MONROVIA
President Joseph Boakai has directed the Ministry of Agriculture to strengthen support for farmers and provide regular updates on nationwide crop production as part of efforts to boost food security, increase agricultural output, and reduce Liberia’s dependence on imported food.
Speaking during the opening session of the seventh Cabinet meeting of 2026 at the Executive Mansion’s Tea House, Boakai emphasized agriculture’s central role in driving economic growth, creating jobs and improving livelihoods across the country.
The meeting was held under the theme “Leveraging Agriculture for Growth and Improved Livelihoods,” according to a media release issued by the presidency Friday.
Boakai said Liberia possesses significant opportunities to expand domestic food production through improved access to land, modern farming methods, equipment and technical expertise. However, he noted that the sector will continue to face challenges without sustained investment and support for farmers.
“Agriculture remains one of the most important sectors of our economy,” the president said. “Our objective must be to ensure that farmers receive the support they need to increase production and contribute meaningfully to national development.”
The president instructed the Ministry of Agriculture to provide regular reports on the production of staple foods, particularly rice, and other key crops. He also called for expanded agricultural extension services to ensure that farmers receive technical guidance and training to improve productivity.
Boakai stressed that agriculture should be treated as a national priority that involves all Liberians, saying that individuals with access to land can make significant contributions to food production when equipped with the necessary knowledge and support.
He highlighted the need to strengthen agricultural extension programs and train more technicians to work directly with farming communities, describing investments in machinery, planning and technical training as essential to unlocking Liberia’s agricultural potential and achieving long-term food self-sufficiency.
Beyond agriculture, Boakai renewed his administration’s focus on maintaining Liberia’s eligibility for support from the Millennium Challenge Corp. He urged cabinet ministers and public institutions to continue implementing reforms that promote transparency, accountability, democratic governance and economic freedom.
The president said strong performance on the Millennium Challenge Corp. scorecard is critical not only for qualifying for partnership programs but also for sustaining investor confidence and advancing national development goals.
Boakai concluded by commending cabinet members for their service and urging continued collaboration to deliver tangible improvements in the lives of Liberians.
