The Liberia Agricultural Commodity Regulatory Authority (LACRA), has launched an ambitious nationwide initiative to revive the coffee industry.
LACRA launched the initiative in partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI), the European Union, the International Trade Centre (ITC), and other development partners.
The program, which includes the distribution of coffee seedlings, and expanded technical support for farmers, is being hailed as a turning point in the efforts to rebuild an industry that once earned international recognition, but declined sharply during the years of civil conflict.
At the distribution of coffee seedlings to farmers, IITA Senior Scientist, Dr. Ranjana Bhattacharjee, described the project as a “remarkable success.”
Madam Bhattacharjee revealed how the initiative originally targeted the distribution of 400,000 coffee seedlings, but has already exceeded expectations, with approximately 750,000 seedlings expected to reach farmers anytime soon.
She attributed the achievement to months of careful planning, strong collaboration among partner institutions, and the dedication of agricultural experts working to restore the coffee sector.
LACRA Director General, Christopher D. Sankolo, said, the initiative reflects government’s determination to restore Liberica coffee as a flagship agricultural product capable of competing once again on the international market.
Sankolo noted that years of conflict left coffee farms abandoned, drastically reducing production, and weakening the position in the global coffee trade.
Sankolo: “Coffee nurseries have already been established in several counties, while trained technicians will work closely with farmers by providing technical guidance, irrigation support, and improved farming practices to increase productivity, and improve the quality of Liberian coffee.”
The first phase of the program targets Bong, Nimba, Lofa, Montserrado, and Bomi counties before expanding to other parts of the country.
Sankolo stressed how decentralizing agricultural services will ensure farmers nationwide benefit from improved seedlings, and modern production techniques.
He also acknowledged challenges facing the agricultural sector, including limited machinery, and transportation, but assured farmers that the government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, is bringing in equipment to strengthen the production of coffee, cocoa, rice, soybeans, and other important crops.
Although coffee farming requires patience, Sankolo said, farmers can expect returns within three to four years, if they receive sustained technical support, and maintain their farms properly.
He expressed confidence that by 2030, Liberia could once again become a recognized producer of high-quality Liberica coffee on the world stage.
Beneficiaries welcomed the initiative, describing it as a significant boost for rural farmers, and a pathway to job creation, increased household incomes, and sustainable economic growth.
They called for continued government and donor support to ensure the long-term success of the coffee revival, and to secure a brighter future for the agricultural sector.
