PRESIDENT BOAKAI TOURS FARM IN GBARPOLU, CALLS ON LIBERIANS TO PRIORITIZE AGRICULTURE FOR FOOD SECURITY

By Sylvester Choloplay

January 2, 2025

Gbarma Town, Gbarpolu County- Liberian President, H.E. Joseph Boakai, on Thursday, January 2, 2025, toured his personal farm in Gbarma Town, Gbarpolu County.

President Boakai used the visit to inspire Liberians to prioritize agriculture to achieve food self-sufficiency and economic growth. According to the President, his farmland includes a 101-acre palm plantation, a piggery, a demonstration of 400 acres of rice farm bought, and the cultivation of crops such as oranges, kola nuts, and butter pears.

He also mentioned that he acquired the land in 1986 but began operating in 2006, something meant to showcase a range of agricultural activities. Speaking further during the tour, the President emphasized the critical role of farming in addressing Liberia’s food insecurity saying “As a nation, we must return to the soil”.

Agriculture is not just the backbone of our economy—it is the key to reducing our dependence on imported food, ensuring food security, and building a stronger Liberia, “President Boakai said. During the visit, President Boakai highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government, private citizens, and international partners in addressing the structural challenges facing Liberia’s agricultural sector.

 He reiterated his administration’s commitment, through the ARREST Agenda, to supporting farmers through targeted policies and investments. “Agriculture is a collective endeavor,” he said. “If we unite our efforts, we can transform this sector into a driver of economic growth and prosperity for all Liberians.” President Boakai used the occasion to encourage Liberians to see farming as both a viable livelihood and a patriotic duty.

“This farm is an example of what we can achieve with hard work and a commitment to the land,” he noted. “I urge all Liberians to invest in agriculture—not only for their families but for the nation’s future.” The farm’s rice demonstration project, covering a portion of the land, highlights the potential of lowland cultivation to increase rice production and reduce the country’s reliance on imports of its staple food.

 Liberia has historically been an agrarian society, but years of civil conflict, poor infrastructure, and limited access to farming resources have stymied progress. The country continues to import large quantities of food, including rice, to meet domestic demand. Recognizing these challenges, President Boakai’s administration has prioritized agricultural development through initiatives aimed at improving farmers’ access to credit, promoting mechanized farming, and investing in infrastructure.

However, high production costs and limited market access remain significant barriers for many rural farmers. The President’s farm in Gbarma serves as a model for sustainable agricultural practices, demonstrating how private initiatives can complement government efforts to revitalize the sector. By showcasing the farm’s success, President Boakai hopes to inspire similar ventures across Liberia. As Liberia seeks to rebuild its economy, the President’s leadership in farming offers a blueprint for achieving food security and fostering national development. By returning to the soil, Liberians can create jobs, reduce poverty, and build a resilient economy.