The colorful launching ceremony took place on Friday, February 6, 2026, in Monrovia, bringing together scores of farmers, agricultural stakeholders, government officials, and development partners from across Liberia.

Launching the cooperative on behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Deputy Minister for Public Affairs at the Ministry of State, Mr. Anthony Kesselley described agriculture as a central pillar of the president’s development agenda.

“President Boakai places high priority on agriculture because it is the backbone of national development and food security,” Deputy Minister Kesselley said.

“This initiative aligns perfectly with the government’s vision to empower farmers, increase local food production, and reduce our dependence on imported food.”

He emphasized that the president remains deeply concerned about the welfare of Liberian farmers and has outlined a clear roadmap aimed at revitalizing and modernizing the agricultural sector.

“We must move from subsistence farming to sustainable agribusiness,” he added. “Liberia has fertile land and hardworking farmers. What we need now is structure, support, and strategic investment — and this cooperative is a step in the right direction.”

Providing an overview of the cooperative’s vision and objectives, the Board Chairman of WFI, Dr. John Wulu, highlighted the urgent need for transformation within Liberia’s agricultural sector.

“Our farmers face enormous challenges, including limited access to modern farming tools, financing, technical training, and reliable markets,” Dr. Wulu stated. “This cooperative was established to bridge those gaps and create real opportunities for growth and productivity.”

Dr. Wulu explained that the cooperative aims to organize farmers into a unified structure that will enhance productivity, improve bargaining power, and facilitate access to essential resources.

“This is not just a project; it is a movement to restore dignity to Liberian farmers and reposition agriculture as a profitable and sustainable sector,” he said.

Also speaking at the program, the Chief Executive Officer of the cooperative, Lincoln Cooper, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting farmers through innovative programs, capacity-building initiatives, and partnerships with both local and international stakeholders.

“Our goal is to increase food production, enhance farmers’ livelihoods, and contribute meaningfully to Liberia’s economic development,” the CEO noted. “Through collaboration, modern farming techniques, and strategic investment, we can feed our nation and create employment opportunities for thousands of Liberians.”

Stakeholders at the event expressed optimism that, once fully operational and successfully implemented, the initiative will significantly strengthen Liberia’s food security and generate substantial employment within the agricultural sector.

Observers believe that if the project achieves its intended objectives, it could drastically reduce — and potentially end — Liberia’s heavy reliance on imported food commodities.

With renewed commitment from both government and private stakeholders, the launch of the World Foundation International Multi-Purpose Agriculture Cooperative marks a significant step toward transforming Liberia’s agricultural landscape and advancing the national agenda of self-sufficiency and economic empowerment.

The post World Foundation International Multi-Purpose Agriculture Cooperative Launched Under “Feed the Nation: Rescue Farmers” Theme first appeared on OK FM.

Originally slated for Thursday, October 30, 2025, at Monrovia City Hall, the launch will be rescheduled for a later date, WFI executives announced during a press conference held in Monrovia on Thursday.

According to Mr. Lincoln Z. Cooper, WFI Chief Executive Officer, and Dr. John Wulu, Board Chair, preparations for the grand event are complete, but the cooperative decided to delay the ceremony to ensure President Boakai—designated as Keynote Speaker—can participate in person.

“The event is not canceled,” Mr. Cooper emphasized. “We’ve only postponed it out of respect for the President’s vital role in this national cause. Once he returns, we will proceed immediately. All logistics, farmer mobilization, and partner coordination remain in full gear.”

A Movement, Not Just a Program

The rescheduled event is expected to draw thousands of farmers from all 15 counties, along with development partners, government officials, and members of the diplomatic community. A farmers’ parade and indoor ceremony are also planned to mark the start of what WFI describes as a five-year national movement to transform Liberia’s agricultural landscape.

Despite the delay in the official launch, the Feed the Nation campaign is already advancing operationally. WFI-MAC reaffirmed its commitment to its mission of empowering 52,500 farmers nationwide, promoting food self-sufficiency, and reducing Liberia’s heavy reliance on food imports—currently estimated at US$200 million annually.

“This is not just a project—it’s a movement,” Cooper reiterated during the campaign’s earlier announcement on October 4. “We are mobilizing a nationwide call to rescue our farmers and feed our nation.”

Empowering Women, Youth, and Rural Farmers

Operating under the banner “Rescue Farmers,” WFI-MAC is engaging women, youth, and resource-limited farmers through MOUs for farmland access, community partnerships, and training programs. These efforts aim to enhance livelihoods, expand market access, and strengthen the governance of local cooperatives.

A Five-Year Vision: 2025–2030

The Feed the Nation campaign forms part of WFI’s Five-Year Agricultural Operations and Development Plan (2025–2030).

Key components include: Boosting productivity through climate-smart technologies, Providing quality seeds, fertilizers, and tools to farmers, Establishing agro-processing hubs in all 15 counties, Expanding local and regional market access, Supporting vulnerable farmers with healthcare, shelter, and microgrants, and Strengthening cooperative accountability and transparency.

Additionally, WFI-MAC plans to conduct Liberia’s first national agricultural data survey, building a comprehensive database on farmers and food insecurity to inform evidence-based policy decisions.

“No Farmer Left Behind”

WFI Board Chair Dr. John T. Wulu underscored the cooperative’s dedication to inclusivity and national unity through agriculture.

“For too long, our farmers have been neglected and forgotten,” Dr. Wulu stated. “This initiative is about reaching every village, every community, and every farmer—no matter how remote. We are here to empower, rehabilitate, and uplift them.”

