Christopher D. Sankolo, Director General of the Liberia Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (LACRA), has delivered a powerful message urging Liberians to embrace agriculture as a crucial driver of national development and economic resilience. He emphasized the need to shift perspectives away from viewing agriculture solely as a means of subsistence, and instead recognize its potential as a transformative force capable of propelling Liberia towards sustainable economic growth. Sankolo highlighted Liberia’s abundant natural resources, particularly its fertile land, as significant assets that must be leveraged for agricultural advancement. His call to action comes at a time of remarkable growth in the country’s agricultural exports, signaling a promising trajectory for the sector.
Recent data released by LACRA reveals a dramatic surge in Liberia’s agricultural exports, jumping from 2,660 metric tons in 2023 to over 35,000 metric tons in 2024. This impressive thirteen-fold increase in a single year underscores the sector’s burgeoning potential and its capacity to contribute significantly to the nation’s economic growth. The remarkable growth is attributed to several factors, including enhanced regulatory oversight by LACRA, strengthened collaboration between the authority and farmers, and a growing global demand for Liberian agricultural products such as cocoa, coffee, and palm oil. Sankolo expressed pride in this achievement, acknowledging the capabilities of Liberian farmers, the competitiveness of their products, and the effectiveness of the systems put in place to support agricultural development. He emphasized that this remarkable progress is merely the first step in a larger journey towards transforming Liberia’s agricultural landscape.
To further bolster the agricultural sector, Sankolo announced LACRA’s upcoming nationwide cocoa farmer mapping initiative. This program will collect comprehensive data on cocoa producers, facilitating better traceability, more effective policy planning, and targeted support tailored to the specific needs of cocoa farmers. This initiative aligns with global trends in sustainable agriculture, which increasingly prioritize transparency and accountability within supply chains as key market requirements. The cocoa mapping project will not only improve services to farmers but also enhance Liberia’s reputation as a dependable supplier of high-quality cocoa. This initiative is part of LACRA’s broader vision to elevate Liberian agriculture to a globally competitive level.
Liberia has been actively pursuing economic diversification, moving away from its reliance on extractive industries. Agriculture has emerged as a cornerstone of this diversification effort, offering a sustainable and potentially transformative path to economic growth. LACRA plays a central role in reshaping the nation’s agricultural landscape by regulating exports, enforcing quality standards, and empowering farmers. Sankolo reiterated LACRA’s unwavering commitment to supporting farmers, attracting investment into the agricultural sector, and opening new markets for Liberian agricultural goods.
Sankolo extended a particular invitation to young people, urging them to view agriculture not merely as a means of survival but as a lucrative and fulfilling career path. He emphasized the diverse opportunities within the agricultural sector, encompassing agribusiness, technology, and trade. By investing in agriculture, Sankolo argued, Liberia is investing in its future prosperity. He encouraged a shift in perception, highlighting the dynamic and multifaceted nature of modern agriculture and its potential to drive economic and social development.
The significant growth in Liberia’s agricultural exports, coupled with the government’s proactive initiatives, positions the sector to play a pivotal role in the country’s economic and social transformation. The focus on enhancing regulatory oversight, strengthening farmer collaboration, and promoting sustainable practices is creating a fertile ground for continued growth and development within the agricultural sector. As Liberia strives to diversify its economy and create sustainable livelihoods, agriculture is poised to become a key driver of progress, offering a pathway to enhanced economic resilience and improved living standards for all Liberians.
