MONROVIA – A country endowed with an abundance of natural resources, Liberia presents a striking paradox. With its fertile soil, favorable climate, and abundant water resources, one would expect the nation to be a regional leader in agricultural production, capable of feeding its own population and exporting surplus produce to neighboring countries. Yet, despite these advantages, Liberia remains heavily reliant on imports to meet its food needs, struggling to achieve self-sufficiency in staple crops like rice, poultry, and vegetables. This disconnect between Liberia’s immense agricultural potential and its disappointing performance in the sector is a pressing concern, one that Georgia Wallen, World Bank Country Director, rather euphemistically highlighted at the 2025 National Agriculture Fair. The Analyst reports.
The World Bank Country Director in Liberia Georgia Wallen has praised Liberian farmers for their crucial role in nourishing the country, saying their efforts impact every life across every community and county.
Making remarks on Friday, December 12, 2025, at the 2025 National Agriculture Fair in Ganta, Nimba County, Liberia, Wallen emphasized that Liberia has immense natural endowments, including fertile land, a favorable climate, and abundant water, but continues to expend substantial foreign exchange for importing basic foods.
She stated that the World Bank strongly believes in Liberia’s vast agricultural potential and will continue to partner with the country in transforming the agrifood system to be more efficient, more inclusive, and more sustainable.
Country Director Wallen highlighted the need for well-targeted public support and smart incentives to mobilize private investment, predictable financing for producers, market and storage infrastructure, quality inputs and extension, and climate-smart, digital solutions to raise productivity and reduce risk.
She expressed confidence that the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development can unlock Liberia’s agriculture potential and transform the country’s economy.
The World Bank is supporting productivity gains, stronger value chains, resilient markets, and opportunities that translate into jobs, especially for Liberia’s vibrant youth.
She commended the Liberian government and farmers for their leadership and partnership, wishing them a successful Fair and continued progress toward an increasingly food secure and prosperous Liberia.
She said: “Thank you for the opportunity to join the 2025 National Agriculture Fair under the inspiring theme, “empowering farmers, enriching the nation.” Today we salute the men and women whose daily work nourishes Liberians country wide.
“Your efforts impact every life across every community and every county. Farmers are at the heart of Liberia’s economy – including women farmers who play pivotal role, producing an estimated 93% of Liberia’s food.”
Continuing, Director Wallen noted: “Liberia has immense natural endowments – including fertile land, a favorable climate, and abundant water – yet continues to expend substantial foreign exchange for importing basic foods such as rice, poultry, and vegetables. However, the future can be different.
“This is the ambition of the economic transformation focus of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development. Unlocking Liberia’s agriculture potential will need to entail well-targeted public support and smart incentives that mobilize private investment. Other key ingredients of transformation include predictable financing for producers; market and storage infrastructure; quality inputs and extension; and climate‑smart, digital solutions that raise productivity and reduce risk.”