President Boakai commits to advancing agriculture and sustainable development.

“Promoting Agriculture for Food Security, Nutrition, and Sustainable Development” 

President Joseph Boakai has reiterated his commitment to advancing policies that prioritize agriculture and sustainable development, emphasizing the sector’s pivotal role in Liberia’s economic growth.

Speaking at the official launch of the 2024 National Agriculture Fair in Kakata, Margibi County, at the Booker Washington Institute (BWI) campus, President Boakai addressed a large gathering of farmers, government officials, and international partners. The event, held under the theme “Promoting Agriculture for Food Security, Nutrition, and Sustainable Development,” brought together participants from all 15 counties of Liberia.

In his remarks, President Boakai stressed the critical importance of agriculture in Liberia’s economic development and highlighted the government's dedication to food security, poverty reduction, and sustainable development through the National Agriculture Development Plan (NADP 2024–2030).

He called on Liberians to renew their commitment to overcoming the challenges facing the agricultural sector, which have hindered its growth. The President also underscored the central role of agriculture in the ARREST Agenda, a key framework for achieving Liberia’s developmental goals.

“We must empower farmers by enhancing smallholder productivity, providing modern tools, training, and resources, and connecting them to both local and international markets,” President Boakai said. He also emphasized the importance of building farmers' capacity to adapt to climate change and ensuring a sustainable food system.

Further, the President urged all Liberians to adopt the slogan “Liberians Feed Yourselves,” stressing the urgent need to reduce the country’s dependence on food imports. He called for harnessing Liberia's fertile soil, abundant natural resources, and hardworking population to ensure food security and national self-sufficiency.

Recognizing the potential of youth in agriculture, President Boakai assured young farmers of his government’s ongoing support in training, funding, and providing access to technology. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing youth and women in agriculture as the future of Liberia’s agricultural sector, which is critical to building a self-sustaining economy.

The President also extended gratitude to the Ministry of Agriculture and the organizers of the National Agriculture Fair for their dedication to the nation’s agricultural development. He called on international partners, the private sector, and financial institutions to collaborate with Liberia in transforming its agriculture sector and reaffirmed his commitment to policies that will foster sustainable development.