President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has officially opened the National Agriculture Fair 2024 (NAF 2024) at the historic Booker Washington Institute (BWI) campus in Kakata, Margibi County.
The event, held under the theme, “Promoting Agriculture for Food Security, Nutrition, and Sustainable Development”, brought together farmers, government officials, international partners, and agricultural stakeholders to celebrate Liberia’s agricultural sector and chart a path forward for its transformation.
In his special remarks, President Boakai highlighted the vital role of agriculture in Liberia’s economic development, emphasizing the government’s commitment to food security, poverty reduction, and sustainable development through the National Agriculture Development Plan (NADP 2024–2030).
“Our farmers are the backbone of our nation’s progress, and today we recommit ourselves to addressing the challenges that hinder our agricultural growth while celebrating the resilience and innovations of our esteemed farmers,” President Boakai said.
He underscored the pivotal role of the “ARREST Agenda”, with agriculture as the cornerstone in achieving Liberia’s developmental goals. He outlined the government’s focus on “Enhancing Smallholder Productivity—providing resources, training, and modern farming tools to empower farmers; Expanding Agricultural Value Chains—connecting farmers to local and international markets to increase competitiveness; and Climate Resilience—building capacity to adapt to climate change and ensure sustainable food systems”.
The President urged all Liberians to embrace the mantra, “Liberians Feed Yourselves”. He underscored the urgent need to reduce dependence on food imports by harnessing the country’s fertile soil, abundant resources, and industrious people.
Recognizing the potential of young farmers, President Boakai emphasized the government’s dedication to creating opportunities for youth participation in agriculture. He reassured them of continued support in training, funding, and access to technology.
“We are prioritizing youth and women in agriculture, and they are the future of Liberia’s agricultural sector in building a self-sustaining economy,” President Boakai said.
The President extended gratitude to the Ministry of Agriculture and organizers of NAF 2024 for their dedication and patriotism. He also called on international partners, private sector players, and financial institutions to collaborate with Liberia in transforming its agriculture sector.
As part of his concluding remarks, President Boakai reaffirmed his commitment to advancing policies that prioritize agriculture and sustainable development.
“It is our duty to build a Liberia that feeds itself and thrives on its agricultural strengths,” he declared. “Let us rise to this occasion and ensure that Liberia nourishes its people and sustains its development for generations to come,” he urged.
The 3-day National Agriculture Fair 2024 showcased innovative farming techniques, new agricultural technologies, and the contributions of farmers from across Liberia. It serves as a platform for knowledge exchange and networking among stakeholders committed to agricultural advancement.
