Monrovia, Liberia – December 17, 2024—The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has donated 16 motorbikes to the Ministry of Agriculture through its Accelerated Community Development Program (ACDP) to bolster Liberia's agricultural extension delivery services. 

At the handover ceremony, Mr. Louis Kuukpen, UNDP Liberia’s Deputy Resident Representative for Program, emphasized the vital role the motorbikes will play in improving outreach to farmers and cooperatives across Liberia. “These motorbikes will play a critical role in capacitating extension teams to provide extensive services to cooperatives and farmers in the country,” he noted.

The ACDP, a flagship initiative addressing development challenges such as poverty reduction and job creation, continues to invest in Liberia's agricultural sector. Reflecting on previous contributions, Mr. Kuukpen highlighted, “Last year, we provided 14 tractors and trailers to agricultural cooperatives and supplied farming tools to 2,000 farmers, supporting the transition from subsistence to mechanized farming.”

Mr. Kuukpen reaffirmed UNDP’s alignment with Liberia’s national development goals. “This initiative fully aligns with the government’s vision and strategy. Our commitment to partnering with the Ministry of Agriculture remains unwavering as we work towards tangible progress,” he said.

He also unveiled plans to construct three agricultural processing and storage facilities in Gbarpolu, Bong, and Rivercess counties. “These facilities will address critical storage needs for farmers, supporting Liberia’s ARREST Agenda by promoting commercialization, job creation, and wealth generation for all Liberians,” he added.

Receiving the motorbikes on behalf of Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, Deputy Minister for Technical Services Solomon Hedd-Williams expressed gratitude for UNDP’s continued partnership. “We applaud UNDP for their consistent and meaningful support to our agriculture sector,” he remarked, assuring stakeholders that the motorbikes will be used effectively.

“This initiative aligns perfectly with Liberia’s National Agriculture Development Plan and underscores a focus on empowering our most vulnerable farmers. These motorbikes will enable us to bridge critical gaps in service delivery,” he added.

The donation is expected to significantly enhance the Ministry’s capacity to support rural farmers by addressing mobility challenges, improving access to services, and advancing Liberia’s agricultural transformation.