By Bill W. Cooper
President Joseph Boakai called for increased global agricultural investment to combat food insecurity in Africa and beyond while addressing the 2024 World Food Forum in Rome, Italy.
Emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable farming practices, Boakai also urged international partners to support local farmers with funding and resources, noting, “Investing in agriculture is vital for achieving self-sufficiency and ensuring food security for our communities.”
He highlighted Liberia’s potential for agricultural growth and innovation, seeking collaboration to enhance productivity and resilience, aimed at mobilizing support for initiatives that empower farmers and strengthen food systems in Liberia and beyond.
The 2024 World Food Forum is being hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) under the theme: “Good Food Today, Good Food Tomorrow.”
President Boakai intoned, “We must begin to prioritize funding for agricultural innovation and sustainable farming practices by empowering our farmers.”
“Because by equipping farmers with the right tools, knowledge, and resources, we can increase crop yields and diversify production, ensuring they can feed their families and lift themselves out of poverty,” he maintained.
The President at the grand opening of the October 14, 2024, World Food Forum emphasized that despite its vast agricultural potential, Africa continues to grapple with severe food shortages, exacerbated by challenges such as climate change, conflict, and inadequate infrastructure.
He pointed out that empowering farmers is essential to reversing this trend and achieving self-sufficiency, and noted, “If we want to see real change, we must invest directly in those who work the land.”
Boakai also highlighted Liberia’s commitment to agricultural transformation through its Agro-Industrial Development Program, which focuses on key crops such as palm oil and cocoa.
The Liberian Leader said achieving Sustainable Development Goals require substantial global funding and support, asserting, “Investment in agricultural infrastructure, such as processing facilities and storage systems, is crucial to reducing post-harvest losses and enhance food security.”
He emphasized that many farmers in Liberia and across Africa lose a significant portion of their harvest due to lack of processing capabilities and market access, adding, “We are not here today simply to highlight the challenges, but to call for concrete action urgent, impactful steps that will drive tangible change on the ground.”
Meanwhile, President Boakai has also stressed the importance of climate-smart agricultural practices and sustainable farming techniques, which he revealed can help mitigate the impacts of climate change on food production.
The President expressed optimism that by adopting these practices, farmers can build resilience in their operations and ensure a more stable food supply for their communities, calling for the world to act swiftly together and develop innovative solutions that empower farmers and strengthen local food systems.
“On behalf of the people of Liberia, I reaffirm our commitment to strengthening partnerships and contributing to the global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
“Together, let us foster a future where no child, no parent, and no community are left to face the anguish of hunger. Our actions today can help shape the landscape of tomorrow and together, we can ensure a more resilient, sustainable, and prosperous future for our planet and its people,” he concluded.
