By Caroline N. Wonokay
Special Contributor to Verity News | Ministry of Agriculture
Monrovia, Liberia — As Liberia accelerates efforts to implement its flagship ARREST Agenda, a powerful yet underutilized solution is emerging: Agro-tourism.
Agro-tourism—where farming meets tourism—allows visitors to experience rural life through farm stays, food festivals, nature trails, and cultural exhibitions. The head of policy and Planning at the Ministry of Agriculture say Liberia’s unique combination of agriculture, history, and biodiversity makes it a strong candidate to benefit from this innovative model.
“Agro-tourism is not just about showcasing rural life—it’s about creating jobs, building resilience, and expanding our national economy,” says Caroline N. Wonokay, a policy expert at the Ministry of Agriculture.
The ARREST Connection
Liberia’s ARREST Agenda stands for Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism. Agro-tourism directly supports all six pillars:
– Agriculture: Offers new income streams for smallholder farmers.
– Roads: Spurs rural road development to reach tourist-friendly farming sites.
– Rule of Law: Encourages enforcement of land rights and tourism standards.
– Education: Facilitates learning programs, farm visits, and youth engagement.
– Sanitation: Promotes clean environments and improved waste management in tourist areas.
– Tourism: Diversifies Liberia’s tourism portfolio beyond wildlife and beaches.
Empowering Local Economies
From the cocoa farms of Nimba to the rice fields of Lofa, From the Vegetables farm in Bong along the water falls to the Rubber plantation in Margibi, and the fishing villages of Grand Kru, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Bassa etc. agro-tourism can turn Liberia’s rural communities into economic hubs. Women and youth, especially, stand to benefit through eco-lodges, crafts, local cuisine, and guiding services.
“Every county in Liberia has a unique agricultural story to tell. Agro-tourism is how we tell it—and monetize it,” Wonokay added.
The Time Is Now
The Policy Expert is calling on the Government of Liberia to prioritize a National Agro-Tourism Strategy, citing the following as immediate actions:
1. Develop agro-tourism pilot hubs in all 15 counties
2. Train communities in hospitality, sustainable farming, and storytelling
3. Partner with the private sector for investment in infrastructure and marketing
4. Engage the Liberian diaspora to invest in heritage farms and rural tourism
5. Integrate agro-tourism into school curricula for environmental education
Conclusion
Agro-tourism offers a win-win model for Liberia: rural empowerment, sustainable agriculture, tourism growth, and cultural preservation—all aligned with the ARREST Agenda. By turning farms into destinations, Liberia can harvest not only crops, but prosperity.
“The future of Liberia lies not only in our cities, but in our villages. Agro-tourism brings the world to our roots,” says Wonokay.
Contact Information:
Ministry of Agriculture, Republic of Liberia
Email: info@moa.gov.lr | Tel: +231-886-43-8781
