By Sara Camara
Monrovia, Liberia – The Ministry of Agriculture is buzzing with excitement following a visit from a high-powered delegation from South Korea’s Make Group. Led by Chairman Mr. James Juhee Han, the 9-member delegation expressed a keen interest in investing significantly in Liberia’s agricultural transformation, signaling a potentially game-changing development for the nation’s food security and economic growth.
Make Group’s proposal includes substantial investments in several key areas critical to modernizing Liberia’s agricultural infrastructure:
- Agro-processing Facilities: Establishing facilities to process agricultural products, adding value to crops and creating local jobs.
- Cold Storage and Refrigerated Warehouses: Developing a robust cold chain to reduce post-harvest losses and ensure the quality and shelf life of perishable goods.
- Agricultural Machinery Hubs and Maintenance Support: Creating centers to provide farmers with access to modern agricultural machinery and the necessary maintenance support to ensure efficient operation.
- $100 Million Universal Bank: The ambitious proposal includes the establishment of a $100 million Universal Bank with a specific focus on supporting the agriculture and housing sectors.
Chairman Han underscored Make Group’s commitment to a tangible partnership, emphasizing the need for an actionable Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) rather than a mere Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The proposed MOA would focus on two key areas: general agriculture and poultry development.
Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, Jr. PhD, warmly welcomed the proposal, highlighting its alignment with Liberia’s top agricultural priorities. He pointed to ongoing initiatives such as the development of 50,000 hectares of lowland for rice cultivation, the construction of Liberia’s first starch-processing plant for cassava, and a focus on bolstering the poultry sector through maize production, feed mills, hatcheries, and slaughterhouses. He also referenced the progress being made in establishing 18 machinery hubs across the country.
This collaboration promises to significantly boost food production, create numerous employment opportunities, and advance the “Liberians Feed Yourselves” agenda, a cornerstone of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr.’s vision for a self-sufficient Liberia.
The Ministry of Agriculture, under the leadership of Minister Nuetah, has been actively pursuing innovative strategies and engaging with foreign partners interested in local manufacturing, driven by President Boakai’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID) and the 15 County Development Agendas (CDAs). This proactive approach aims to revitalize the food security and agricultural domain.
In line with the ARREST Agenda, the Ministry structured the National Agriculture Development Plan (NADP) as a six-year (2024-2030) government initiative designed to transform the agricultural sector, boost food security, and reduce poverty. Supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the NADP focuses on sustainable development, leveraging technology, and fostering a cooperative approach to empower farmers and increase agricultural productivity.
The NADP’s key focus areas include:
- Increased Productivity: Through the adoption of modern technologies, improved seeds, and access to resources.
- Self-Sufficiency: Aiming for self-sufficiency in key food staples like rice and cassava, and increasing export of cash crops like cocoa, coffee, coconut, and rubber.
- Value Chain Development: Focusing on the entire value chain, from production to consumption.
- Sector Development: Focusing on four subsectors: food crops, tree crops, fruits, and livestock.
- Food Security: Prioritizing food security, particularly for vulnerable populations.
The NADP is expected to be crucial in driving President Boakai’s ARREST Agenda, emphasizing agriculture’s role in wealth generation and economic growth.
As both parties work towards finalizing the agreement, the potential investment from Make Group represents a significant opportunity to usher in a new era of agricultural prosperity for Liberia. The Ministry of Agriculture has promised to keep the public informed as plans progress for this potentially game-changing investment in Liberia’s future.
