Lofa Leads Liberia’s Food Revolution ----Massive Irrigation Overhaul

The Ministry of Agriculture has launched a sweeping initiative in Lofa County aimed at transforming Liberia’s food production capacity through improved irrigation systems, direct farmer support, and mechanized farming, in what is being described as a landmark step toward national food security.

Announced via a Facebook post by Abass Mark Biaty, Lofa County's Agriculture Coordinator, the ambitious effort involves inspecting existing irrigation infrastructure and identifying new sites for rehabilitation and construction.

The goal is to significantly increase crop yields, promote multiple cropping seasons, and expand arable land in the country’s agricultural stronghold.

At the core of the initiative is a strategic focus on enhancing water management through the rehabilitation and construction of irrigation systems critical for improving rice and fish cultivation.

A flagship example is the $650,000 investment in the Fagonda River irrigation project, a signal of the government’s deepening resolve to address agricultural challenges with long-term solutions.

“This initiative is not just about water,” Biaty stated. “It’s about giving farmers the tools they need to feed the nation.”

Beyond irrigation, the Ministry is rolling out direct farmer support programs, including technical assistance, distribution of high-yield seeds, and the provision of mechanized tools such as tractors and power tillers.

These efforts are part of the broader “Liberian Feed Yourself Revolution,” a national strategy to reduce food imports and boost domestic production.

The vision doesn’t stop at Lofa. According to Biaty, similar interventions are being scaled up in other agricultural districts, emphasizing a unified national approach to tackle food insecurity.

These projects aim to equip farmers with the resilience needed to withstand climate shocks and market challenges.

Key to the program’s success is mechanization, which officials say will reduce the intense labor burden on smallholder farmers and allow them to cultivate more land efficiently. “Mechanized farming is the future of Liberia’s agriculture,” Biaty emphasized.

The initiative also recognizes the importance of access to markets. As such, the Ministry is tying agriculture to infrastructure by integrating road rehabilitation into its strategy.

Under the TCEP II program, a staggering 313 kilometers of rural roads in Lofa and Bong counties are set for rehabilitation, ensuring that farmers can transport goods faster and more cost-effectively.

Experts say the Lofa initiative marks a shift from piecemeal support to a coordinated, multi-pronged strategy aimed at tackling the root causes of food insecurity in Liberia. With decades of underinvestment in agriculture, the new approach is seen as a potential game-changer.

Agriculture stakeholders across the country have welcomed the developments with cautious optimism. “We’ve seen plans before, but what are different now are the scale and the commitment from government,” said one local agribusiness leader in Zorzor.

The Ministry is reportedly working with international partners to monitor progress and ensure accountability.

Regular evaluations will track not just infrastructure completion but also tangible results like increased harvests, income growth, and reduced food imports.

In Lofa, where agriculture is the backbone of the local economy, the new irrigation and mechanization push is already lifting spirits. Farmers say they are hopeful the changes will ease their burdens and allow them to dream bigger.

“This could finally be the breakthrough we’ve waited for. We just need the tools and support then we can show the world what Liberian farmers are capable of,” said a rice farmer in Kolahun.

With climate change and rising global food prices threatening stability, Liberia’s new agriculture drive could not be timelier. The Ministry of Agriculture believes that through integrated planning and farmer empowerment, Liberia can feed itself one county at a time.

Biaty summed it up, “Agriculture is Liberia’s future. And that future starts now in Lofa.”