Liberia has just launched its new National Agricultural Development Plan (NADP). Spanning a duration of 5 years (2024-2029), the interventions of this new plan, with a total cost of $718 million, are primarily focused on developing the value chain of staple products, namely rice and cassava.
According to Alexander Nuetah, Minister of Agriculture, the NADP aims to develop 50,000 hectares in lowlands to increase rice cultivation and expand the area dedicated to cassava cultivation by 20,000 hectares by 2029. "We are targeting self-sufficiency in these staple foods to improve food security. We also aim to develop cash crops and expand animal production to generate income for farmers and meet the needs of the population," stated the minister.
Additionally, among the main cash crops targeted under the NADP are cocoa, coffee, coconut, and rubber.
The plan also includes significant investments in agricultural infrastructure, including the construction of new rural roads to facilitate market access and the establishment of irrigation systems to improve productivity. Part of the budget will be allocated to the modernization of agricultural equipment and the training of farmers on best agricultural practices and the use of modern technologies.
Initiative Spirit
The NADP includes initiatives aimed at strengthening the capacities of smallholder farmers and cooperatives. Training programs and technical support will be implemented to improve skills in agricultural management, marketing, and finance. Partnerships with agricultural research institutions will also be developed to promote innovation and the adoption of new technologies.
Another key component of the plan is support for the processing and commercialization of agricultural products. Incentives will be offered to encourage the creation of local agricultural processing businesses, thereby creating jobs and maximizing the added value of locally produced crops. Additionally, initiatives will be launched to improve access to local and international markets, including the promotion of exports.
The minister emphasized that this ambitious plan is expected to have major socio-economic impacts. In addition to improving food security, the NADP is anticipated to contribute to reducing rural poverty, enhancing farmers' incomes, and creating jobs in rural areas. The plan should also strengthen the resilience of agricultural communities to climatic and economic challenges.
A robust monitoring and evaluation system will be established to ensure the effective implementation of the plan. Key performance indicators will be regularly monitored to measure progress and identify areas requiring adjustments. Transparency and accountability will be prioritized, with periodic reports published to inform all stakeholders of the progress made.