expertise are essential. Opening opportunities for highly skilled foreign farmers will be significant too. Regulations to ensure such partnerships are truly joint ventures and involve the transfer of skills are vital.
5. ACCESS TO MARKETS
Linking diverse producers to markets is essential. Too often smallholders get poor value for their products, but ensuring local content purchasing by supermarkets and exporters, reduced red tape and support for investment in transport infrastructure will help.
- 6. VALUE ADDITION
The country must work on developing value-added activity around the agricultural sector. Local processing and packaging would ensure employment along the value chain. And preservation, processing and selling to niche markets could offset risks, such as a glut in horticultural products.
- 7. SMART SUPPORT SYSTEMS
Extension advice and market support through IT applications is increasingly feasible, given growing connectivity and the wide ownership of smartphones. This means farmers can be offered more attuned and useful advice. A wholesale rethink of agricultural extension and support services is therefore required.
- 8. MECHANIZATION
Appropriate mechanization is another priority. Again this shouldn’t be focused on the large-scale options of the past. Small-scale mechanization, such as two-wheeled tractors and motorbike-drawn trailers may be more appropriate and affordable, and less subject to patronage, than large tractors and combines. For larger equipment, cooperative arrangements or private hire schemes could work, supported by external infrastructure and training.
These suggested priorities list could make a big difference, both to the economy and to farmers’ livelihoods across the country. Agricultural development needs to be seen as part of national economic development. It must be integrated into wider planning and investment frameworks at the clan, chiefdom and district levels, with new farms of varying sizes linked to small communities where new employment and service provision opportunities can open up.
David A. Logan is a Management Practitioner and Co-founder of DaviFam Cocoa Farm. He has a keen interest in the development of Liberia’s Small and Medium Scale Agribusiness Sector.
David A. Logan
[email protected]/[email protected]