By O’Neill A.R. Philips
The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), has launched a new five-year Corporate Strategic Plan.
The exercise is to reposition the agriculture sector around implementation, accountability and measurable results.
The launch was held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in Monrovia.
Agriculture Minister, Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, said the plan sets a broader agenda to intensify efforts that would reduce food imports, and strengthen domestic agricultural production.
Nuetah said, the initiative is also a national responsibility to transform how agriculture is managed and delivered.
“This launch is a national commitment to ensure that Liberia feeds itself, creates opportunities for wealth creation, and builds a resilient agricultural economy for future generations.”
DDr. Nuetah acknowledged country’s strong agricultural potential, citing it vast arable land, favorable rainfall, and youthful population.
He pointed out that progress has been slowed by weak coordination and limited focus on execution.
“Our challenge is not potential, but implementation; coordination, investment and accountability. Resources committed to agriculture must produce measurable results.”
Nuetah also underscored the importance of partnerships in delivering results, acknowledging IFAD’s role in supporting the development of the strategy.
“We appreciate IFAD’s support in the development of this Strategic Plan, and its continued partnership as we move from planning to implementation and results.”
Nuetah then called on development partners, the private sector, civil society, and farmers’ organizations to align efforts behind the national framework to ensure coordinated implementation.
“This plan will only succeed if it is owned by all of us, partners, private sector, as well as the farmers. Agriculture is not just a sector; it is the foundation of economic prosperity.”
The new Strategic Plan prioritizes increasing domestic food production, expanding mechanization, strengthening private-sector participation, empowering youth and women, improving climate resilience, and reforming institutions to enhance performance and service delivery.
It is anchored on five pillars that include food and nutrition security, inclusive agribusiness development, strengthened research and extension services, sustainable management of natural resources, and institutional reforms within the agricultural sector.
IFAD Country Director, Pascaline Barankeba, described the plan as a key step in translating agricultural vision into operational action.
Madam Barankeba said, stronger institutional direction and accountability will be critical to achieve the expected results.
“The Strategic Plan plays a critical operational role by translating the national agriculture vision into clear institutional direction, aligned priorities, strengthened accountability, and results-oriented implementation. It serves as the bridge between policy ambition and effective delivery.”
Madam Barankeba said, persistent challenges, including low productivity, climate vulnerability, limited access to finance, and weak value chains, continue to affect smallholder farmers and the broader agri-food system.
She affirmed IFAD’s continued engagement remains vital to work closely with the government to support inclusive and climate-resilient agricultural development that delivers tangible results for smallholder farmers, women and youth.