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By: Josiah Pailay/+231881913880/+231775260307/[email protected]
Gbarnga – Liberia’s Agriculture Minister, Dr. Alexander Nuetah, has called on Liberian youths to actively participate in agricultural production as a pathway to economic growth and a strategy to combat food insecurity.
Speaking at a recent gathering hosted by Panta Pride, a leading development group in District 4, Bong County, Dr. Nuetah emphasized the importance of agriculture as a cornerstone of Liberia’s economy, urging young people to see farming not just as a subsistence activity but as a lucrative and impactful career.
“Agriculture offers immense opportunities for wealth creation and food self-sufficiency. Our young people must take the lead in transforming this sector,” Dr. Nuetah stated, highlighting the role of innovative and sustainable farming practices in revitalizing the industry.
He further noted that the government is committed to supporting youth participation through initiatives to improve access to agricultural resources, training, and markets. The Minister’s remarks come amid growing concerns over Liberia’s dependence on imported food and the urgent need to develop domestic production. Dr. Nuetah’s appeal underscores the critical role of youth in driving agricultural innovation and contributing to national development.
Dr. Nuetah pointed out the untapped potential of Liberia’s agricultural sector, particularly in lowland farming, which he believes can significantly contribute to the nation’s food supply and economic stability.
In his address, the Minister announced plans to establish mechanization hubs across Liberia’s 15 Counties to provide farmers with access to modern agricultural tools and technologies. “We must modernize our farming practices to increase productivity and efficiency. These hubs will serve as training and resource-sharing centers, empowering our youth to adopt innovative farming techniques leading to higher yields and better market access.” Dr. Nutuah asserted.
The Minister’s call to action comes at a time when Liberia faces significant challenges in food production and agricultural sustainability. With a large portion of the population engaged in subsistence farming, Dr. Nuetah believes that encouraging youth participation in agriculture will help bridge the gap between traditional practices and modern agricultural methods.
Holistically, the Thanksgiving Service, which celebrated the contributions of local farmers and agricultural stakeholders in both Shankpala Town ZOTA district and Garmue Town Panta district, Dr. Nuetah also emphasized the significance of community support and collaboration towards individual farmers in rural Liberia. “We must work together as a nation to create an environment where our Youths can now feel encouraged and supported in their agricultural endeavors,” he said.
The event was attended by local farmers, traditional leaders from the Menequelleh Clan, Zota and Panta Districts; others were representatives from various agricultural organizations including (IECD) an Ivorian base Agriculture institution, some Guinean Nationalities served as a platform for discussing the future of agriculture in Liberia where locally made produce was showcase by the farmers.
The Liberian Agricultural Journalists Network (LEAJN) further gathered the views of some local traditional farmers in the region, many of them have expressed their enthusiasm for the Minister’s vision and commitment to empowering the youths with farming education and access to resources.
“Today is my first time to see our Minister, I believe that what he’s saying here this afternoon, if applied by the Government District 4 will feel herself few years from now,” said Amos Kollie a local vegetable producer who usually cultivates Cucumbers, Cabbage Lettuce, Tomatoes for self- sustainability.
With what is being practiced and experienced in Bong County District #4, Liberians are gradually changing the narratives in producing their food consumption purposes. It’s about time to provide more support to farming cooperatives, empower the extension service department at the Ministry of Agriculture to help farmers with all the necessary farming ideas, and develop innovation that will find solutions to some of the many challenges faced by Liberian farmers.
