ABIDJAN, CÔTE D’IVOIRE — Liberia is pursuing stronger regional partnerships and technical support to increase local rice production and reduce reliance on imported rice, following its participation in a high-level agricultural meeting in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The country’s delegation is attending the 34th Ordinary Session of the Africa Rice Council of Ministers (COM34), which runs from November 4–6 at the Noom Hotel in Abidjan. The meeting brings together African agriculture ministers, government representatives, agricultural specialists, and development partners to discuss strategies for transforming the continent’s rice industry.
A dispatch from the Liberian Embassy in Abidjan said the gathering was organized by the Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice), which invited the Liberian diplomatic mission to participate.
The Liberian delegation is led by Agriculture Minister Dr. Alexander Nuetah, accompanied by Dr. Arthur Bob Karnuah, Director General of the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI), and Lorenzo S. Nimley, Senior Technical Advisor to the Minister of Agriculture.
During the conference, Liberia’s representatives engaged in bilateral discussions with policymakers and other stakeholders to explore areas of cooperation that could support the country’s agricultural development agenda.
Key issues addressed included access to improved rice seeds, climate-adaptive farming techniques, agricultural research, irrigation infrastructure, technology sharing, technical assistance, and professional training for farmers and agricultural institutions.
The discussions are expected to help Liberia explore partnerships capable of strengthening its agricultural capacity, improving rice production systems, and creating better opportunities for local farmers.
Liberia continues to face the challenge of meeting domestic demand for rice, one of the country’s most important staple foods, while depending significantly on imports. Expanding local production remains an important component of efforts to improve food availability and strengthen the agricultural economy.
The Abidjan meeting also provides an opportunity for African countries to exchange experiences and examine practical approaches to improving agricultural productivity, including modern farming technologies, irrigation systems, improved seed varieties, and climate-resilient agricultural practices.
With food security remaining a major development concern across Africa, participating countries are using the continental platform to promote cooperation, strengthen agricultural policies, and identify solutions to challenges affecting rice production.
Liberia’s participation reflects its interest in leveraging regional expertise and international partnerships to address domestic agricultural constraints, improve institutional performance, and support farmers in expanding production.
The Africa Rice Council of Ministers provides a forum for African governments to coordinate policies and strengthen collective efforts toward building a sustainable, productive, and competitive rice sector across the continent.
