Africa-Press – Liberia. The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa said investment in agriculture is the surest way to boost Liberia’s economy and take its citizens out of abject poverty.
Speaking to reporters at his Capitol Building office on Wednesday, Cllr. Koffa said for this to happen, the government should take a holistic approach in supporting local farmers to use technology and engage in mechanized farming.
“I think The next frontier for Liberia is Agriculture,” he said. “We need to provide machinery where farmers will have the opportunity to get involved in mechanized farming. We need to start thinking now how do we empower the small scale farmers to leave the subsistence farming to feeding their community and feeding the nation.”
Agriculture is the primary livelihood for more than 60 percent of Liberia’s population and accounted for 31 percent of Liberia’s 2020 real gross domestic product (GDP), according to the International Trade Administration (ITA).
The sector provides sustenance for many households engaging in the nation’s primary staples, rice and cassava; as well as plantain, and other crops: rubber, oil palm, cocoa and sugarcane.
However, a number of challenges have prevented sustainable agriculture in Liberia. From poor pest management and lack of technology to the limited use of fertilizer and modern-day cultivation methods, Liberia lacks good quality farm inputs. Additionally, poor road networks and high transport costs, lead to little incentive to produce food beyond subsistence levels.
Cllr. Koffa said this can be reversed when more support is directed to the agriculture, especially as the national fiscal budget has been projected to hit US$700 million. He said with technology and modern tools, low scale farmers will be able to enlarge their farm and increase production to feed themselves, their community and the nation.
“If we have seven to ten farmers to share the same kind of technology and modern equipment, they will be able to cultivate large arable land. So, I will look at Agriculture holistically, especially mechanized and technology driven agriculture to be able to expand this economy. There is nowhere else to go, but agriculture.” Lawmakers Anticipating Draft Budget, ArcelorMittal Deal to begin Scrutiny
Also speaking on wide range of national issues in what was his first major interview following the Legislature’s return from its break, the Grand Kru County District #2 Representative said the House is anticipating the submission of the 2022 national fiscal budget and the revised ArcelorMittal’s agreement by the Executive for scrutiny.
Due to the change in the fiscal calendar year, the lawmakers were compelled to cut their break short to begin the scrutiny of the budget. The Deputy Speaker said although the draft financial envelop has not been submitted, the House is prepared to begin its debate as soon it arrives.
On the ArcelorMittal revised deal, he noted that the Legislature will ensure the agreement is properly scrutinized and all of the concerns of the affected communities are considered.
For More News And Analysis About Liberia Follow Africa-Press
