Kakata, Margibi County—The National Agriculture Fair 2024 (NAF 2024), hosted at the historic Booker Washington Institute (BWI) campus in Kakata, concluded with a resounding success. Participants were inspired and optimistic about the future of Liberia’s agriculture sector.

Held under the theme “Promoting Agriculture for Food Security, Nutrition, and Sustainable Development,” the two-day event brought together over 5,000 participants, including farmers, policymakers, private sector actors, international partners, and curious citizens eager to witness the vibrancy of Liberia’s agricultural potential.

A Celebration of Farmers and Innovation

The Fair provided a platform for farmers to showcase their innovations, share success stories, and exchange knowledge with peers and experts. Colorful exhibitions of locally produced crops, artisanal goods, and cutting-edge agricultural technology electrified the atmosphere.

Highlights included the much-anticipated awards ceremony, where Liberia’s most outstanding farmers are recognized. These included the Best Farmer of the Year,  Best Agricultural Innovation, Best Agro-Processing Initiative, and Best Youth Farmer, underscoring the Fair’s emphasis on driving creativity and youth engagement in agriculture. After an intense evaluation, winners will receive valuable equipment such as rice mills, water pumps, power tillers, tricycles, and cash prizes from the Ministry of Agriculture through its partners.

President Boakai’s Call to Action Resounds

President Joseph N. Boakai’s message during the event's launch was a rallying cry that resonated throughout the Fair: “Liberians, Feed Yourselves.” His passionate speech ignited discussions on reducing dependence on food imports and building a robust agriculture-driven economy.

“The message was clear: Liberia’s agricultural transformation begins with every seed planted, every innovation embraced, and every partnership forged,” emphasized Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, Minister of Agriculture.

Youth and Women Take Center Stage

NAF 2024 spotlighted the critical roles of youth and women in shaping the agricultural sector. From inspiring panel discussions to interactive workshops, young farmers and women entrepreneurs were empowered with practical tools and strategies to enhance their productivity and competitiveness.

The Youth Agri-Challenge, a new addition to the Fair, showcased groundbreaking ideas from Liberia’s emerging agricultural leaders. Many attendees praised the initiative for its ability to foster creativity and connect young innovators with potential investors.

Building Bridges and Partnerships

NAF 2024 wasn’t just about celebration—it was a platform for collaboration. The event attracted international development partners, including the FAO, USAID, IFAD, the World Bank, and ECOWAS representatives, who reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Liberia’s National Agriculture Development Plan (NADP 2024–2030).

Private sector actors also engaged in productive dialogues, exploring investment opportunities to strengthen value chains and support smallholder farmers.

Looking Ahead: The Work Continues

As the dust settles on the vibrant exhibitions and spirited discussions, the consensus remains that the journey toward food security and sustainable development has only just begun.

“The Fair was a success, but it’s also a reminder of the work ahead,” said Madam Lucy Paye, a vegetable farmer from Bong County. “We’ve seen what’s possible when we come together. Now, we must keep moving forward.”

With new partnerships forged, innovative ideas exchanged, and the spotlight firmly on Liberia’s potential, NAF 2024 has set the stage for a bold new chapter in the nation’s agricultural sector.