[Monrovia, Liberia – February 27, 2025] – In a bold move to revolutionize Liberia’s agricultural landscape, the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) has equipped its field staff with 52 motorbikes and four vehicles, empowering them to better support farmers and boost productivity. This strategic initiative enhances mobility and operational efficiency for District Agriculture Officers (DAOs), County Agriculture Coordinators (CACs), and Regional Agriculture Coordinators (RACs)—the frontline champions of Liberia’s agricultural growth.

At the handover ceremony, Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah highlighted the critical need for agricultural technicians to be actively engaged in the field, working alongside farmers. “There is just no way agriculture will work if those responsible for guiding our farmers are not in the field. As DAOs, we expect you to have a broad knowledge of everything in the agriculture sector—from livestock production to crop production and data collection,” Dr. Nuetah asserted.

Dr. Nuetah emphasized the indispensable role of DAOs in transforming Liberia’s agriculture. “It is you, the technicians, who make the farmers. You don’t have to be an agriculturist to be a farmer. As long as you have a smart DAO to provide guidance, you can farm. That’s why this administration prioritizes the presence of DAOs in every district,” he declared.

Reflecting the MOA’s unwavering commitment to strengthening field operations, Dr. Nuetah announced that 85 out of 100 agricultural districts now have DAOs on the payroll, with newly recruited officers set to receive their first salaries in March. He also revealed that longstanding salary disparities had been resolved. “When we took over, we discovered disparities in salaries—some DAOs were making US$200, others US$400. We engaged with the Civil Service Agency (CSA), and beginning in March, all DAOs will receive a standard salary of $450,” he explained.

Taking a decisive step towards modernizing Liberia’s agricultural sector, the Minister announced that each DAO would be equipped with GPS devices to enhance land measurement and data collection. “These GPS devices will be used to survey all lowlands in your districts, providing us with precise data. If someone claims to be a farmer, you should verify by measuring the land. Accurate data is crucial for planning and developing every cultivable lowland. We need to track production accurately and set measurable targets,” he emphasized.

The MOA is also investing in capacity building to keep its workforce at the cutting edge of agricultural best practices. In collaboration with the World Bank, the Ministry is developing a specialized training program tailored for DAOs. “You can’t give what you don’t have. Many of you graduated years ago, and it’s vital to refresh your skills. We are committed to equipping you with modern agricultural knowledge and best practices,” Dr. Nuetah stated.

For many field officers, the provision of motorbikes and vehicles is a transformative boost to their work. Mark Sieh, a District Agriculture Officer from Maryland County, expressed his enthusiasm, noting that he had been volunteering for six years and often relied on his private bike out of sheer passion for his job. “Moving around the county has been challenging.  I’ve been spending up to 500 Liberian dollars daily on transportation. This motorbike is a game-changer, enabling me to work more efficiently,” he said.

Similarly, Nunu Sharty, the County Agriculture Coordinator for Grand Gedeh County, welcomed the initiative with excitement. “I am thrilled to receive this bike. To effectively deliver extension services, mobility is essential. This support empowers me to reach more farmers and provide timely guidance,” she remarked.

Through this strategic empowerment initiative, the Ministry of Agriculture reaffirms its dedication to enhancing field operations and ensuring that farmers receive the essential support needed to maximize productivity. By boosting mobility, standardizing salaries, introducing cutting-edge GPS technology, and investing in targeted training programs, the MOA is driving a comprehensive transformation of Liberia’s agricultural sector, propelling the nation toward food security and economic prosperity.