In February 2025, Liberia’s Deputy Minister for Planning and Development, David Arqui, visited the fertilizer production plant of Libra Sanitation Incorporated in Kortu Town, near the College of Agriculture and Forestry. The visit, an assessment of the company’s operations, prompted Minister Arqui to advocate for a public-private partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture and Libra Sanitation. He emphasized the crucial need for increased fertilizer production within Liberia to support the country’s agricultural sector, particularly the fruit and vegetable farmers. Arqui viewed Libra Sanitation’s local fertilizer production as a promising development, praising the company’s initiative and highlighting the potential benefits of reducing reliance on imported chemical fertilizers.
The Minister’s call for collaboration underscores the Liberian government’s recognition of the importance of boosting domestic fertilizer production. By partnering with Libra Sanitation, the Ministry of Agriculture aims to strengthen the company’s capacity, enabling them to produce and distribute larger quantities of fertilizer to farmers. This strategic partnership holds the potential to enhance agricultural productivity, contribute to food security, and promote sustainable agricultural practices by utilizing locally sourced organic materials instead of relying on imported chemicals.
Libra Sanitation Incorporated, headed by CEO Emmanuel Howe, has a two-decade history of involvement in solid waste management. The company’s venture into fertilizer production stems from a vision shared by Howe and his late brother, George, to transform solid waste into a valuable resource for agriculture. This innovative approach not only addresses waste management challenges but also provides a sustainable source of organic fertilizer for local farmers. Howe’s appeal to the government for support highlights the need for investment and collaboration to scale up production and reduce Liberia’s dependence on imported chemical fertilizers.
The fertilizer plant in Kortu Town currently employs 25 individuals, including women, demonstrating a commitment to job creation within the local community. Minister Arqui’s tour of the facility, which included production sites, warehouses, and storage facilities, provided him with a firsthand understanding of Libra Sanitation’s operations and its potential for growth. The visit solidified the Minister’s conviction regarding the importance of a public-private partnership to bolster the company’s capacity and contribute to the overall development of Liberia’s agricultural sector.
The potential benefits of a partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture and Libra Sanitation are multifaceted. Increased fertilizer production would improve access for local farmers, potentially leading to higher crop yields and improved food security. The utilization of organic waste as a raw material promotes environmentally sustainable practices, reduces reliance on imported chemicals, and contributes to waste management solutions. Furthermore, supporting a locally owned company like Libra Sanitation fosters economic development by creating jobs and promoting entrepreneurship.
The partnership presents an opportunity for the Liberian government to invest in a sustainable and impactful initiative with the potential to transform the agricultural landscape. By supporting Libra Sanitation’s efforts to produce organic fertilizers, the Ministry of Agriculture can contribute to a more resilient and productive agricultural sector, while simultaneously addressing environmental and economic challenges. The proposed collaboration represents a forward-thinking approach to agricultural development, emphasizing local solutions and sustainable practices. This initiative holds the promise of enhancing food security, promoting economic growth, and creating a more environmentally sound approach to farming in Liberia.
