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Josiah Pailay /+231881913880- +231775260307/[email protected]
Suakoko District, Bong County: The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) has embarked on a three-day refresher training program aimed at enhancing the skills and capabilities of over Seventy (70) newly recruited extension officers from across Liberia’s fifteen (15) counties.
The event is being held at CARI’s 101 compound in Suakoko District, Bong County, and is part of MOA’s ongoing commitment to improving agricultural practices and food security in the country.
The training, which commenced on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, is designed to prepare extension officers with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively support local farmers and promote sustainable agricultural practices in their different operational Counties.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Deputy Minister for Regional Development Research and Extension at the Ministry of Agriculture, Moses R. Gbanyan stressed the significance of the exercise for the newly recruited MOA staff.
He further urged the extension officers to take the opportunity seriously, as their roles are crucial in bridging the gap between the government and the different farming communities throughout the nation.
“The shortage of extension officers has been one of the major challenges undermining MOA operations. Therefore you are not just representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture; you are the frontline soldiers in the fight against food insecurity and poverty in rural Liberia”, Minister Gbanyan added.
Additionally, the training sessions will cover a range of topics, including modern agricultural techniques, including the importance of sustainable farming practices.
Deputy Minister Gbanyan, highlighted the challenges faced by the agricultural sector in Liberia, including climate change, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to markets. He stressed that these extension officers are expected to play a critical role in addressing some of the basic Agricultural challenges faced by local farmers by providing farmers with the necessary information that will change the narratives.
“Your role is not just to disseminate information but to listen to the farmers, understand their needs, and provide handmade solutions that will help them improve their productivity and livelihoods,” he said.
The Deputy Minister also encouraged the extension officers to build strong relationships with local farmers and community leaders, emphasizing that trust and collaboration are essential for successful agricultural development.
Meanwhile, the participants expressed their excitement to learn and apply new skills in their respective counties. “This training is a great opportunity for us to enhance our knowledge and better serve our farmers,” said one extension officer Robert Taylor who hails from Bong County.
It’s believed that the three-day refresher training which is expected to end this Friday, October 18, 2024, is a testament to the government’s commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector and ensuring that Liberia’s farmers have the support they need to succeed.
