By Bill W. Cooper
The Liberia National Heritage and Culture Development Association (LNHCDA) is calling on the government and its citizens to focus more intently on agriculture as a national priority.
The organization’s leadership also emphasized that the agricultural sector is not only vital for food security but also for economic stability and job creation in a country struggling with numerous socio-economic challenges.
However, the assertion comes as global observers raise concerns about the possibility of intensified global conflict and its likely impact on food prices, imports, and access to basic commodities in developing nations like Liberia.
Liberia, rich in natural resources and agriculture, has faced serious hurdles in its post-civil war recovery and, with a population of approximately 5 million, has struggled with high unemployment rates, food insecurity, and a reliance on imports for basic food.
Also, Agriculture, like any other country, has historically been the backbone of Liberia’s economy, employing a significant portion of the population and contributing to the country’s GDP.
However, the sector has been neglected in favor of other sectors, leading to a decline in productivity and an increase in food imports, with a report that Liberia imports over 60% of its food, a situation that is both economically and socially unsustainable.
The LNHCDA, a non-governmental organization focused on health and community development, believes that a robust agricultural sector could serve as a foundation for sustainable development.
LNHCDA, through its Executive Director, Solomon Weawea, warned that Liberia must not wait until it is too late to act in the course of the ongoing global crisis, including the Ukraine and Russia war and the scale down of USAID to Liberia, among others.
Weawea, drawing parallels between current global instability and the Cold War era, warned that the next global crisis could be more devastating if nations fail to build self-reliance, especially in food production.
He said, “Given the current geopolitical tensions, Liberia must divert its attention to the agricultural sector because by boosting food production, the country will be better equipped to handle future challenges.”
According to him, the urgency of food sustainability cannot be overemphasized, thus describing it as a strategic asset in times of conflict, crisis and other future challenges or chaos.
The LNHCDA Executive Director, then called on the government of President Joseph Boakai to ‘go back to the soil’ and work collectively to create food abundance, describing agriculture as both a cultural legacy and a survival strategy.
Weawea maintained that agriculture activities must be at the centre of Liberia’s development agenda in the face of a fragile global supply chain and rising food insecurity.
“As an organization rooted in the traditions and values of Liberia, we understand that agriculture is not only about feeding ourselves today—it’s about protecting future generations from hunger and hardship,” he added.
The LNHCDA boss concluded his statement with a message of hope and urgency, and added, “May God bless Liberia. Let’s go back to the soil, you—to create food abundance.”
