Kakata, Liberia – In an inspiring keynote address at the Farmers’ Conference, part of the ongoing National 2024 Agriculture Fair, Liberia’s Agriculture Minister, Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, issued a clarion call to the nation’s youth to embrace agriculture as a cornerstone for self-empowerment and economic growth.
Speaking under the fair’s theme, “Promoting Agriculture for Food Security, Nutrition & Sustainable Development,” Dr. Nuetah highlighted agriculture's evolving landscape, transforming traditional subsistence practices into a dynamic field integrating technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
“We encourage young people to consider agriculture a viable and rewarding career,” Dr. Nuetah said. “Initiatives such as agribusiness incubators, digital tools for farming, and youth-focused training programs are designed to support your journey into this vital sector.”
Dr. Nuetah emphasized that Liberia’s young population holds the potential to be the driving force behind the modernization of the country’s agricultural sector. “Your energy, creativity, and ambition can revolutionize agriculture and contribute significantly to national development,” he added.
Collaboration: A Catalyst for Agricultural Progress
While underscoring the transformative role of youth, the Minister also stressed the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainable agricultural development.
“Agricultural transformation and food security cannot be achieved by the Ministry of Agriculture alone,” he said. “Collaboration among farmers, government agencies, private investors, and international partners is critical to building systems that provide financing, market access, and research support.”
As a case in point, Dr. Nuetah highlighted the Dohgodan Multipurpose Cooperative in Gbedin, Nimba County. Supported by the government and international partners, the cooperative recently achieved a remarkable milestone, harvesting over 600 metric tons of lowland rice.
“This achievement demonstrates that when we work together, progress is not just possible—it is inevitable,” he remarked.
A Vision for Sustainable Agriculture
Dr. Nuetah underscored sustainability as a non-negotiable element of Liberia’s agricultural agenda. He urged stakeholders to prioritize environmental preservation, resource conservation, and long-term productivity to ensure a thriving agricultural sector for future generations.
“Sustainability must be at the heart of our agricultural agenda. It is a guiding principle we must adopt to ensure the future of farming in Liberia,” he said.