By By: Aaron B. Nemah, Contributing Writer;
Pleebo, Maryland Co. – A local palm farmer, Yeagbay W. Brown, has called on the Liberian government, led by President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, to invest heavily in the country’s agricultural sector.
Brown emphasized that reducing poverty requires a return to farming, urging citizens to take advantage of Liberia’s fertile soil. He noted that the government must support local farmers by providing essential tools and financial assistance to boost self-sufficiency and national food production.
“Recently, President Joseph Nyumah Boakai announced that his administration has increased the agricultural budget by over 200% compared to previous years. Our national agriculture plan highlights the value chain, with dedicated funding to enhance agribusiness and create jobs,” Brown stated.
He further cited the government’s commitment to cocoa and oil palm production, revealing that “10,000 hectares of cocoa are now under cultivation, and investments in palm oil agribusiness are underway. Additionally, efforts are being made to establish a palm and vegetable oil refinery to support commercial production.”
However, Brown urged Liberia to take proactive steps in prioritizing agriculture as a key driver of economic empowerment and self-sufficiency.
“I began my agricultural work in 2015, and currently, I manage eight acres of palm and rubber production, with an additional 20 acres dedicated to rubber,” he explained.
Despite his passion for farming, he pointed out that poor road connectivity, insufficient agricultural tools, and a lack of resources continue to hinder the sector’s growth.
Brown called on the Liberian government, NGOs, and philanthropists to actively encourage citizens to return to farming to boost local food production and economic stability.
Meanwhile, the palm farmer underscored the vital role agriculture plays in Liberia’s economic transformation and urged collective action from both the government and the citizens to combat poverty through sustainable farming initiatives.
