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Ministry of Agriculture on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, reinforced its commitment to food security and local empowerment by donating a significant quantity of locally grown food items to the Ministries of Health and Justice. This initiative is part of the government’s “Liberians Feed Yourselves Agenda,” which promotes producing and consuming locally produced food while supporting essential public services.
The donation to the Ministry of Health included 100 bags of 50 kg rice, 10 bags of gari, three bags of beans (locally known as “Kpaku torweh”), and one bag of organic baby food. These items are intended to enhance the nutrition of patients in hospitals. Additionally, 50 bags of rice were provided to the Ministry of Justice to improve meal provisions for inmates in correctional facilities.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah highlighted the significance of the initiative. “This donation supports our hospitals and prisons while promoting local farmers’ efforts. By prioritizing locally produced food, we boost nutrition, encourage agricultural production, and improve livelihoods,” he said.
The gesture underscores the government’s dedication to addressing food insecurity, supporting the livelihoods of local farmers, and enhancing services within the health and justice sectors. By sourcing food from Liberian farmers, the initiative fosters a sustainable supply chain that empowers rural communities and strengthens the agricultural sector.
The Ministries of Health and Justice welcomed the support, noting that these contributions will have a meaningful impact on improving the conditions of patients and inmates. The Ministry of Agriculture called on all stakeholders to embrace locally grown food as a vital step toward reducing reliance on imports and achieving sustainable food systems in Liberia.
The donation is seen as a milestone in promoting the integration of local agriculture into the nation’s development priorities, reflecting the government’s vision of a self-reliant and nutritionally secure Liberia.
The Ministry of Agriculture called on other government institutions and private-sector partners to join efforts in promoting the consumption of locally grown food, which is seen as an essential strategy for improving the nation’s food security and health systems.
This move aligns with ongoing government efforts to encourage Liberians to embrace local food production and consumption, which is seen as a key factor in reducing dependence on imported food and enhancing the overall resilience of the nation’s agriculture sector.
