Published: April 13, 2026
TINSUE TOWN, Lofa County — A local agricultural organization has formally petitioned the House of Representatives to declare agriculture a national security concern, citing deepening food insecurity and heavy dependence on imported staples.
The Liberia Feed Yourself Agriculture Initiative, known as LIFAI, issued the petition from Salayea District, warning that despite Liberia’s vast natural endowments, including fertile soil, favorable climate and abundant water resources, the country remains heavily reliant on imported food, particularly rice. The group estimates that more than 80 percent of Liberia’s staple food supply is imported, exposing the country to global price volatility and supply chain disruptions.
The petition notes that agriculture supports the livelihoods of more than 60 percent of the population and contributes significantly to national income and gross domestic product. However, productivity remains low due to inadequate infrastructure, weak value chains, limited access to finance and insufficient technical expertise.
LIFAI is calling for a $100 million budget allocation for agriculture, arguing that such investment is necessary to modernize farming practices, improve yields and strengthen domestic food production capacity.
“We are the backbone of the economy,” the group said, adding that farmers played a decisive role in national electoral outcomes and now expect reciprocal policy support.
As part of its recommendations, LIFAI proposed dividing Liberia into three specialized agricultural production zones. The first would cover rice and livestock production across Lofa, Nimba, Bong, Montserrado and Gbarpolu counties. The second would focus on oil palm and coconut cultivation in Bomi, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Bassa, Margibi and River Cess counties. The third zone would concentrate on vegetables and cassava production in Sinoe, Grand Kru, River Gee, Grand Gedeh and Maryland counties.
The group said the zoning approach would enhance efficiency, improve resource allocation and boost national output.
Among its broader policy proposals, LIFAI called for agriculture to be introduced as a mandatory subject in schools supported by institutional farms, duty-free status for imported agricultural equipment, expanded mechanized farming, scholarships and training programs for agricultural students, incentives for top-performing farmers, improved access to credit and markets, government-backed purchase guarantees, and the construction of storage facilities and national grain reserves.
The group also proposed creating a National Agriculture and Food Museum to promote agri-tourism, launching agribusiness competitions to engage youth, and establishing a legislatively recognized Farmers’ Day.
While advocating for expansion, LIFAI acknowledged environmental risks associated with agriculture, including deforestation, soil degradation and water pollution, and urged the government to adopt climate-smart practices.
The petition has been directed to the Ministry of Agriculture, the International Fund for Agricultural Development and key lawmakers including Prince Aquency Toles and Augustine B. Chiewolo.
LIFAI, headed by CEO James Kollie Galakpai, said urgent reforms are needed to position agriculture as a driver of economic growth, job creation and national stability.
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