By Christian Appleton
Maryland County, Liberia—A prominent farmer in Maryland County, Mr. Yeabay W. Brown, has passionately called for increased government investment in Liberia’s agricultural sector, emphasizing its crucial role in sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction.
In an exclusive interview with local journalists, Mr. Brown, who manages local palm and rubber farms, stressed that citizen engagement in farming, rather than sole reliance on government support, is essential for national progress.
Mr. Brown, whose agricultural endeavors began in 2015, currently oversees 8 acres of palm and 20 acres of rubber farms, with expansion plans. He highlighted Liberia’s fertile soils and urged citizens to harness their agricultural potential to achieve self-sufficiency.
“The soil has the potential to feed and sustain us,” he remarked. “If we invest in agriculture and work hard on the land, we will reduce the dependence on external aid and boost our economy.” He believes empowering citizens to return to farming is key to alleviating poverty in Liberia.
Mr. Brown’s call for greater agricultural focus aligns with recent pronouncements by President Joseph Nyumah Boakai. The President announced an increase in the national agricultural budget compared to previous years, outlining a national agriculture plan focused on strengthening the agricultural value chain through enhanced agribusiness and job creation.
President Boakai also highlighted significant investments in the cocoa and palm oil sectors, including over 10,000 hectares of cocoa cultivation and developing a palm and vegetable oil refinery.
Despite these government initiatives, Mr. Brown pointed to persistent challenges faced by farmers, including poor road connectivity, a lack of essential agricultural tools, and a shortage of skilled labor for tasks like brushing and harvesting.
However, he remains optimistic and encourages fellow farmers and aspiring agriculturists to remain committed to the land. “Our country’s growth and future depend on us,” he affirmed. “Let us return to the soil and contribute to Liberia’s prosperity.”
Mr. Brown concluded by reiterating the transformative potential of agriculture for Liberia’s economy and called for collaborative efforts from both the government and citizens to build a more self-sufficient and prosperous nation. The future of Liberia may well hinge on the success of its agricultural sector, with farmers like Mr. Brown leading the charge towards sustainable development and long-term prosperity.
