Special Contributor to Verity | Director of Policy and Planning, Ministry of Agriculture, R.L.
Introduction
In recent decades, Liberia has struggled with food insecurity, high food import bills, and an overreliance on international supply chains. Despite fertile lands, abundant rainfall, and a youthful population, the country imports over 70% of its staple foods, including rice, vegetables, and poultry. This paradox has persisted for too long.
In response, the Government of Liberia—under the visionary leadership of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and within the framework of the ARREST Agenda—has launched the “Feed Yourselves” Agenda, a bold national initiative aimed at achieving food sovereignty, stimulating rural economies, and restoring pride in Liberian-grown produce.
What Is the Feed Yourselves Agenda?
The Feed Yourselves Agenda is a grassroots-driven, nationally coordinated movement designed to transform Liberia’s food systems by promoting local food production, consumption, and value addition. It emphasizes community participation, youth and women engagement, and increased investment in domestic agriculture across all 15 counties.
This is more than a policy slogan—it is a call to action. It urges every Liberian family, community, and institution to cultivate their land, support local farmers, and prioritize Liberian-grown food at homes, schools, markets, and events.
Why This Agenda Matters
– Food Security: With global food prices volatile and supply chains disrupted by climate change and conflict, Liberia must build local resilience by producing what we eat and reducing reliance on imports.
– Job Creation: Agriculture is Liberia’s largest employer. Scaling up local food production can create thousands of jobs, especially for youth, women, and returning migrants.
– Economic Savings: Every bag of imported rice is money leaving the country. By investing in local production, we can redirect millions of dollars into rural development and national growth.
– Nutrition and Health: Locally grown food is fresher, more nutritious, and less chemically processed than many imported options. Supporting local food systems means supporting better health outcomes.
Key Focus Areas
The Feed Yourselves Agenda integrates several priority actions:
– Expanding rice production through mechanization, improved seeds, and irrigation.
– Supporting backyard gardening and community farms in schools, churches, and military barracks.
– Promoting cassava, vegetables, fruits, poultry, and fisheries through sustainable practices.
– Strengthening District Agriculture Councils (DACs) to drive implementation at the local level under the One District One Crop (ODOC) policy.
– Encouraging public procurement of local produce in schools, hospitals, and public institutions.
The Role of Every Liberian
Feeding ourselves is not the sole responsibility of government. It requires collective effort. Local chiefs must allocate land for youth farming; religious institutions must support agro-initiatives; schools must teach agri-literacy; the media must celebrate farming heroes; and every household must see farming as patriotic.
As I often say, “Agriculture is not a fallback—it is a foundation for national dignity.”
Looking Ahead
The Ministry of Agriculture, under the guidance of Minister J. Alexander Nuetah, is aligning all national and donor programs with the Feed Yourselves vision. From input subsidies to rural roads, from extension services to agro-tourism hubs, this agenda is setting a new course for Liberian development.
But success depends on us all. Let this agenda be a revolution of the hoe, the seed, the youth, and the market. Let Liberia feed itself—not because we have no choice, but because we have the power to do so.
Conclusion
Liberia’s Feed Yourselves Agenda is a rallying cry for national revival through the soil. It is time to stop exporting our hunger and importing our shame. The land is waiting, the people are willing, and the future is ripe.
Let us feed ourselves—today, tomorrow, and forever.
Contact Information:
Ministry of Agriculture, Republic of Liberia
Email: info@moa.gov.lr | Tel: +231-886-43-8781
