By Stephen N. Tokpah
-Bong (freelance)
The Rubber Development Fund Incorporated (RDFI) in collaboration with its partners has concluded its 2024 National Conference on the Rubber Industry in Liberia in Gbarnga, Bong County.
The Rubber Development Fund Incorporated has the statutory mandate to regulate the rubber industry of Liberia in accordance with the Act on December 27, 2017 that established it.
The RDFI conference in Gbarnga highlights the vital role that rural communities play in the rubber sector and emphasizes the importance of decentralizing development efforts.
At the opening ceremony, the chairperson of the Rubber Development Fund Incorporated Board, Tokpah John Mulbah said Gbarnga being a central hub for Liberia’s agricultural activities, provides the ideal setting for this year’s conference, as it is close to many of the nation’s rubber-producing communities.
The Rubber Fund board chair emphasized that the conference was intended to address key industry challenges, including limited access to financing for smallholder farmers, outdated processing infrastructure, and global market volatility.
In particular, the conference focused on empowering smallholder farmers by improving their access to training, modern equipment, and financial resources.
He said the RDFI conference also arranged sessions featuring experts from across the sector who shared insights on modern rubber production techniques and sustainable farming practices.
The conference additionally explored opportunities for diversifying the industry by increasing local processing capabilities, which could create jobs and add economic value to Liberia’s rubber exports. Industry leaders are optimistic that new initiatives, such as the proposed Rubber Development Fund Incorporated will provide the support needed to modernize the sector and make it more competitive internationally.
With stakeholders from across Liberia and beyond, the 2024 National Rubber Conference poised to catalyze change in the rubber sector, promote sustainable economic growth, and reinforce Liberia’s standing as a key player in West Africa’s rubber industry.
Agriculture Minister Alexander Neutah, who served as the proxy for President Joseph Boakai revealed that the performance of the Rubber Sector of Liberia is not good for the country.
Dr. Neutah said the intent of the Boakai and Kung government is to discover the problems that are causing the under performance of the rubber sector and how the problems can be solved.
“We want to see a future where the rubber industry will be a vibrant one because it remains the largest export earner in the agriculture sector and if we cannot make it work, we will not create jobs, we will not create the foreign exchanges that we need to run this country,” Minister Nuetah added.
The Liberia Agriculture Minister said that the Government of Liberia will be instituting the national rubber sector steering committee, adding that the steering committee will be working along with the RDFI to ensure that the issue in the rubber sector is addressed.
He said the steering committee will make the right decision that will help guard the government in implementing policy that will improve the sector.
Dr. Nuetah further revealed that said committee will be constituted in December of this year and it aims will be to set a purchasing price in the rubber sector of Liberia.
The Agriculture Minister pointed out, “Rubber is one of Liberia’s most valuable exports, generating substantial foreign exchange that supports national reserves and stabilizes the economy,” adding, “by selling rubber products abroad, Liberia earns foreign currency that helps balance trade deficits and funds public projects.”
The rubber industry also provides jobs for thousands of Liberians, particularly in rural areas. From plantation workers to smallholder farmers and processors, the sector creates diverse employment opportunities, helping to alleviate poverty and support local economies. It is an important income source for smallholder farmers across the country.
These farmers rely on rubber to supplement or sustain their livelihoods, improving their families’ quality of life and fostering rural development.
The potential for diversifying rubber processing within Liberia represents a significant opportunity. Establishing local facilities to produce value-added products like tires, gloves, and other rubber goods would retain more economic value within the country and create new jobs in manufacturing and distribution.
The rubber industry’s long-standing presence and economic potential make it attractive to international investors and development partners.
The two-day conference was held under the theme: “Re-branding the Rubber Industry in Liberia.”
The 2024 National Rubber Conference aims to maximize the rubber sector’s contributions, addressing challenges like financing and processing capabilities.
Stakeholders also hoped that the RDFI leadership after the conference will lay the groundwork for reforms and initiatives aimed at revitalizing Liberia’s rubber industry, positioning it as a strategic player in both regional and international markets.
The November 8-9, 2024, conference was attended by several representatives from development organizations, such as USAID and the African Development Bank, which further underscored the importance of international collaboration in strengthening Liberia’s rubber industry.
