By Grace Q. Bryant
Liberia is set to launch the Liberia Feed Yourselves Agenda also known as the National Aquaculture Development Plan, tomorrow, July 10 which will be a major step towards boosting the country’s agriculture sector.
This ambitious plan aims to guide the nation’s agricultural development over the next six years with a projected investment of $718 million.
The plan will be formally introduced by President Boakai at a ceremony to be held at the Ministerial Complex at 10:30 am.
The event will gather key stakeholders, including government officials, development partners, and private sector investors, to outline the strategic vision and collaborative efforts required to advance Liberia’s agricultural sector.
Agriculture Minister Alexander Nuetah emphasized the necessity of the plan, noting that despite significant donor support, the sector has not yielded the expected benefits for the Liberian population. “We have realized that while aquaculture has received the highest donor support in the country, it has not delivered the desired outcomes,” Nuetah stated.
“This plan aims to strategically channel investments from the government, private sector, and development partners to ensure sustainable growth and self-sufficiency in agriculture,” he stressed.
The National Aquaculture Development Plan outlined a comprehensive investment strategy involving various stakeholders.
The Liberian government also plans to contribute 35% of the total investment, private sector is expected to invest 30%, with a focus on transforming agriculture into a viable business sector.
Smallholder farmers will contribute 5%, underscoring the importance of grassroots involvement and development partners aimed to provide 40% of the funding, aligning future investments with the strategic goals of the plan.
The plan has been meticulously costed and will serve as a blueprint for agricultural development, fostering a more coordinated and impactful approach key goals include enhancing food security, increasing agricultural productivity, and creating investment opportunities within the private sector.
“This plan not only guides government efforts but also creates investment opportunities for private sector entities interested in agriculture,” Nuetah added and pointed out, “It outlines various chains of interest for investment, ensuring a holistic and inclusive approach to sectorial development.”
Minister Nuetah called on all stakeholders, including the legislature, to support the implementation of the plan and highlighted the critical role of the legislature in providing the necessary funding to finalize the implementation.
He urged development partners to align their future investments with the plan to realize the aspirations of a robust agricultural economy for the Liberian people concluding, “We invite all media representatives to join us in disseminating this significant development. The success of this plan hinges on the collective efforts of all actors in the sector.”
Meanwhile, Minister Nuetah disclosed that the Government of Liberia has signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with Chinese companies aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, technology transfer, and sustainable development.
The first MOU, signed between the Ministry of Agriculture and Sinomach Hainan Development took effect on June 20, 2024, and is valid for three years.
The second MOU, signed with the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Mechanization Sciences Co., Ltd., came into effect on June 21, 2024, and will be in place for five years.
Agriculture Minister Nuetah emphasized the importance of these partnerships, stating, “These MOUs mark a significant milestone in our efforts to modernize Liberia’s agricultural sector. The collaboration with Sinomach Hainan Development Co., Ltd. and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Mechanization Sciences Co., Ltd. will bring advanced technology, enhance food security, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.”
The Minister further highlighted the potential of these agreements to attract investments, boost agricultural productivity, and ultimately improve the livelihoods of Liberian farmers.
