30% of children aged 6 to 59 months in Liberia are stunted; a condition caused by chronic malnutrition that severely impairs a child’s physical growth and cognitive development.
This alarming figure was revealed in the World Food Programme’s (WFP) latest country report, raising urgent concerns over food security and public health in the nation.
Despite more than a decade of progress in governance, poverty reduction, and service delivery, the WFP notes that malnutrition remains a persistent and widespread challenge.
“While Liberia has made significant development strides, food insecurity and undernutrition continue to threaten the well-being of a large portion of the population, especially young children,” the report states.
Persistent Drivers of Hunger
The WFP attributes Liberia’s high rates of stunting to several underlying issues, including high food prices, unreliable food supply chains, widespread unemployment, and limited access to education.
These factors are compounded by the country’s dependence on foreign aid and investment, which leaves it vulnerable to external shocks.
Agricultural Sector Under Pressure
The report, among other things emphasized that agriculture remains central to Liberia’s fight against hunger, employing nearly 70 percent of the workforce.
However, the sector faces multiple constraints, including the use of outdated farming techniques, lack of access to markets, aging labor force, and inadequate post-harvest storage, which leads to significant losses.
“Despite its potential, Liberia’s agriculture sector is underperforming due to structural limitations,” the WFP report noted.
The report further indicated that improving food production and distribution is needed to reducing malnutrition in the country.
WFP’s Integrated Support
To combat these challenges, the World Food Programme is supporting the Government of Liberia through an integrated approach focusing on nutrition, food security, agriculture, and education.
“Our current strategy prioritizes capacity-strengthening of national and local institutions,” the WFP report explains. “We aim to build resilience by empowering communities and improving access to nutritious food, especially for children and vulnerable populations.”
Health and development experts are warning that stunting is not just a health issue but a national development crisis.
Children who suffer from chronic malnutrition are more likely to perform poorly in school, earn less as adults, and struggle with lifelong health issues.
“Stunted growth limits the future potential of an entire generation,” the WFP stressed. “Investing in food systems and nutrition today will determine Liberia’s human capital tomorrow.”
The organization is calling for greater collaboration between government, civil society, and international partners to address the root causes of malnutrition and food insecurity.
