The Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Agriculture has begun a multi – stakeholders dialogue on incentives for rice production in country with emphasis on value chain.
The rice farmers and stakeholders’ dialogue began today day, September 25, 2025 at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in oldest Congo Town.
Deputy Agriculture Minister for Planning and Development, David K. Akoi said the dialogue on incentives for rice value chain in Liberia is the government of Liberia initiative to bring farmers, particular rice farmers in the country together to brainstorm on ways and means that will ensure Liberia feed herself.
The Deputy Agriculture boss called on participants at the two days dialogue to share their perspectives, insights and challenges in rice production in Liberia.
” Over the next two days, we will be exploring on key challenges and opportunities that exist in the rice value chain,” he stated.
He emphasized that recommendations from the farmers will be submitted to a committee at the MOA for smooth implementation.
Deputy Minister Akoi encouraged participants at the dialogue to be bold and open in discussing the local rice sector for the betterment of the industry here in Liberia.
He used the occasion to express gratitude to foreign and local partners of the MOA and expressed optimism for their continued support.
Also at the opening program was Madam Christine Umutoni, United Nations Resident Coordinator for Liberia.
Madam Umutoni thanked the MOA for the dialogue on rice incentive in Liberia and noted that rice serves as a sample of national identity in the country , and that the dialogue is pivotal in improving the rice sector of Liberia.
She called on the government to transform the rice sector by supporting the private sector, investing in rice farmers for their benefits.
The UN Representative also said the transformation of the rice sector must be built on transparency and accountability, and providing partnership for incentives.
She emphasized that rice must remain affordable and available on the Liberian market through a roadmap that is bold .
Moreover, at the two days dialogue various areas in rice production in Liberia will be discussed.
Some key areas include findings of the MOA assessment report on incentives for private sector investment, towards understanding of priority incentives for rice value chain development, co – defining shared roadmap – guiding principles and governance structures, amongst other topics.
The dialogue brought together farmers from across Liberia fifteen subdivisions, County Agriculture Coordinators, Regional Coordinators, agriculture partners including the Food and Agriculture Organizations ( FAO), the International Fund for Agriculture Development, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning ( MFDP),the National Rice Federation of Liberia ( NRFL) any many more.
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