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In a significant move aimed at transforming Liberia’s agricultural landscape, the Deputy Minister for Regional Development Research and Extension at the Ministry of Agriculture, Moses R. Gbanyan has announced a comprehensive five-year development plan focused on enhancing lowland farming across the country.
According to Minister Gbanyan, the Plan targets the development of 50,000 hectares of lowland, and it’s designed to bolster food security, improve livelihoods, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Addressing newsmen in Gbarnga, Bong County, Minister Gbanyan stressed the critical role of lowland farming in Liberia’s agricultural sector.
“Our goal is to increase lowland areas to increase agricultural productivity and ensure that our farmers can thrive, This plan is expected to not only increase crop yields but also create job opportunities and inspire our local economies” the Minister added.
The initiative will prioritize the cultivation of staple crops such as rice, cassava, and vegetables, which are essential for local consumption by the Liberian Populace. Accordingly, the Ministry aims to take advantage of the natural water resources available, which are fundamental for irrigation and crop growth, especially in rural areas, where climate variability poses significant challenges to agriculture.
In addition to lowland farming, Minister Gbanyan highlighted the importance of peri-urban agriculture in addressing urban food security and waste management issues in cities like Monrovia, Nimba, Bong, and Margibi. “Peri-urban farming is a vigorous policy to ensure that our urban populations have access to fresh produce while also managing waste effectively,” the Minister stressed.
It’s understood that the project will encourage urban residents to engage in small-scale farming, thereby reducing reliance on imported food and minimizing waste through composting and recycling practices. The “City Garden” project, a key component of the peri-urban farming approach, aims to transform vacant lots and underutilized spaces in urban areas into productive gardens.
He explained that by promoting urban agriculture, the Ministry of Agriculture hopes to create green spaces that enhance the quality of life in cities while addressing food insecurity in urban Communities. The Ministry of Agriculture is committed to providing the necessary resources, training, and technical support to ensure the successful implementation of these initiatives.
Liberia continues to navigate the challenges of food security and economic development, this is why Minister Gbanyan’s pronouncement of the comprehensive five-year development plan represents a proactive approach to joining the country’s agricultural potential.
We therefore believe that with a key focus on lowland farming and peri-urban agriculture, Liberians can now withstand the impacts of climate change and contribute to the overall well-being of the Country’s Agricultural Sector.
Liberian people.
