Liberia Joins KAFACI To Enhance Agricultural Dev. Food Security

By Robert Dixon

MONROVIA, Aug. 29 (LINA) – Liberia has officially joined the Korea-Africa Food and Agriculture Cooperation Initiative (KAFACI), a significant step forward in the country’s agricultural development.

According to a dispatch from Nairobi, Kenya, the pronouncement was made during the 6^th KAFACI General Assembly, where Liberia’s Agriculture Minister, Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, highlighted the nation’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and food security through this strategic partnership.

The dispatch noted that Minister Nuetah expressed gratitude for Liberia’s inclusion in KAFACI, praising the organization’s role in addressing global challenges like food insecurity and agricultural development.

He emphasized the vital role of agriculture in Liberia’s economy, noting that the sector contributed 30% to the nation’s GDP in 2023 and remains a key source of employment, engaging 70 percent of the workforce, of which 75 percent of them are women.

He said despite its importance, Liberia’s agricultural sector faces challenges such as low investment, inefficient production systems.

The Liberia Agriculture Minister noted that the plan aims to strengthen research, promote value-chain development, enhance productivity, and improve agribusiness finance, targeting investments in 19 agriculture value chains.

Minister Nuetah expressed optimism about Liberia’s collaboration with KAFACI, focusing on digital innovation, youth engagement in agriculture, and strengthening supply chains.

“These efforts are aligned with Liberia’s National Agriculture Development Plan and are expected to boost productivity and create more opportunities for women and youth,” he maintained.

As Liberia joins KAFACI, Minister Nuetah highlighted the upcoming 2024 Korea-Africa Summit, which will address global challenges such as food security, health security, and climate change.

He called for strengthened partnerships to ensure sustainable agriculture and global food security.

KAFACI is a collaborative platform established in 2011 to promote sustainable agriculture, food security, and economic cooperation between Korea and African nations.

KAFACI facilitates partnerships in research, development, and the sharing of knowledge and technologies to address agricultural challenges and support the growth of member countries.