Monrovia, Liberia — November 4, 2024 — To reduce reliance on imported rice, Liberia’s Ministry of Agriculture has intensified its support for local farming cooperatives, offering resources and fostering partnerships to boost domestic rice production. Recently, Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah visited the Fuamah Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Lower Bong County—a central player in the government’s ambitious agenda to achieve rice self-sufficiency.
The initiative aligns with Liberia’s National Agriculture Development Plan (NADP), also known as the “Liberia Feed Yourselves” agenda, which targets the development of 50,000 hectares of lowland rice fields over five years. Supported by World Bank-backed programs like the Rural Economic Transformation Project (RETRAP) and the Smallholder Agricultural Transformation and Agribusiness Revitalization Project (STAR-P), cooperatives such as Fuamah Multi-Purpose Cooperative have significantly increased their production capacity. The cooperative has expanded its rice cultivation area from 500 to 900 hectares, anticipating a notable harvest this season.
“With the targeted areas under cultivation, we are on track to improve domestic rice production by next year,” said Dr. Nuetah. “Our goal is to introduce five new rice brands, giving Liberians more options and strengthening local market offerings.”
Dr. Nuetah underscored that ongoing collaboration with cooperatives in Bong, Nimba, and Lofa counties is crucial to this growth, as the Ministry seeks to reduce Liberia’s dependency on imported rice. As part of a long-term vision, the Ministry aims to partner with private investors to scale up production, transforming smallholder farmers into out-growers with better market access and essential inputs. “This approach will empower farmers with necessary resources and create jobs, stimulating economic growth in rural communities,” he added.
Despite these advancements, marketing challenges remain for Liberia’s rice producers. The country still imports 70% of its rice, a figure the Ministry hopes to reduce by establishing reliable markets for domestic rice. “While market access is challenging, we are committed to ensuring that Liberian-grown rice reaches consumers,” assured Dr. Nuetah.
With continued investment, strategic partnerships, and expanded farmer participation, the Ministry of Agriculture remains steadfast in its mission to make Liberia a self-sustaining and resilient economy in rice production.