FAO and Liberia’s Agriculture Ministry Visit Farms in Lofa County to Advance Food Security

Over the weekend, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Liberia, represented by Bintia Stephen Tchicaya, and Liberia’s Minister of Agriculture, J. Alexander Nuetah, undertook a visit to various farms in Lofa County. The goal was to assess the strides made by farmers in advancing Liberia’s journey towards food security.

This visit came on the heels of a significant milestone, where Tchicaya and Minister Nutah concluded a two-day event in Gbarnga, Bong County, to validate the National Agriculture Development Plan (NADP), a pivotal step for Liberia’s agricultural development and food security.

Invited by the Ministry of Agriculture, FAO Representative Tchicaya seized the opportunity to spotlight one of the institution’s many initiatives supporting agricultural cooperatives in Foya, Lofa County.

Accompanied by their respective delegations, Tchicaya and Minister Nutah visited the Mayor River Women Initiative, a female-dominated farmer cooperative established in 2017 and led by Madam Tewa Blama.

The FAO has played a crucial role in supporting this cooperative through the UAE-funded project titled: “Promoting Increased Resilience and Sustainable Income Generation, Food Security and Nutrition for Rural Women (GCP/LIR/028/UAE).” This project provided invaluable assistance, including improved rice seeds and essential inputs such as power tillers, mini rice harvesters, and more. Additionally, capacity-building efforts included training in improved crop husbandry practices and business management skills.

In February 2023, a representative from the Mayor River Women Initiative participated in a week-long farmer exchange visit to the Center Songhai in the Republic of Benin, gaining valuable insights shared during the exchange.

Expressing gratitude to the farmers, Agriculture Minister Nuetah acknowledged the significant contribution of the Mayor River Women Initiative to Liberia’s agricultural sector. He assured them of the Ministry’s active efforts in addressing the challenges faced by farmers in the county.

In a pledge of continued support, FAO Representative Tchicaya commended the initiative of the Mayor River Women Initiative, emphasizing its crucial role in combating food insecurity in Liberia and promoting sustainable food production.

“We are here today to express our appreciation for the outstanding work you do for the people of Liberia. Your contributions as a farming group are commendable, and FAO highly recognizes this. Our support will remain steadfast as we collaborate towards achieving food security in Liberia,” added FAO Representative Bintia Tchicaya.