Liberia Agricultural and Environmental Journalists Network (LAEJN) Promote informed journalism and public engagement on agricultural and environmental nalists Network (LAEJN)
Executive Mansion Press Release: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has taken a decisive step toward enhancing Liberia’s food security by signing Executive Order No. 149, which establishes the National Food Assistance Agency (NFAA). This landmark executive action underscores the government’s commitment to eradicating hunger, improving nutrition, and ensuring food security for all Liberians as part of the ARREST Agenda.
Executive Order No. 149 builds upon prior directives, notably the now-expired Executive Order No. 129, and redefines the scope and functions of the NFAA to effectively coordinate food assistance initiatives nationwide.
In his statement, President Boakai articulated that the reestablishment of the NFAA marks a pivotal stride toward a hunger-free Liberia, emphasizing that the agency will play a crucial role in providing essential food support to children, farmers, and vulnerable populations with dignity.
Key provisions under the new mandate include the implementation of sustainable Home-Grown School Feeding programs utilizing locally produced food, the procurement of surplus crops from farmers for distribution to schools, hospitals, and prisons, and the introduction of a food stamp and free meal program targeting vulnerable groups such as the disabled, elderly, pregnant women, and orphaned children.
Furthermore, Executive Order No. 149 outlines the organizational structure of the NFAA, featuring a Board of Directors chaired by the Ministry of Agriculture and comprising representatives from government, the private sector, and civil society. A Director-General, appointed by the President, will oversee day-to-day operations alongside deputies and specialized unit directors.
President Boakai underscored that the NFAA will operate with a commitment to transparency, stakeholder engagement, and accountability, ensuring adherence to principles of good regulatory practice. The establishment of a national database for food-related NGOs aims to enhance coordination efforts, while a robust monitoring mechanism will track the distribution and impact of food donations across Liberia.
Effective immediately, Executive Order No. 149 calls for unified national action to combat food insecurity, positioning Liberia to achieve sustainable development goals, including the elimination of hunger by 2030. The order signals a renewed commitment to bolstering food systems and responding swiftly to food emergencies through the development of regional food hubs and storage facilities across the country.
