On October 16 Liberia joined the world over to celebrate World Food Day which took place at the Program Management Unit, University of Liberia Fendell campus.

World Food Day was celebrated under the theme: “Change the future of migration. Invest in food security and rural development.” The celebration of this year’s World Food Day hosted two major activities; Media Event and Stakeholders Dialogue.

The Minister of Agriculture Mrs. Seklau E. Wiles, FAO Country Representative Mr. Marc Abdala, and WFP Representative & Country Director, Dr. Bienvenu DJOSSAbriefed the press on the importance of investing in sustainable rural development and agriculture, not only working towards zero hunger, but also addressing some of the major global challenges the world faces today including migration and displacement.

Mrs. Seklau Wiles called on Liberians to take ownership of the food and agricultural sector to fully engage in massive food production, something she emphasized when put into constant practice could drastically end hunger by 2030. Minister Wiles reminded the international community to increase support to Liberian farmers to enhance agriculture development in Liberia.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister assured the world to integrate rural migration into Liberia’s Agriculture policy.

Mr. Marc Abdala, FAO Country Representative disclosed that much has been said about migrants’ gruesome journeys in search of a better life and European Union response to stem the tide of migrants crossing the Mediterranean.

But indicated that less has been said about the farming and rural, off-farming opportunities that can be created to address migration at its root, and support vulnerable people to stay at home when they feel it is safe to do so.

“Creating economic opportunities is a crucial part of tackling migration. An increasing number of people have been forced to flee due to conflict, but we cannot ignore other important factors - hunger, poverty, and the impact of climate change - that are propelling millions of people to leave their homes. Many of them come from rural areas, and are young people,”