Liberia Agricultural and Environmental Journalists Network (LAEJN) Promote informed journalism and public engagement on agricultural and environmental nalists Network (LAEJN)
Leymah Kollie, LAEJN
In a concerted effort to bolster Liberia’s agricultural sector, the Liberia Poultry Federation has initiated a two-day stakeholders’ consultative review of its draft policy. This significant endeavor aims to refine the National Poultry Policy originally crafted in 2018 under the auspices of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in collaboration with Liberia’s Ministry of Agriculture, supported by USAID. The policy draft is slated for imminent validation by the Liberian government.
This week’s review, taking place at Shark’s on Airfield Road in Monrovia from April 24–25, brings together poultry farmers, agribusinesses, extension workers, and government representatives from all 15 counties. The gathering provides a forum to examine the draft policy, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that it reflects the realities and aspirations of those working in the poultry value chain.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Joseph N. Kodah Sr., President of the Liberia Poultry Federation, emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement in shaping the final document.
“Since the policy was drafted, there has been little opportunity for us—the people it is meant to serve—to understand or influence its content. This review allows us to connect the dots between policy and practice, and ensure that our voices are heard in the shaping of our industry’s future ”, Mr. Kodah said.
Mr. Joseph N. Kodah Sr. also underscored that revisiting and revising the draft document would enable farmers and agribusinesses to fully understand its provisions, evaluate its practical implications, and ensure it genuinely supports the growth and sustainability of their enterprises.
He encouraged participants to actively engage in the sessions and ask questions where clarity is needed. He also stressed the Federation’s commitment to building a strong, resilient poultry sector that can create jobs, reduce poultry imports, and improve nutrition in Liberia.
The consultancy firm NEXTIER is leading the facilitation of the review process, providing technical expertise, clarifying complex policy language, and helping stakeholders translate the document into practical, actionable strategies that can be effectively implemented at all levels of the poultry value chain.
The Ministry of Agriculture is playing a central role in the review process, offering policy oversight and strategic direction, and is expected to lead the next steps toward the formal validation, endorsement, and eventual implementation of the National Poultry Policy.
Poultry farming is widely recognized as a strategic entry point for smallholder farmers and agri-entrepreneurs, offering a low barrier to entry, fast turnover, and a reliable source of income and nutrition. Its potential to improve rural livelihoods and contribute to national food security is well documented. However, in Liberia, the sector continues to grapple with systemic challenges such as limited access to affordable feed, insufficient veterinary and extension services, inadequate financing options, and the absence of a clear, supportive policy framework—factors that have hindered its full development.
As Liberia advances its agricultural transformation agenda, a robust and inclusive poultry policy is emerging as a cornerstone for sustainable rural development. It holds the potential to empower smallholder farmers, create meaningful opportunities for women and youth in agribusiness, and significantly reduce the country’s dependency on imported poultry products, paving the way for greater food sovereignty and economic resilience.
