Liberia Vows Action Against Hunger Crisis: President Boakai Pledges Concrete Measures to Tackle Food Insecurity"

Liberia Vows Action Against Hunger Crisis: President Boakai Pledges Concrete Measures to Tackle Food Insecurity"

In response to the 2023 Global Hunger Index (GHI) report revealing a serious hunger situation in Liberia, President Joseph Nyumah Boakai has pledged concrete measures to reduce hunger levels in the country. Boakai emphasized that it is unacceptable for Liberia to still struggle with feeding its population.

Highlighting the importance of addressing hunger and malnutrition, Boakai stated that his government will prioritize agriculture and food security. He presented the GHI report as a guide for both his government and its partners in directing their efforts towards food and nutrition initiatives.

The President explained that the report examines various indicators such as stunting, malnutrition, and child mortality. He noted that while official published data and a local survey conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture paint a grim picture, they serve as crucial tools in understanding and addressing the issue.

“I want to believe that under my watch if agriculture doesn’t work in this country I don’t think it will ever work. So we are going to make sure we make it work. I see no reason that a country so well endowed with water and land and everything that is needed to produce food can’t produce. We are going to produce food. The statistic that I see out there is not just alarming, but it doesn’t represent Liberia,” he said.

Acknowledging the efforts of international organizations, such as Concern Worldwide, Boakai emphasized the need for accelerated action to improve food and nutrition. He particularly stressed the importance of reducing malnutrition among children, as Liberia still faces high levels of undernourishment.

According to the 2023 GHI report, Liberia ranked 117 out of 125 countries with a score of 32.2, indicating the country’s hunger situation as serious.

Previous reports also indicate that Liberia’s food and nutrition situation is poor and needs attention by the government.

Stunting and malnutrition still remains a serious challenge that confronts the country, according to the reports. 

The GHI report is launched every year in Liberia by WHH and Concern Worldwide to raise awareness about the level of hunger facing countries.

Charles Hubert, the Country director of WorldHungerHife, emphasized how the lack of access to food hinders the development of young people, underlining the urgent need for the government to take concrete action.

He said that his institution is in Liberia to help the government addresses some nutrition and health issues.

“We are working with the government to take measures on food and nutrition challenges. But what we are doing currently is to accelerate on the gains made in improving food and nutrition,” he stated.

Also speaking Concern Worldwide's Country Director, Ciara Begley, outlined a five-year strategic plan aimed at improving food and nutrition security in Liberia. The plan focuses on combating chronic malnutrition through programs and advocacy, with an emphasis on promoting breastfeeding and healthy diets.

Begley expressed the organization's commitment to working closely with communities to achieve these goals.