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On June 14, 2025, the Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Agriculture, officially dedicated the rehabilitated Fangoda Dam in Kolahun District, Lofa County, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s agricultural development. With an investment of US$650,000, this infrastructure project stands as a key pillar in Liberia’s ambitious “Liberians Feed Yourselves” agenda, which targets a 70% reduction in rice imports by 2030. The newly restored dam will support year-round rice farming on over 250 acres of lowland, providing a sustainable model for agricultural growth in one of Liberia’s most vital regions.
At the launch event, Minister of Agriculture Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah highlighted the profound implications of the project for the country’s food security. He emphasized that the rehabilitated dam is not just a symbol of infrastructure renewal but a tangible catalyst for transforming Liberia’s agricultural landscape. “The land is fertile, and agriculture is the best way to create wealth. Let’s leave politics and focus on development,” he urged. This call to action underscores the critical need for a unified focus on agriculture as the backbone of Liberia’s long-term economic and social prosperity.
The Fangoda Dam revitalizes a historic rice cultivation site that was once managed by the agricultural cooperative AGROMECO in the 1960s, contributing significantly to the local economy. However, years of neglect had reduced its potential. The restoration of the dam, therefore, represents not just the revival of a productive farming area but a renewed commitment to rebuilding Liberia’s agricultural infrastructure, setting the stage for a modernized, self-sufficient farming system.
The benefits of this rehabilitated dam extend far beyond the cultivation of rice. It promises to create seasonal employment opportunities, particularly for youth in Kolahun District. Students and young people, often sidelined during school breaks, will now have access to meaningful work in the rice farming sector. Local youth leader Momo Kamara expressed the excitement surrounding the project, calling it “a dream come true for Lofa.” His sentiments reflect a broader community enthusiasm about the dam’s potential to empower youth and uplift rural livelihoods.
Minister Nuetah’s visit to the Fangoda Dam was accompanied by a tour of a 2,000-hectare farmland in Foya, which is currently being prepared for large-scale cultivation. This dual-project approach demonstrates the government’s firm commitment to bolstering Liberia’s food security while simultaneously empowering the youth and local farmers. The expansion of rice cultivation, alongside the development of other key agricultural sites, highlights the government’s recognition of agriculture as a central driver of rural development, economic stability, and national self-sufficiency.
The relaunch of the Fangoda Dam signals more than just the rehabilitation of infrastructure. It represents a critical turning point in Liberia’s agricultural strategy, where long-neglected resources are now being harnessed for sustainable development. This project is a bold step toward reducing reliance on imported rice, improving food security, and fostering rural communities’ economic growth. Agriculture is no longer viewed as merely a sector of livelihood but as a vital engine for national transformation.
