Liberia Agricultural and Environmental Journalists Network (LAEJN) Promote informed journalism and public engagement on agricultural and environmental nalists Network (LAEJN)
Josiah Pailay/ +231881913880/+231775260307/ [email protected]
The Director General of the Liberia Agriculture Commodity Regulatory Authority (LACRA), Christopher Sankolo, has called on Liberian journalists to shift their focus toward agriculture reporting, emphasizing its role in national development and poverty reduction.
Speaking at the opening of a one-day seminar on Agriculture Journalism in Paynesville on Wednesday, Mr. Sankolo expressed concern that the media in Liberia has long been dominated by political reporting, often at the expense of critical sectors like agriculture. He urged journalists to take the lead in changing this narrative.
“It is about time journalists in Liberia redirect the focus of the population by consistently reporting on agriculture-related news,” Mr. Sankolo said. “Politics will put more people into poverty, but agriculture will take Liberians out of poverty.”
The seminar, held under the theme “Strengthening Agriculture Journalism in Liberia to Improve Farmers’ Access to Information,” was organized by the Liberia Agriculture and Environmental Journalists Network.
It aimed to equip journalists with the necessary knowledge and skills to report effectively on agricultural issues, ensuring farmers receive vital information that can improve their productivity and livelihoods.
Mr. Sankolo highlighted the government’s ARREST Agenda an economic framework prioritizing Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism as evidence of the administration’s commitment to agriculture as a driving force for national progress.
He stressed that the media must play a crucial role in promoting this agenda by amplifying agricultural success stories, challenges, and opportunities.
He further noted that agriculture journalism has the potential to attract investment in the sector, influence policy decisions, and inspire young people to see farming as a viable economic venture.
However, he lamented that the current media landscape is heavily skewed toward political reporting, which he believes undermines efforts to strengthen the agricultural sector.
“We cannot ignore politics entirely, but we must strike a balance. Journalists have a responsibility to inform, educate, and inspire people. The more we talk about agriculture, the more we contribute to a sustainable future for Liberia,” he added. Mr. Sankolo’s remarks resonated with participants, many of whom acknowledged the need for more agriculture-centered reporting.
Some journalists at the event committed to increasing their coverage of farming activities, agribusiness, and rural development initiatives, With increased media engagement, farmers could gain better access to information, markets, and government support, ultimately contributing to national economic growth.
Additionally, He promised to work collaboratively with the Liberia Agriculture and Environmental Journalists Network (LAEJN) in promoting the good news of Agriculture in Liberia.
