By: Journalist Archie Ayouba Boan
A young Liberian scholar and agricultural professional is steadily gaining recognition across Africa for his leadership, academic accomplishments, and growing contributions to agricultural research and policy development.
Fester Shadrach Tiah, a certified seed technologist and emerging policy advocate, has built a reputation grounded in student activism, humanitarian service, academic excellence, and youth empowerment.
Tiah’s leadership journey began within the Grand Gedeh University Students Association, where he first served as Junior Representative before later rising to the position of President. During his time at the University of Liberia, he also occupied influential leadership roles within the College of Agriculture and Forestry, serving as Financial Secretary and later as Secretary.
Colleagues and peers describe him as a disciplined organizer and youth leader who consistently combined academic pursuits with community service and advocacy initiatives.
Beyond student governance, Tiah became actively involved in humanitarian outreach during the devastating West African Ebola epidemic. As a young leader within Liberia’s 101 Community, he mobilized youth volunteers to support awareness and prevention campaigns aimed at protecting vulnerable populations at the height of the public health crisis.
His community-driven initiatives extended into education advocacy, where he reportedly mobilized support and funding that enabled more than fifteen underprivileged children to return to school while serving as Secretary General of the community.
Through a competitive scholarship opportunity, Tiah later advanced his academic journey to Sokoine University of Agriculture in Tanzania, where he pursued a Master of Science degree in Seed Technology and Business. While studying abroad, he continued to demonstrate leadership by serving as President of the International Students Association.
In the same period, he also served as Policy Advisor to the Office of Internationalization and Foreign Enrollment at the university, contributing to institutional efforts focused on strengthening international student engagement and expanding the university’s global outreach agenda.
Currently recognized as a certified seed technologist and seed policy expert, Tiah has participated in several international trainings and professional certification programs across multiple African countries, including Egypt, Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, Mozambique, Algeria, and Rwanda.
His professional interests span seed systems development, climate-smart agriculture, agricultural policy, sustainable food systems, and youth-led agricultural transformation across Africa.
In the area of research, Tiah has authored and contributed to studies focused on improving maize production through enhanced fertilizer application, varietal selection, and improved agronomic practices. His growing body of research in seed technology and crop productivity continues to attract attention within agricultural and scientific circles.
He is currently engaged in ongoing agricultural research activities in Tanzania while preparing to return to Liberia to contribute to the development of the country’s agriculture and seed sectors.
