GANTA, Nimba County — December 12, 2025 — The World Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Liberia’s agricultural transformation, emphasizing the critical role of farmers—particularly women—in driving food security, job creation, and economic growth.
Speaking on Friday at the 2025 National Agriculture Fair in Ganta, World Bank Liberia Country Manager Georgia Wallen praised Liberian farmers as the backbone of the national economy and urged sustained investment in agriculture to reduce food imports and unlock the country’s vast natural potential.
“Today we salute the men and women whose daily work nourishes Liberians countrywide,” Wallen said. “Your efforts impact every life across every community and every county.”
The Agriculture Fair, held under the theme “Empowering Farmers, Enriching the Nation,” brought together President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, senior government officials, development partners, and farmers from across Liberia.
Women Farmers at the Center of Food Production
Wallen highlighted the pivotal role of women in Liberia’s food system, noting that women farmers account for an estimated 93 percent of domestic food production.
“Farmers are at the heart of Liberia’s economy — including women farmers who play a pivotal role,” she said, drawing applause from participants.
Despite Liberia’s fertile land, favorable climate, and abundant water resources, Wallen noted that the country continues to spend significant foreign exchange importing basic food items such as rice, poultry, and vegetables—an imbalance she said can be reversed.
Aligning with the ARREST Agenda
Wallen aligned the World Bank’s support with the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, particularly its focus on economic transformation through agriculture.
“The future can be different,” she said. “Unlocking Liberia’s agricultural potential will require well-targeted public support and smart incentives that mobilize private investment.”
She outlined key elements needed to transform Liberia’s agrifood system, including:
- Predictable financing for farmers and producers;
- Improved market access and storage infrastructure;
- Access to quality inputs and extension services; and
- Climate-smart and digital solutions to increase productivity and reduce risk.
World Bank’s Continued Partnership
The World Bank Country Manager said the institution “strongly believes” in Liberia’s agricultural potential and pledged continued collaboration through the World Bank Group’s new Country Partnership Framework.
“Through this framework, we will continue to partner with Liberia to transform the agrifood system to be more efficient, more inclusive, and more sustainable,” Wallen said.
She added that World Bank-supported programs will focus on boosting productivity, strengthening value chains, building resilient markets, and creating employment—particularly for Liberia’s growing youth population.
“These efforts are about translating agriculture into jobs and livelihoods,” she said.
Agriculture Fair as a Catalyst
Wallen described the National Agriculture Fair as a catalyst for national food system transformation, noting its role in spotlighting innovation, entrepreneurship, and farmer resilience.
“Today’s Fair is another spark in a national drive for food system transformation—one that nourishes every Liberian family, expands livelihoods in farming and agribusiness, and keeps more value right here in Liberia,” she said.
Closing Message
In closing, Wallen thanked President Boakai, the Ministry of Agriculture, development partners, and farmers for their leadership and collaboration.
“We wish you a successful Fair and continued progress toward an increasingly food-secure and prosperous Liberia,” she said.
The National Agriculture Fair continues this week in Ganta, showcasing agricultural products, innovations, and investment opportunities from across Liberia.
