The fifth Communication Event of the Talking Agribusiness in Liberia (TaAL) project focused on mechanization of Liberia’s rice value chain and the role of private sector entrepreneurs in this process. The event aimed to foster dialogue, share research findings, and promote innovative solutions to the challenges in the rice value chain and the broader agricultural sector. It brought together key stakeholders, including commercial rice farmers, input dealers, processors, machinery fabricators, importers, as well as representatives from the government, European Union (EU), and civil society organization, all contributing to discussions on enhancing collaboration and driving agricultural mechanization in Liberia.
In his address to the gathering, CDO Country Director Mr. Leroy Kanmoh outlined the purpose of the event and emphasized the need for all stakeholders to collaborate in transforming Liberia’s agricultural landscape to secure a prosperous future. He stressed that for the private sector to advance within the rice value chain, they must understand their role in adopting mechanization as an effective tool. Mr. Kanmoh highlighted the widespread use of traditional tools, such as the cutlass, across the rice value chain and underscored that mechanization is essential for Liberia to achieve self-sufficiency in rice production.
The event’s highlight was the presentation of key research findings on mechanizing Liberia’s rice value chain by Maame Kyerewaa Brobbey, Project Lead for the Talking Agribusiness in Liberia project. She emphasized the need for increased access to agricultural technologies to boost productivity and drive economic transformation. Brobbey noted that Liberia’s National Rice Development Strategies (LNRDS) aim to enhance smallholder rice production through mechanization as a key strategy. She also highlighted the government’s prioritization of mechanization in the six-year National Agriculture Development Plan (NADP), including the establishment of mechanization centers. The research focused on documenting the role of private sector actors in facilitating access to agricultural technologies in Liberia’s rice value chain.
Mr. Ramon Vivanco Mugarra, representing the European Union (EU) ambassador to Liberia, highlighted the EU’s support for the Fifth Communication Event, which focused on the role of private sector entrepreneurs in agricultural mechanization within Liberia’s rice value chain. He emphasized that the private sector, agriculture, and the rice value chain are key priorities for the EU. He also announced the launch of a private sector development program in 2025, with a 25 million Euro investment, aimed at boosting Liberia’s private sector growth. The program will address agricultural challenges, particularly in the cassava value chain, alongside other EU-supported agricultural interventions.
Andrew Paygar, Deputy Minister for Industry at MoCI, praised CDO’s work on the Talking Agribusiness in Liberia project and thanked the EU for its support. He emphasized the private sector’s role in driving agricultural growth and employment, highlighting mechanization as key to improving efficiency and competitiveness. However, he stressed that government support through regulatory frameworks and infrastructure is essential for private sector growth, especially for SMEs.
Kollie B. Dogba, representing the Ministry of Agriculture, emphasized the importance of private sector involvement in mechanizing Liberia’s rice value chain, aligning with the National Agricultural Development Plan. He highlighted the government’s plan to develop 50,000 hectares of irrigated rice land and the role of mechanization in improving rural livelihoods, especially for women and youth. He also mentioned the establishment of five mechanization hubs under the RETRAP project, providing farmers with access to essential equipment and services to boost agricultural productivity.
Mohammed Kamaru, President of the National Rice Federation of Liberia, expressed his pleasure in attending the event and highlighted the federation’s experiences with various strategies to enhance the rice sector, including food security efforts. He shared that in 2022, the federation proposed a $15 million, five-year mechanization strategy but lacked sufficient support. Kamaru emphasized the federation’s role in ensuring food security, noting their presence in all 15 counties and the need for more financial backing. He praised the EU’s efforts in rice mechanization and called for further government and private sector support to implement key initiatives and cultivate over 50,000 hectares of rice.
