The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has donated critical start-up materials to the University of Liberia’s College of Agriculture and Forestry to support its Para-Veterinary Diploma Program.
The presentation ceremony, held on January 21, 2025, at the Fendall campus in Montserrado County, underscores a joint commitment by FAO, USAID, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the University of Liberia to strengthen veterinary education and animal health in Liberia.
The program is designed to equip students with practical skills to address critical issues in animal health, food safety, and the prevention of zoonotic diseases, which remain a growing concern in the region. Officials at the event emphasized the initiative’s importance in boosting Liberia’s agricultural economy and improving the livelihoods of its citizens.
University of Liberia President Dr. Layli Maparyan praised the donation, calling it a significant step in tackling agricultural challenges while preparing students for real-world problem-solving. She noted that the program will have a lasting impact on livestock management and farming communities across Liberia.
Dr. Maparyan thanked FAO, the Ministry of Agriculture, and USAID for their collective support in advancing veterinary science and agriculture as pillars of sustainable development. Hedd-Williams, speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, applauded the FAO’s Emergency Center for Transboundary Animal Diseases for driving the initiative. He emphasized the importance of investing in education as a transformative tool to uplift communities and build resilience in Liberia’s agricultural sector.
