The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) has completed a landmark initiative to strengthen Liberia’s agricultural extension services and fast-track the country’s agricultural transformation under the National Agriculture Development Plan (NADP).
A workshop themed “Taking NADP to the People” was held at the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) in Suakoko, Bong County, gathering over 100 field staff, including Regional Agriculture Coordinators (RACs), County Agriculture Coordinators (CACs), and District Agriculture Officers (DAOs). The goal of the workshop was to provide these field officers with the tools and skills needed to effectively implement NADP in their respective regions.
Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, addressing the participants, underscored the significance of the training. He stated: “This workshop marks a fundamental step in transforming Liberia’s agriculture. Your commitment to this mission will define the success of our farmers and the communities you serve.”
The workshop spotlighted several initiatives aimed at empowering field staff and enhancing their capacity to support farmers. At the workshop, five new Regional Agriculture Coordinators were officially inducted to lead regional development efforts under NADP. Plans were also announced to equip CACs and DAOs with motorbikes by the end of 2025 to improve their mobility and outreach in rural areas.
The MOA reaffirmed its commitment to reshaping Liberia’s agricultural sector through NADP, which aligns with the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development. This initiative emphasizes empowering farmers, bolstering food security, and driving sustainable economic growth.
As Liberia looks to agriculture as a cornerstone of its economy, such proactive measures by the MOA are expected to create a ripple effect, enhancing livelihoods and ensuring the nation’s food sustainability.
The workshop is also a vital step in Liberia’s commitment to the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), an African Union initiative aimed at revolutionizing the continent’s agri-food system. By aligning NADP with CAADP objectives, Liberia aims to enhance agricultural productivity, strengthen food security, promote sustainable economic growth, and foster rural development.
This alignment underscores the government’s dedication to leveraging agriculture as a tool for national and continental transformation, in line with the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development. The Ministry’s proactive efforts are set to empower farmers, improve food security, and contribute to the realization of CAADP’s vision of a robust and sustainable agri-food system across Africa.