Liberia Agricultural and Environmental Journalists Network (LAEJN) Promote informed journalism and public engagement on agricultural and environmental nalists Network (LAEJN)
FAO Liberia recently hosted a stakeholder engagement session bringing together representatives from both the public and private sectors to discuss the KOICA-funded project, Green Jobs for Youth in Resilient Agrifood Systems. The engagement aimed to enhance the involvement of various stakeholders in defining the scope of the project, ensuring that its impact is maximized while prioritizing sustainability.
The initiative focuses on creating green jobs for youth in Liberia, fostering resilience within the country’s agrifood systems. By encouraging the active participation of both public and private sector stakeholders, FAO Liberia aims to align efforts and resources to promote long-term growth in the sector. The collaborative approach is expected to create sustainable employment opportunities while addressing key environmental challenges.
Through this engagement, stakeholders are given a platform to contribute insights and perspectives, ensuring that the project addresses the real needs of local communities while supporting Liberia’s agricultural transformation. The outcome will be a more inclusive and sustainable approach to youth empowerment in Liberia’s agrifood sector.
In Liberia, youth continue to play a crucial role as the primary drivers of the agriculture sector, contributing to the sector’s growth and potential for economic development. With a growing young population, the agricultural industry has emerged as a key avenue for employment and sustainable livelihoods. The dynamic and resourceful youth are increasingly taking up farming as a means of income generation, especially in rural communities where agriculture remains the backbone of the local economy.
Smallholder farmers, especially the youth, are at the forefront of transforming Liberia’s agricultural landscape, adopting innovative farming techniques, and introducing sustainable practices that align with environmental goals. These young farmers are not only ensuring food security but are also tapping into global markets to increase their income and enhance local resilience to climate change.
However, for this momentum to continue, targeted interventions are needed. The government, alongside private sector partners, must invest in policies and programs that provide the necessary resources, training, and incentives for young people to thrive in agriculture. This includes offering financial support, technical training, and access to modern tools and technologies that can improve productivity and profitability.
Moreover, empowering youth in agriculture is essential for the long-term sustainability of the sector. By facilitating greater access to land, financing, and mentorship, Liberia can foster a generation of young farmers equipped to meet the challenges of today’s agricultural demands.
The increasing involvement of youth in agriculture underscores the sector’s potential for growth, positioning them as the future of Liberia’s food security and economic resilience. As Liberia continues to focus on rural development and job creation, the youth will remain a key pillar of the country’s agricultural transformation.
