Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – On the sidelines of the 38th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to agricultural transformation and food security during a high-level meeting with International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) President Mr. Alvaro Lario.
He expressed appreciation for IFAD’s continuous support, including the establishment of an IFAD Office in Liberia in 2023 and the appointment of the first Country Representative covering Liberia and Sierra Leone.
The President commended IFAD for its IFAD 13 allocation of over $50 million, which is set to strengthen Liberia’s agro-food system from 2026 onward. To demonstrate Liberia’s commitment to agricultural development, he announced a $100,000 contribution to IFAD 13, assuring that the payment will be made on time. Mr. Lario welcomed this pledge, emphasizing that it underscores Liberia’s dedication to the sector.
Recognizing IFAD’s significant role in the tree crop sector, President Boakai praised IFAD’s contribution to the establishment of a cocoa seed garden in Nimba County, which will provide improved hybrid cocoa seeds to Liberian farmers by 2026.
To further highlight the importance of this initiative, the Liberian Leader invited Mr. Lario to visit Liberia and tour the cocoa seed garden.
President Boakai also acknowledged IFAD’s support in rice and vegetable production through the Climate Resilience Project, which is rehabilitating over 1,000 hectares of lowland rice farms in Bong and Nimba counties and providing modern rice mills to reduce post-harvest losses.
Stressing the importance of infrastructure in agricultural development, President Boakai lauded IFAD’s investment in 308.64 km of rehabilitated farm-to-market roads in Lofa and Nimba counties. These improvements, he noted, will enhance market access, reduce commodity prices, minimize post-harvest losses, and increase trade with neighboring countries. He extended an invitation to Mr. Lario to visit Liberia and inspect some of these rehabilitated roads.
As part of efforts to strengthen food security and climate resilience, President Boakai proposed the convening of an international and regional conference to mobilize resources for Liberia’s “Liberians Feed Yourselves” Agenda. IFAD expressed strong support for the initiative, and President Boakai directed Liberia’s Agriculture Minister to follow up on its implementation.
Further outlining Liberia’s agricultural priorities, President Boakai urged IFAD to support poultry production, emphasizing his administration’s goal of ensuring that Liberia produces 80% of its eggs and poultry products by the end of next year.
The IFAD President reaffirmed the Organization’s commitment to a bottom-up approach that empowers rural communities and commended President Boakai’s Agricultural and Agro-Industrial Development Initiative (AAID) for its strong focus on inclusivity.
Also present at the meeting were Mr. Bernard Hien, IFAD’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa, and Madam Mamaka Bility, Minister of State Without Portfolio of Liberia.
President Boakai remains committed to fostering strategic partnerships that drive sustainable agricultural growth, enhance food security, and improve the livelihoods of Liberian farmers.
