Africa-Press – Liberia. Grand Cape Mount County- Liberia Development and Agriculture (LIDA), with backing from the Ministry of Agriculture and support from STAR-P and RETRAP, has rolled out a comprehensive maize cultivation training for farmers in Foima District, Grand Cape Mount County geared toward revitalizing Liberia’s agricultural sector,
The initiative, led by LIDA’s Managing Partner and Agricultural Engineer, Christopher Bsaibes, is part of a campaign to cultivate 100 hectares of maize, with the dual aim of strengthening food security and opening access to commercial markets for rural farmers.
Held in October 2025, the training brought together members of the Foima Farmers’ Cooperative for an intensive session on best practices in maize production, from seed selection to post-harvest handling.
“This is not just a training, it’s a movement to empower Liberian farmers to become competitive players in the agricultural value chain,” said Bsaibes during the launch.
“We are pairing knowledge with guaranteed markets, which is the missing link for many smallholders.”
Empowering Farmers with Skills and Market Access
The capacity-building session covered key agronomic techniques tailored to Liberia’s growing conditions, land preparation, appropriate seed spacing, fertilization strategies, integrated pest management, and efficient harvesting and storage practices.
The training blended classroom instruction with field demonstrations to ensure farmers could apply lessons directly on their land.
LIDA’s buy-back agreement ensures that all maize harvested under the project will be purchased at international market prices.
The maize will supply Liberian American Poultry (LAP), a local agribusiness partner, ensuring a ready off take and creating a link between maize production and Liberia’s poultry industry.
Backed by Strong Partnerships
The initiative is a result of collaboration between several key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Agriculture, led by Alexander e Nuetah, providing institutional support, STAR-P and RETRAP, funding the full implementation of the project, LIDA, executing the program and providing technical expertise
Foima Farmers’ Cooperative is the primary beneficiary and Liberian American Poultry (LAP) will be the commercial buyer of the maize output.
“This model reflects the kind of public-private partnership needed to scale agriculture in Liberia,” said Minister Nuetah.
“We are proud to see local and international partners investing in our rural communities.”
Similar training program is expected to be held in Voinjama, targeting both Voinjama and Foya farmers on Monday, October 13.
“Later next week, we will be sending tractors to Foima to plow the land properly and plant and then by November for the first time in Liberia, we will be importing functioner spraying agriculture drones,” Bsaibes averred.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite a successful kickoff, organizers acknowledged logistical hurdles, including coordinating participation across remote areas.
Plans are underway to introduce follow-up field visits and ongoing technical support to ensure the adoption of best practices.
Key lessons included the importance of early land preparation and strengthening farmer group coordination.
A Replicable Model for Agricultural Growth
With the training completed and the planting season underway, stakeholders are optimistic.
The 100-hectare maize initiative could become a blueprint for similar programs across the country, where training, finance, and market linkage combine to drive inclusive agricultural growth.
As the project unfolds, the focus will remain on increasing productivity, ensuring sustainability, and most importantly, empowering Liberian farmers to become key players in national food systems.
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