The Ministry of Agriculture in Liberia, through its Rural Economic Transformation Project (RETRAP), has inaugurated a Model Piggery Farm and Livestock Farmers Field School Platform at Nimba University in Sanniquellie, marking a significant stride towards bolstering the nation’s pig farming and agricultural research capabilities. This US$198,200 initiative, funded by a World Bank loan, is the product of a collaborative partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture (RETRAP), Nimba University’s College of Agriculture and Food Sciences (CAFS), and the Nimba Livestock Farmers Cooperative. The facility is envisioned as a central hub for research, training, and the practical demonstration of modern, climate-smart pig farming techniques, furthering agribusiness entrepreneurship and value chain development across Liberia.
The project leverages the strengths of each partner. Nimba University contributes the land and integrates the facility into its academic programs, offering students hands-on learning opportunities and promoting climate-resilient livestock practices. The Nimba Livestock Farmers Cooperative provides the initial livestock, consisting of four boars and sixteen sows, and manages the daily operations, ensuring adherence to animal welfare standards. The Ministry of Agriculture supplies the initial funding, technical support, and facilitates market linkages to ensure the project’s sustainability and success. This collaborative framework underscores the commitment of all stakeholders to the long-term viability and impact of the project.
The official handover ceremony was marked by optimism and a shared vision for a transformed agricultural sector. Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Folton Blasin, representing Minister J. Alexander Nuetah, hailed the project as a “significant milestone” in Liberia’s pursuit of agricultural innovation and food security. He emphasized the facility’s potential to empower students with practical experience while strengthening market linkages for the burgeoning agribusiness sector. The project is seen as a testament to the government’s commitment to sustainable livestock farming, research-driven agriculture, and economic empowerment.
Gala Toto, National Program Coordinator of RETRAP, highlighted the importance of the facility’s potential impact, expressing his hope to witness the cooperative flourishing, the university fully utilizing the facility for learning, and communities benefiting from increased pork product availability in markets across Nimba and Liberia. He envisions the facility as a catalyst for transforming pig production nationwide, encouraging stakeholders to capitalize on the economic opportunities and establish Nimba County as a center of excellence for improved pig breeds in Liberia. This transformative vision underscores the project’s potential to uplift the entire pig farming sector in the country.
Tarnue Jeke, Operations Manager of RETRAP, echoed this optimism, anticipating improvements in the livestock value chain at Nimba University and hoping that the model farm will elevate the reputation of both the university and its College of Agriculture, inspiring similar initiatives across Liberia. Nathan Gono Sr., Dean of the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences at Nimba University, expressed gratitude for the facility, emphasizing the transformative impact on the university’s ability to offer practical, hands-on learning experiences in animal agriculture, bridging the gap between theory and practice.
Lawrence Gonkanu, Chairman of the Nimba Livestock Farmers Cooperative, conveyed the gratitude of the over 300 active pig farmers in Nimba County for the significant boost the project provides. He reaffirmed the farmers’ commitment to elevating pig farming in Nimba to the highest standards in Liberia. The project’s integration of a 15-20 KVA solar energy system further reinforces its commitment to modern, sustainable livestock practices, minimizing environmental impact while maximizing efficiency. This project symbolizes a critical step in Liberia’s journey towards sustainable livestock farming, enhanced agricultural productivity, and expanded market opportunities, showcasing the power of innovative public-private partnerships to drive rural economic transformation, create jobs, and improve livelihoods nationwide. This initiative underscores the Ministry of Agriculture’s dedication to not just improving agricultural practices, but also to fostering economic development and community empowerment. The model farm’s success is expected to ripple outwards, impacting not just Nimba County, but the entire nation’s agricultural landscape.
