A local agricultural organization, Liberia Feed Yourself Agriculture Initiative (LIFAI), has formally petitioned the House of Representatives of Liberia and the Government of Liberia to declare agriculture a national security concern, citing deepening food insecurity and heavy dependence on imported staples.
In a detailed statement issued from Salayea District, Lofa County, LIFAI warned that despite Liberia’s vast natural endowments—including fertile soil, favorable climate, and abundant water resources—the country remains heavily reliant on imported food, particularly rice. The group estimated that over 80 percent of Liberia’s staple food supply is imported, exposing the country to global price volatility and supply chain disruptions.
The petition underscored agriculture’s central role in Liberia’s economy, noting that the sector supports the livelihoods of more than 60 percent of the population and contributes significantly to national income and Gross Domestic Product. However, productivity remains low due to structural challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, weak value chains, limited access to finance, and insufficient technical expertise.
LIFAI has called for a substantial increase in government spending on agriculture, proposing a budget allocation of $100 million. The group argued that such investment is necessary to modernize farming practices, improve yields, and strengthen domestic food production capacity.
“We are the backbone of the economy,” the statement emphasized, adding that farmers played a decisive role in national electoral outcomes and now expect reciprocal policy support.
Proposed Agricultural Zoning Strategy
As part of its recommendations, LIFAI proposed dividing Liberia into three specialized agricultural production zones:
Zone A (Rice & Livestock): Lofa, Nimba, Bong, Montserrado, and Gbarpolu Counties; Zone B (Oil Palm & Coconut): Bomi, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Bassa, Margibi, and River Cess Counties, and Zone C (Vegetables & Cassava): Sinoe, Grand Kru, River Gee, Grand Gedeh, and Maryland Counties.
The initiative seems to aim that this zoning approach would enhance efficiency, improve resource allocation, and boost national output.
The petition outlined several policy measures aimed at revitalizing the sector, including: Introducing agriculture as a mandatory subject in schools, supported by institutional farms; Granting duty-free status for imported agricultural equipment expanding mechanized farming nationwide; Establishing scholarships and training programs for agricultural students and entrepreneurs; Providing incentives such as machinery and cash rewards for top-performing farmers.
Improving access to credit, grants, and markets, with government-backed purchase guarantees; Building storage facilities and national grain reserves.
Furthermore, LIFAI proposed creating a National Agriculture and Food Museum to promote agri-tourism; Launching agribusiness competitions to engage youth.
LIFAI also called for the establishment of a “Farmers’ Day” through legislation to recognize and promote agricultural development.
While advocating expansion, the group acknowledged the environmental risks associated with agriculture, including deforestation, soil degradation, and water pollution. It urged the government to adopt climate-smart practices and provide farmers with tools to mitigate environmental damage.
The petition has been directed to key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Agriculture Liberia and the International Fund for Agricultural Development, as well as lawmakers such as Prince AquencyToles and Augustine B. Chiewolo.
LIFAI leadership, headed by CEO James Kollie Galakpai, emphasized that urgent reforms are needed to reverse current trends and position agriculture as a driver of economic growth, job creation, and national stability.
The organization then noted that with coordinated government action, Liberia can significantly reduce food imports, strengthen rural livelihoods, and achieve long-term food security.