Monrovia, Liberia – President Joseph N. Boakai has revealed intentions to establish an agriculture bank in Liberia with the goal of guaranteeing finance to farmers as a means of investing in the country’s farmers.
Speaking at the National Agriculture Fair 2024 in Margibi County on Friday, December 6, 2024, with the theme “Promoting Agriculture for Food Security, Nutrition, and Sustainable Development,” President Boakai called on all parties involved to do their part to make the common goal a reality.
He said “Liberians Feed Yourselves” is the agriculture fair’s clear call to action. The Liberian leader added that the nation has been dependent on imports for far too long and that this has to change.
According to Amb. Boakai, Liberia enjoys a wealth of resources, rich soil, and hardworking citizens. It is imperative that people come together and use their resources to support and develop an economy centered on agriculture.
In light of the country’s demographics, he said, the government is making youth involvement in agriculture top priority. He said that by working with partners and stakeholders, the government of Liberia hopes to provide possibilities for young people to take the lead in agriculture.
President Boakai explained that special attention would be paid to developing climate resilience in agriculture and extending value chains to link producers to markets.
“This year’s National Agriculture Fair is not just an event, but a call to actio. It serves as a reminder of the nation’s shared obligation to create a resilient agricultural sector that can satisfy the demands of development, nutrition, and food security.
“As we formally launch this Fair today, we honor our farmers’ contributions, ingenuity, and commitment. We reaffirm our commitment to tackling the enduring obstacles impeding our agricultural advancement.”
According to President Boakai, the five pillars of his administration’s ARREST agenda are agriculture, roads, rural of laws, education, sanitation, and tourism. The foundation of attaining food security and raising living standards in Liberia is agriculture.
He clarified that the National Agriculture Development Plan (NADP 2024–2030), which is in accordance with the ARREST agenda, offers a blueprint for revolutionizing the industry, with a particular emphasis on increasing smallholder production.
“We are also working to mechanize farming, provide inputs and support, poultry, and modernize infrastructure to ensure the sector prospers,” the President said, adding that his government’s goal under the NADP is to increase the yield of vital crops including rice, cassava, cocoa, and vegetables.
The leader of Liberia stated that the nation is resolute in its efforts to promote gender equity by empowering women in agriculture, reduce poverty and malnutrition by promoting sustainable food systems, and build partnerships to mobilize resources for agricultural development.
“To the young farmers here today, I say, consider yourself Liberia’s agricultural future. You can be certain that the government will keep providing you with resources, financing, training, and the right technology to enable you to accomplish this admirable goal.”
In addition, he praised partners and stakeholders whose assistance has been crucial in developing Liberia’s agricultural sector and conveyed his sincere thanks to the nation’s hardworking farmers.
Photo credit: Executive Mansion
