By O’Neill A. R. Philips
The Rural Economic Transformation Project (RETRAP) at the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with eight higher learning institutions underscoring an investment of US$1,152,000.
The investment is parts of efforts to encourage and support students majoring in agriculture.
The signing ceremony was held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Oldest Congo Town.
Agriculture Minister, J. Alexander Nuetah said, under the Agreement, MoA through the RETRAP, will invest a minimum of US$114,000 in each of the eight participating institutions.
Nuetah said, through the partnership, RETRAP will provide farm tractors, power tillers, improved seeds, and essential agricultural inputs to support mechanized farming and hands-on training.
The partnership, he said, will also drive mechanization, innovation, and youth participation in agriculture sector.
Nuetah said, the future of agriculture sector depends on empowering young people, and cultivating a strong passion for the sector through practical training and innovation.
“The future of agriculture lies in the hands of our young people who are being trained at our higher learning institutions. If we cultivate in them a passion for agriculture through practical exposure, innovation, and mechanization; then we secure the future of the sector.”
The initiative aims to bridge the long-standing gap between classroom learning and practical agricultural application by ensuring that students gain real-world experience alongside theoretical instruction.
Nuetah said, mechanization remains critical to modernize the agriculture sector, and attract young people to the sector.
Under the MoU, each participating institution is expected to develop and sustain at least ten hectares of agricultural production, generating income to support operations and equipment maintenance.
The program will also establish and strengthen demonstration farms to ensure students gain hands-on experience in modern, mechanized farming systems.
“The government is providing the initial investment, but sustainability will depend on the institutions themselves. We expect to return and see expanded farms, increased productivity, and students actively engaged in agribusiness,” Nuetah said.
He said, the partnership underscores government’s commitment to build a new generation of agricultural professionals; equipped with practical skills, modern technology, and entrepreneurial capacity to drive agricultural transformation and enhance national food security.
Participating institutions include the African Methodist Episcopal University, Grand Bassa University, Stella Maris Polytechnic University, Bomi Community College, Lofa County University, Bong County University, Nimba University and Cuttington University.
Representatives of the participating institutions welcomed the initiative.
They collectively described the partnership as a “major boost to agricultural training.”
They pledged to use the equipment and inputs for their intended purpose and to ensure the program is sustained.