Liberia’s Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), with support from the World Bank and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), has launched a significant lowland rice production project in Bong County, furthering the government’s commitment to boosting domestic rice production and supporting smallholder farmers. This initiative targets over 900 hectares of farmland managed by the Fuamah District Multipurpose Cooperative Society, aiming to provide sustainable income for 918 farming families. The project aligns with the government’s broader strategy to reduce reliance on rice imports, a significant financial burden, and empower local farmers to contribute to national food security.
The project launch was attended by key stakeholders, including Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, Bong County Senator Prince Moye, Bong County District 5 Representative Foday E. Fahnbulleh, and other agricultural sector representatives. Minister Nuetah reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to developing the agricultural sector, emphasizing the need to create an enabling environment for farmers to thrive and lessen dependence on rice imports. He highlighted the project as a critical step towards increasing domestic rice production and securing sustainable income opportunities for participating families. The Minister outlined immediate plans for constructing a temporary warehouse to minimize post-harvest losses and revealed long-term plans for a processing center and an irrigation system to facilitate year-round rice cultivation.
The Fuamah District Cooperative rice project is part of a broader portfolio of initiatives under the Ministry’s Rural Economic Transformation Project (RETRAP) and the Smallholder Transformation Agribusiness Revitalization Project (STAP). These programs are designed to enhance agricultural value chains by providing access to finance and promoting farm mechanization, ultimately increasing productivity and market competitiveness. Minister Nuetah urged the participating farmers to embrace a spirit of self-reliance and reinvestment, encouraging them to see the project not simply as government assistance but as a foundation for their own future economic growth.
Senator Prince Moye expressed his strong support for the project, impressed by the progress achieved so far. He pledged to advocate for increased budgetary allocation for agriculture, recognizing the sector’s crucial role in national development and economic empowerment. Senator Moye lauded the Ministry’s efforts as unprecedented, emphasizing the significance of investing in agricultural initiatives that directly benefit local communities. This commitment to increased funding reflects a growing recognition of the need to prioritize agriculture within the national development agenda.
Representative Foday Fahnbulleh also voiced his support, thanking the Ministry for investing in his district’s farmers and pledging to collaborate with the Ministry in mobilizing farmers for future agricultural ventures. This collaborative approach underscores the importance of community engagement and partnership between government bodies and local representatives in driving agricultural progress. The joint effort demonstrates a commitment to empowering farmers and fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility within the community.
This project embodies a significant step towards achieving food security and improving livelihoods in Liberia. By investing in smallholder farmers, providing access to resources and technology, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, the government aims to transform the agricultural landscape and reduce reliance on imports. This initiative not only addresses the immediate need for increased rice production but also lays the foundation for long-term economic growth and stability within rural communities. The collaborative nature of the project, involving government bodies, international organizations, and local communities, further strengthens its potential for success and serves as a model for future agricultural development initiatives in the country. The project exemplifies a strategic and comprehensive approach to tackling the challenge of food security and fostering sustainable economic development in Liberia.
