The Ministry of Agriculture has welcomed the World Bank’s latest Liberia Economic Update, which recognizes agriculture as a key driver of Liberia’s economic growth, stability, and job creation. According to the report, titled “From Stabilization to Inclusion – Pathways to Resilient Growth and Productive Jobs,” Liberia’s economy grew by 4.0% in 2024, with agriculture contributing 1.3 percentage points to this growth a strong improvement over 2023, when the sector grew by only 1.4% and made a minimal contribution to national output.
The report attributes the rebound to robust growth in rubber and rice production, two of Liberia’s leading agricultural commodities. Rubber output surged by nearly 18% in 2024 after a 2% decline in 2023, benefiting from a 26% rise in international prices and improved harvesting and transport conditions. Similarly, domestic rice production expanded by 8.5% compared to the previous year, driven by favorable weather, improved rural road networks, and government-led investments in mechanization, irrigation, and lowland rice development.
The Ministry sees these achievements as clear evidence that Liberia’s agricultural transformation is gaining momentum under the leadership of Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, Minister of Agriculture. “This report confirms that our focus on mechanization, irrigation, and domestic production is the right path for Liberia,” Dr. Nuetah said. “Agriculture remains the backbone of our economy and the foundation for inclusive, job-rich growth.” Celebrating the sector’s performance, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to tackling persistent challenges, including declining palm oil output, limited access to agricultural finance, and low investment in value addition.
The Ministry is strengthening public–private partnerships, boosting agro processing, and empowering smallholder farmers to enhance productivity and competitiveness. We are not just producing more food; we are building a new generation of agricultural entrepreneurs,” Dr. Nuetah emphasized. “Our goal is to make agriculture a driver of livelihoods, poverty reduction, and resilience across rural Liberia.”
The Ministry is also calling on development partners, the private sector, and financial institutions to collaborate more closely in supporting Liberia’s agricultural transformation through investments in value addition, climate-smart technologies, storage and processing facilities, and market access systems. This statement responds to the World Bank’s Liberia Economic Update – Sixth Edition (September 2025).
