Liberia is taking bold steps to address its food security crisis through the launch of the National Agriculture Development Plan (NADP) for 2024-2030. This six-year plan, spearheaded by President Joseph Boakai, seeks to revitalize Liberia’s agricultural sector, which is crucial for the country’s economy and food security. The plan aims to reduce Liberia’s dependency on food imports—currently at 70% for staple foods like rice—and transform the country into a self-sufficient producer. The NADP focuses on mechanization, large-scale cooperative farming, and modern agricultural technologies, with the ultimate goal of alleviating poverty, reducing malnutrition, and creating more jobs.

However, the challenges Liberia faces are significant. Over two million people, or about 47% of the population, live below the poverty line, and food insecurity is a widespread issue, affecting both urban and rural areas. Factors such as high food prices, disruptions in food supply, and low agricultural productivity exacerbate the problem. Poor infrastructure and limited access to modern farming methods further constrain Liberia's agricultural output, despite its rich arable land and favorable climate​.

To combat these challenges, Liberia has joined international partnerships like the Korea-Africa Food & Agriculture Cooperation Initiative (KAFACI), which focuses on boosting agricultural productivity through technology and youth engagement. The partnership is aligned with the NADP’s goals of improving the agricultural value chain, enhancing access to finance, and modernizing farming practices​(

Additionally, programs like 4-H Liberia are contributing by integrating agriculture into the school curriculum, encouraging young people to adopt modern farming methods, and improving agricultural literacy among future generations​.

While these initiatives are promising, significant efforts are still needed to address the systemic issues of post-harvest loss, inadequate storage facilities, and a lack of investment in rural infrastructure. Liberia’s progress toward food security will depend not only on governmental action but also on continued international support and local community involvement​.

In conclusion, Liberia’s ambitious plan to achieve food self-sufficiency reflects a crucial step in addressing the country’s food insecurity, but overcoming the deep-rooted challenges will require sustained effort, collaboration, and innovation in agriculture.

Source:

• https://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/president-joseph-boakai-unveils-a-comprehensive-roadmap-for-liberias-agriculture-sector-development
• https://www.wfp.org/countries/liberia
• https://allafrica.com/stories/202409300429.html
• https://www.moa.gov.lr/media/press-releases/liberia-joins-kafaci-enhance-agricultural-development-and-food-security
• https://www.fao.org/liberia/our-office/liberia-agriculture-food-security/en