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By LAEJNET Reporter
The Ministry of Agriculture in Liberia has officially launched an ambitious Peri-Urban Farm Project aimed at enhancing food security, improving urban nutrition, and providing employment opportunities in four major cities: Monrovia, Gbarnga, Kakata, and Ganta. The initiative, funded by a combination of government resources and international development aid, seeks to address the growing food demands in urban and peri-urban areas while also tackling issues of poverty and unemployment.
The rapid urbanization in Liberia with approximately 52% of the population now residing in urban areas has led to increased pressure on food supply chains and a growing need for innovative solutions to ensure food security. Under-utilized urban land represents a significant resource that, if effectively harnessed, can contribute to local food production, reduce reliance on imported foods, and create employment opportunities.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, one of the objectives of the project is to provide quick-impact farming skills to urban dwellers as a step towards enhancing food security, promoting sustainable urban agriculture, and improving the livelihoods of urban residents in Liberia. This initiative holds the promise of transforming urban areas into productive, green spaces while empowering citizens with valuable skills, the Ministry added.
The initiative also aimed to improve food security for urban populations thereby creating resilient, self-sufficient, and healthy urban communities in Liberia. This will help increase local food production, enhance accessibility to nutritious food, and promote sustainable practices.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture has announced the recruitment drive for residents in the Urban Areas of Monrovia, Kakata, Gbarnga, and Ganta to join this program that will help teach citizens how to grow crops and poultry in their backyard gardens. The project targets vegetable and poultry farmers in urban areas that could receive comprehensive support including training to create a sustainable and resilient urban food system.
Peri-urban agriculture can play a crucial role in ensuring that urban centers have a steady supply of fresh, nutritious vegetables. The Ministry of Agriculture investing in this sector will not only support local farmers but also contribute to environmental sustainability.
A peri-urban farm being close to urban markets means reduced transportation time and costs, leading to fresher produce for consumers and lower carbon emissions. Developing peri-urban farming can also create employment opportunities for local communities, contributing to economic growth and reducing urban unemployment rates.
Despite peri-urban farming being considered a gainful agriculture practice, it has its accompanying challenges including limited access to land and water resources, inadequate infrastructure, and access to financing and training programs that are essential for the success of peri-urban agriculture ventures.
