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By LAENJ Network Reporter
The Ministry of Agriculture in Liberia has presented to President Joseph Boakai a comprehensive 6-year National Agriculture Development Plan (NADP). This strategic document aims to enhance food security, increase agricultural productivity, and promote sustainable development across Liberia.
The NADP, meticulously crafted over several months, outlines a series of initiatives designed to address the agriculture sector’s critical challenges. These include improving infrastructure, enhancing access to finance for farmers, promoting the adoption of modern farming techniques, and bolstering research and development. The plan also emphasizes the importance of climate resilience and sustainable practices to ensure long-term environmental health and food security.
The NADP also emphasizes the adoption of a value chain approach encompassing production, aggregation, processing, marketing, and consumption, focusing on key subsectors such as food crops, tree crops, fruits, and livestock. This targeted approach is expected to result in a substantial economic boost for the country.
President Boakai in receiving the plan, expressed his administration’s commitment to transforming Liberia’s agriculture sector into a robust pillar of the economy. “This plan represents a roadmap towards achieving food self-sufficiency and economic growth,” he stated. “We must support our farmers and provide them with the tools and resources they need to thrive.”
The Ministry of Agriculture, led by Dr. Alexander Nuetah, emphasized the collaborative nature of the plan’s development, involving input from various stakeholders, including farmers’ associations, civil society organizations, and international partners. “The NADP is a product of extensive consultation and collaboration. It reflects the collective vision and aspirations of the Liberian people for a prosperous agricultural sector,” said Dr. Alexander Nuetah
The successful implementation of the NADP is expected to have far-reaching impacts, including job creation, poverty reduction, and improved livelihoods for millions of Liberians. It is also anticipated to contribute significantly to the country’s overall economic growth and stability.
As Liberia embarks on this ambitious journey, the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and sustained investment in agriculture will be crucial to realizing the goals outlined in the NADP. This development marks a pivotal moment in Liberia’s efforts to harness its agricultural potential and secure a brighter, more prosperous future for its citizens.
Minister of Agriculture Dr. Alexander Nuetah teamed up with the FAO Representative in Liberia to introduce and underscore the importance of the NADP. The commitment of FAO to drive agricultural production and bolster nutrition support in Liberia, with the invaluable support of donors, shines through in this initiative.
