Liberia Too Blessed to Be Hungry, Says Agriculture Advocate Calling for Food Revolution

MONROVIA, Liberia – Calls are growing for Liberia to place greater emphasis on local food production as part of efforts to reduce the country’s dependence on imported food and strengthen national food security.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Community of Hope Agriculture Project, Bishop Robert Bimba, says Liberia has the potential to achieve food self-sufficiency and begin exporting agricultural products within the next three years if the country deliberately prioritizes investment in agriculture.

Speaking during an interview on state radio Monday, Bishop Bimba said Liberia has the resources to feed itself but must shift from depending on imported food to strengthening local production.

“We can continue to cherish rice as our national pride, but the goal should be to produce enough locally instead of importing it. We should be feeding ourselves and exporting the surplus,” he said.

According to Bishop Bimba, the growing interest in agriculture among Liberians is being driven by increasing concerns about global food insecurity and the lessons learned from the 2008 global food crisis.

“If we are intentional, put our money where our mouth is, and make agriculture a true national priority, Liberia can experience remarkable transformation within three years,” he stated.

He stressed that boosting agricultural production must be matched with a commitment to support local farmers by creating dependable markets for their products.

“Telling people to grow food without buying what they produce is a disservice. We need to intentionally support local production by purchasing food grown by Liberian farmers,” Bishop Bimba said.

He argued that Liberia’s continued struggle with hunger and food insecurity is difficult to justify, given the country’s fertile land and relatively small population.

“We are too blessed to be suffering in this country. Our hunger is not justifiable. We should be feeding ourselves and exporting the excess,” he added.

Bishop Bimba also criticized the continued use of imported food at government meetings, workshops, and official events, saying it undermines efforts to promote the country’s agricultural sector.

“It does not make sense for the Ministry of Agriculture to organize workshops and serve imported food. It does not make sense for Cabinet meetings or government retreats to rely on imported rice. Government must patronize what Liberians produce,” he said.

He further revealed that he had encouraged President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to present Liberian-grown rice as an official gift to visiting foreign dignitaries, describing it as a symbol of national pride. While the President welcomed the proposal, Bishop Bimba said it has yet to be implemented.

The Community of Hope Agriculture Project CEO concluded by urging Liberians to embrace locally produced goods and support domestic farmers, emphasizing that changing public attitudes toward local products is essential to expanding the country’s agricultural sector, reducing food imports, and creating a more sustainable agricultural economy.