President Joseph Boakai, has called on the international community to take immediate, decisive action to address the escalating food insecurity crisis, with a particular focus on Africa.
Speaking as the keynote speaker at the World Food Forum in Rome, Italy, President Boakai addressed a gathering of global leaders, development experts, and international organizations, highlighting the urgent need to combat rising hunger and malnutrition.
He emphasized that the time for prolonged discussions is over, and now is the moment for concrete action.
“One in five people in Africa goes to bed hungry. We cannot afford to wait for another summit or meeting. The time for action is now, and we have the capacity to make a real difference,” Boakai warned.
He outlined Liberia’s plan to lead in the global fight against hunger, emphasizing the development of a sustainable agri-food system aimed at boosting local food production, improving rural livelihoods, and securing a better future for all citizens.
The President also announced the launch of Liberia’s Agro-Industrial Development Program, which focuses on oil palm and cocoa as key crops to drive economic growth and enhance food security.
The program aims to cultivate 100,000 hectares of land initially, with plans to expand to 300,000 hectares to meet regional and local demands.
He stressed the importance of leveraging technology, digitization, and research to increase agricultural productivity.
President Boakai underscored the need for greater investment in rural infrastructure, including roads, markets, and storage facilities, to strengthen food supply chains and reduce post-harvest losses.
He also called for empowering smallholder farmers and local cooperatives to foster community resilience and self-reliance.
Acknowledging the growing threat of climate change to food security, President Boakai advocated for the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices, such as drought-resistant crops and sustainable farming techniques.
He reiterated Liberia’s commitment to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 64% by 2030, while remaining a net carbon sink. “We must fight climate change as we fight hunger,” he said.
The President stressed the need for robust social protection programs to safeguard vulnerable populations from food insecurity.
He urged global leaders to prioritize nutrition programs for children, pregnant women, and the elderly, ensuring the most vulnerable receive the support needed to break the cycle of hunger and poverty.
President Boakai also called for increased cross-border collaboration and partnerships between governments, civil society, and the private sector.
He encouraged stakeholders to share best practices and work together to create a resilient global food system that can withstand future crises.
Highlighting the importance of agriculture to Liberia’s economy, President Boakai noted that the sector accounts for nearly 29% of the country’s GDP and supports over 68% of the population.
He emphasized that Liberia’s future lies in the sustainable development of its natural resources, particularly through increased productivity in food crops, fisheries, and cash crops like cocoa and palm oil.
The President further explained that the Agro-Industrial Development Program will be central to Liberia’s vision for food security, economic growth, and wealth creation in rural areas.
He said the program is expected to create new jobs, attract foreign investment, and generate essential foreign exchange.
To support farmers and agribusinesses, President Boakai announced plans to establish an Agriculture Enterprise Development Bank, which will improve access to finance, especially for smallholder farmers, women, and youth, helping them participate in and benefit from the agricultural value chain.
President Boakai urged global leaders to commit to actions that will lead to real, tangible change. “The fight against hunger is not just about producing more food, but about creating resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agri-food systems”, he said.
Meanwhile President Boakai has stressed that the time for rhetoric has passed, adding, “We have the knowledge, technology, and resources. What we need now is the will to act.”
