President Boakai addressed Liberia’s Cabinet on Monday, focusing on agriculture as a cornerstone for economic growth and food security. The meeting, held at the Tea-House of the Executive Mansion under the theme “Leveraging Agriculture for Growth and Improved Livelihood,” emphasized the need to boost domestic production and reduce reliance on imports. “Agriculture remains one of the most important sectors of our economy,” he said, stressing the need for sustained support to farmers and rural communities. The President highlighted that without targeted interventions to address systemic challenges, Liberia will struggle to capitalize on its vast potential for expanding food production, despite the availability of arable land and favorable climatic conditions in certain regions.
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The President called for regular updates on crop yields, particularly rice and staple foods, urging the Ministry of Agriculture to prioritize technical guidance and extension services. He emphasized that farmers nationwide—regardless of location—must benefit from sustained training in modern techniques, including the use of improved seed varieties and soil conservation methods. The President reiterated that agriculture should be viewed as a national undertaking, requiring coordinated efforts across government agencies, civil society, and private sector stakeholders. He noted that individuals with access to land can contribute significantly to food production when provided with the appropriate support and knowledge, but stressed that land tenure reforms and legal frameworks must be strengthened to ensure equitable access and prevent disputes that could hinder productivity.
Investments in machinery, training, and planning were identified as essential to achieving long-term food self-sufficiency. The President outlined a vision where technical experts work directly with farming communities, promoting practices that increase output and resilience. Specific emphasis was placed on improving infrastructure and access to markets, though details on funding mechanisms were not disclosed. He called for the expansion of agricultural extension programs, noting that training technicians capable of working directly with farming communities would be critical to disseminating knowledge on sustainable farming practices, pest management, and value chain development. This includes the establishment of regional training centers to equip farmers with the skills needed to adopt technology-driven solutions, such as precision agriculture and digital tools for monitoring crop health.
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Boakai also reiterated the administration’s commitment to maintaining eligibility for the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). He linked continued MCC partnerships to reforms in governance, transparency, and economic freedom. “Performance on the MCC Scorecard is not just about qualification—it’s about investor confidence,” he said, warning that lapses could undermine development goals. The President urged Cabinet members and public institutions to remain focused on reforms that strengthen democratic governance, transparency, accountability, and economic freedom as key indicators used to assess countries’ eligibility for MCC partnership programs. He stressed that understanding and maintaining strong performance on the MCC Scorecard is not only necessary for qualification but also critical to sustaining investor confidence and advancing Liberia’s broader development objectives.
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Cabinet members were urged to align policies with MCC benchmarks, including anti-corruption measures and legal reforms. The President stressed that sustained compliance would be key to securing future aid and supporting private sector growth. However, critics have questioned whether Liberia’s political climate can meet the MCC’s strict standards, citing past challenges with implementation. While agriculture and MCC compliance dominated the agenda, Boakai also called for improved public institutions and better livelihoods for citizens. He praised Cabinet members for their service but warned that “tangible results” must follow. The President vowed his Administration’s determination to pursue policies that promote economic growth, strengthen public institutions, and improve the livelihoods of Liberians, calling for collective commitment across government to deliver measurable outcomes for the population. The speech concluded with a plea for unity, though specifics on upcoming programs or timelines were absent.
