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October 14, 2024
Rome, Italy,— President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has called on the global community to take swift and decisive action to address the growing food insecurity crisis, particularly in Africa.
Delivering the keynote address at the World Food Forum to an audience of heads of state, development leaders, and international organizations, President Boakai highlighted the alarming rise of hunger and malnutrition, stating that the time for endless discussions has passed, and the world must now act.
“One in five people in Africa go to bed hungry,” President Boakai alarmed, warning, “We cannot wait for another summit or another meeting. The time for action is now, and we have the means to make a real difference.”
The President outlined Liberia’s ambitious plan to drive agricultural transformation, positioning the country as a key player in the fight against global hunger.
He noted that central to Liberia’s strategy is the development of a sustainable agrifood system that will strengthen local food production, improve rural livelihoods, and secure a better future for all citizens.
President Boakai announced the launch of Liberia’s Agro-Industrial Development Program, which will focus on oil palm and cocoa as key crops to drive economic growth and food security.
This initiative, he explained, is aimed at cultivating 100,000 hectares of land initially, expanding to 300,000 hectares over time to meet both local and regional demand. He also emphasized the importance of leveraging technology, digitization, and research to improve agricultural practices and boost productivity.
The President stressed the need for greater investment in rural infrastructure, including roads, markets, and storage facilities, to enhance food supply chains and reduce post-harvest losses.
He also highlighted the importance of empowering smallholder farmers and local cooperatives to drive community resilience and self-reliance.
With climate change posing an increasing threat to food security, President Boakai called for the adoption of climate-smart agriculture, including drought-resistant crops and environmentally sustainable farming practices.
He noted that Liberia is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 64% by 2030, while continuing to be a net carbon sink. “We must fight climate change while we fight hunger,” he said.
The Liberian Leader emphasized the need for stronger social protection programs to shield vulnerable populations from food insecurity. He urged global leaders to prioritize nutrition programs for children, pregnant women, and the elderly, ensuring that the most at-risk groups receive the support they need to break the cycle of hunger and poverty.
Recognizing that food security is a global challenge, President Boakai called for increased cross-border collaboration and partnerships between governments, civil society, and the private sector. He urged all stakeholders to share best practices and work together to create a sustainable global food system that can withstand future shocks.
He expressed that Liberia’s agricultural sector accounts for nearly 29% of the country’s GDP and provides a livelihood for over 68% of its population emphasizing that Liberia’s future lies in the sustainable development of its natural resources, with a focus on increasing productivity in food crops, fisheries, and cash crops like cocoa and palm oil.
The Liberian Chief Executive announced that the Agro-Industrial Development Program will be central to Liberia’s vision for food security, economic growth, and wealth creation in rural areas.
He further explained that the program is expected to create new jobs, attract foreign direct investment, and generate critical foreign exchange for the country.
The President said Liberia will also establish an Agriculture Enterprise Development Bank to improve access to finance for farmers and agribusinesses, further empowering smallholder farmers, women, and youth to participate in and benefit from the agricultural value chain.
He called on global leaders to commit to concrete actions that will lead to tangible change, stressing that the fight against hunger is not just about producing more food, but about creating resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agrifood systems.
“The time for rhetoric has passed,” President Boakai said, pointing out that “We have the knowledge, the technology, and the resources.What we need now is the will to act.” he concluded.
Agriculture is a key pillar of the President’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
