Liberia’s smallholder farmers are set to benefit from a major agricultural boost following a donation from the Joseph N. Boakai Foundation (JNB Foundation). The Foundation has presented a 20-foot container of ROKO Urea fertilizer, valued at more than US$220,000, to the Ministry of Agriculture for nationwide distribution.
According to Foundation officials, the initiative is intended to empower farmers, enhance food production, and support the government’s agricultural priorities. Speaking during the official handover, Reverend David Saa Fotorma Jr., Chairman of the Foundation’s Board, described the consignment as a direct support mechanism for local farmers, particularly those who struggle to access modern inputs.
He emphasized that Liberia’s agricultural potential can only be realized if farmers are equipped with the right tools, technology, and training. Also speaking, the Foundation’s Executive Director, Jackson George, disclosed that the fertilizers will be distributed across five designated farming zones identified under the national agriculture strategy.
He noted that the donation comes at a critical time, as farmers face challenges brought on by the rainy season, which threatens productivity. Receiving the consignment, Deputy Agriculture Minister for Technical Services, Solomon Hedd-Williams, hailed the Foundation for what he called a “timely and patriotic gesture.” He explained the efficiency of the ROKO Urea fertilizer, noting that a single bottle is equivalent to a 50kg bag of NPK fertilizer and can fertilize one acre of farmland.
He further revealed that one container of ROKO Urea is equal to seven containers of traditional NPK, describing it as a potential “game changer” for Liberia’s farmers. Deputy Minister Hedd-Williams assured the public that the distribution process will be transparent and accountable. A joint monitoring team comprising officials from the Ministry and representatives of the Foundation will oversee the process to ensure the fertilizers reach genuine farmers.
The gesture has already generated optimism among farmers’ cooperatives and stakeholders, many of whom welcomed the intervention as a strong commitment to grassroots agriculture. The JNB Foundation continues to drive transformative social change by partnering with organizations that share its values, providing impactful assistance, and working to improve the lives of Liberians.
