Liberia Agricultural and Environmental Journalists Network (LAEJN) Promote informed journalism and public engagement on agricultural and environmental nalists Network (LAEJN)
By LAEJNET Senior Reporter
The Rubber Development Fund of Liberia (RDF) has announced that the 2024 National Rubber Conference will take place in Gbarnga, Bong County. Scheduled for November 8-9, 2024, the conference is expected to draw a wide array of stakeholders, including government officials, smallholder farmers, industry leaders, and international partners.
Hosting the conference in Gbarnga highlights the vital role that rural communities play in the rubber sector and emphasizes the importance of decentralizing development efforts. According to the Chairperson of the Rubber Development Fund board Tokpah J.Mulbah, Gbarnga being a central hub for Liberia’s agricultural activities, provides the ideal setting for this year’s conference, as it is close to many of the nation’s rubber-producing communities.
The Rubber Fund board chair emphasized the conference will address key industry challenges, including limited access to financing for smallholder farmers, outdated processing infrastructure, and global market volatility. In particular, it will focus on empowering smallholder farmers by improving their access to training, modern equipment, and financial resources.
President Joseph Boakai is expected to deliver the keynote address, highlighting the government’s strategic vision for the rubber industry. His remarks will likely emphasize rubber as a major source of income generation, with the potential to boost local economies and contribute to national prosperity. The President’s address is anticipated to inspire attendees to work together on enhancing the sector’s resilience and sustainability.
The RDF has also arranged sessions featuring experts from across the sector who will share insights on modern rubber production techniques and sustainable farming practices. Representatives from development organizations, such as USAID and the African Development Bank, are expected to participate, further underscoring the importance of international collaboration in strengthening Liberia’s rubber industry.
The conference will additionally explore opportunities for diversifying the industry by increasing local processing capabilities, which could create jobs and add economic value to Liberia’s rubber exports. Industry leaders are optimistic that new initiatives, such as the proposed Rubber Development Fund, will provide the support needed to modernize the sector and make it more competitive internationally.
With stakeholders from across Liberia and beyond, the 2024 National Rubber Conference is poised to catalyze change in the rubber sector, promote sustainable economic growth, and reinforce Liberia’s standing as a key player in West Africa’s rubber industry.
The 2024 National Rubber Conference is set to bring together 150 delegates from across Liberia, including government officials, smallholder farmers, industry leaders, and international partners. Delegates will have the opportunity to participate in sessions on enhancing production, sustainability practices, and market expansion.
Special focus will be placed on supporting smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of the rubber industry, by improving access to financial resources, training, and modern agricultural practices.
Rubber is one of Liberia’s most valuable exports, generating substantial foreign exchange that supports national reserves and stabilizes the economy. By selling rubber products abroad, Liberia earns foreign currency that helps balance trade deficits and funds public projects.
The rubber industry also provides jobs for thousands of Liberians, particularly in rural areas. From plantation workers to smallholder farmers and processors, the sector creates diverse employment opportunities, helping to alleviate poverty and support local economies. It is an important income source for smallholder farmers across the country. These farmers rely on rubber to supplement or sustain their livelihoods, improving their families’ quality of life and fostering rural development.
The potential for diversifying rubber processing within Liberia represents a significant opportunity. Establishing local facilities to produce value-added products like tires, gloves, and other rubber goods would retain more economic value within the country and create new jobs in manufacturing and distribution. The rubber industry’s long-standing presence and economic potential make it attractive to international investors and development partners.
As the 2024 National Rubber Conference convenes, stakeholders aim to maximize the rubber sector’s contributions, addressing challenges like financing and processing capabilities. Stakeholders also anticipate that the conference will lay the groundwork for reforms and initiatives aimed at revitalizing Liberia’s rubber industry, positioning it as a strategic player in both regional and international markets.
