By Morlu F. Freeman Sr.
LOFA COUNTY – The Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Thursday, October 9, 2025, concluded a field visit to Lofa County aimed at engaging directly with farmers to assess the impact of ongoing agricultural interventions, particularly in the tree crop sector.
The high-level visit focused on gathering first-hand feedback from farmers and local leaders as part of a broader effort to strengthen agricultural practices and encourage further investment in rural development. During the visit, IFAD officials met with the Lofa County Superintendent and other local stakeholders to review project progress and solicit recommendations to improve future interventions.
In a joint meeting held with community members, several pressing issues were raised, including the urgent need for improved road infrastructure. Farmers stressed that poor road conditions are a major barrier to transporting crops to markets, limiting profitability and threatening the long-term viability of their tree crop enterprises.
Community members also called for continued maintenance of farm access roads and emphasized the importance of managing undergrowth in tree crop plantations to increase productivity. In response, representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture reaffirmed their commitment to supporting rural infrastructure development and promoting sustainable land use practices.
The Ministry highlighted ongoing efforts to develop lowland farming areas, which are seen as crucial to increasing national food production. IFAD echoed this commitment, pledging continued support to Liberian farmers in their fight against hunger and rural poverty.
The visit also underscored support for the government’s Agricultural Recovery and Engagement Support for Transformation (ARREST) agenda. The Ministry encouraged farmers to remain engaged in agriculture as new development partners join efforts to revitalize the sector.
As Liberia seeks to strengthen food security and reduce rural poverty, the collaboration between national authorities and international partners like IFAD is seen as a vital step toward sustainable agricultural transformation in counties like Lofa.
