President Joseph Nyuma Boakai officially inaugurated the National Agriculture Fair 2024 at the Booker Washington Institute Campus in Kakata, Margibi County. The event was themed “Promoting Agriculture for Food Security, Nutrition, and Sustainable Development” and gathered farmers, government officials, international partners, and agricultural stakeholders to discuss Liberia's agricultural future.
In his address, President Boakai emphasized agriculture's critical role in Liberia’s economic growth. He reiterated the government's dedication to food security and sustainable development through the National Agriculture Development Plan (NADP 2024–2030). "Our farmers are the backbone of our nation’s progress," President Boakai stated. He highlighted initiatives under the ARREST Agenda aimed at enhancing smallholder productivity, expanding agricultural value chains, and building climate resilience.
The President encouraged self-reliance with the slogan “Liberians Feed Yourselves,” urging a reduction in food import dependence by utilizing Liberia’s natural resources. Recognizing young farmers' potential, he assured continued support for youth involvement in agriculture through training and technology access. "We are prioritizing youth and women in agriculture," he noted.
President Boakai thanked the Ministry of Agriculture and NAF 2024 organizers for their efforts. He called on international partners and financial institutions to aid Liberia's agricultural transformation. In closing remarks, he reaffirmed his commitment to policies that prioritize agriculture: “It is our duty to build a Liberia that feeds itself.”
The three-day fair highlights innovative farming techniques and new technologies while providing a networking platform for stakeholders dedicated to advancing agriculture.