He added that beyond agriculture, Feed the Nation aims to drive job creation, export growth, youth and women empowerment, and community development, all in alignment with President Boakai’s ARREST Agenda, whose first pillar emphasizes agriculture.

Awaiting the President’s Return

WFI-MAC assured the public that the launch will be held immediately upon President Boakai’s return, with the same lineup of national and international guests.

“This is more than farming,” Dr. Wulu emphasized. “It’s about nation-building, empowerment, and survival. Agriculture must become the engine of Liberia’s economic growth—and that engine starts now.”

The Operation Feed the Nation campaign will officially span October 30, 2025 – October 30, 2030, marking five years of coordinated action to achieve food sovereignty and transform Liberia’s agricultural future.

Agriculture – The Backbone of Liberia’s Economy

“Agriculture is the backbone of Liberia’s economy and the foundation of national survival. It is the lifeline of our nation and the key to ending hunger and poverty. Through agriculture, communities are nourished, livelihoods are sustained, and national prosperity is secured,”
— Dr. Wulu

Ultimately, WFI-MAC champions agriculture as the engine of growth, the path to self-reliance, and the promise of a better Liberia for all, as emphasized by Dr. Wulu.

The post WFI Campaign Still on Track to Empower 52,000+ Farmers Nationwide; Launch of “Operation Feed the Nation” Postponed Pending President Boakai’s Return first appeared on OK FM.

The announcement was made at a press conference held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the WFI-MAC Headquarters on Capitol Bye-Pass in Monrovia.

WFI Chief Executive Officer, Lincoln Z. Cooper, unveiled the campaign, aligning its objectives with President Joseph N. Boakai’s ARREST Agenda, which prioritizes Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism.

“We are not just launching a program,” said Mr. Cooper.
“We are launching a movement—a nationwide call to action to rescue our farmers and feed our nation.”

Operating under the banner “Rescue Farmers,” WFI-MAC currently has more than 52,500 active members across Liberia’s 15 counties, organized into strategic support categories.

The cooperative works directly with vulnerable populations, including women, youth, and resource-limited farmers, through Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) for farmland access and partnerships with local communities.

Public Launch Set for October 30

The official public launch of “Operation Feed the Nation, Liberia” is scheduled for Wednesday, October 30, 2025, at 12:00 noon, at Monrovia City Hall. The event is expected to draw high-level dignitaries, including representatives from government ministries, development partners, the diplomatic corps, and farming cooperatives from across the country.

WFI-MAC has already begun consultations with key international development partners—including the World Bank, European Union, United Nations agencies, and private agribusiness investors—to secure multi-sectoral support for the campaign.

2025–2030: A Strategic Vision for Food Sovereignty

Anchored in a comprehensive Five-Year Agricultural Operations and Development Plan (2025–2030), the initiative seeks to:

Boost productivity through climate-smart agricultural technologies

Provide access to quality seeds, tools, and fertilizers

Expand market access for local and regional trade

Establish agro-processing hubs in all 15 counties

Support vulnerable farmers with healthcare, shelter, and microgrants

Strengthen cooperative governance for transparency and sustainability

WFI-MAC will also lead Liberia’s first nationwide agricultural data survey, creating a farmer and food insecurity database to enable targeted interventions in both rural and urban areas.

“No Farmer Left Behind”: A Mission of Inclusion

Speaking at the press event, Dr. John Wulu, Chair of WFI-MAC’s Executive Board, reaffirmed the cooperative’s commitment to inclusivity:

“Too many of our farmers have been left out—underserved, ignored, and forgotten. This initiative is about reaching every village, every town, and every farmer, no matter how remote. We will empower, rehabilitate, and support them,” Dr. Wulu stated.

He added that WFI-MAC’s guiding motto, “God is our Refuge and Strength,” serves as both a spiritual and moral foundation for the organization’s mission.

Dr. Wulu also emphasized the broader national impact of the initiative, including:

Job creation through agriculture-based industries and county-level factories

Export of surplus produce to increase national revenue

Youth and women’s empowerment through business and agricultural training

Strengthened partnerships with tribal communities and traditional leadership

Reducing Food Imports and Building Self-Reliance

With Liberia currently importing an estimated $200 million worth of food annually, “Operation Feed the Nation, Liberia” aims to drastically cut this figure by scaling up domestic production of key staples such as rice, cassava, vegetables, poultry, and fish.

As Liberia prepares for the official launch on October 30, national and international attention is focused on this bold and potentially transformative campaign. If successfully executed, WFI-MAC’s program could set a benchmark for agricultural revival and food sovereignty across West Africa.

“This is not just about farming,” Dr. Wulu concluded.
“It’s about nation-building, empowerment, and survival. Agriculture must be the engine of our economic growth—and that engine starts now.”

The “Feed the Nation” campaign will run from October 30, 2025, to October 30, 2030, marking five years of determined action to reshape Liberia’s agricultural landscape.

The post WFI to Launch “Feed the Nation” Campaign to Rescue Liberian Farmers and End Hunger first appeared on OK FM.

Speaking to this station over the weekend, Mr. Turay, who also serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Liberation Liberia, highlighted the steady progress being made in the cocoa sector. He noted a significant increase in the volume of cocoa exported from Liberia to the international market—a development that is directly benefiting local farmers.

“There has been a serious boost in the quantity of cocoa being shipped out of Liberia, and this is translating into tangible dividends for farmers across the country,” Sheikh Turay stated.

According to him, the government of Liberia, in collaboration with international partners, has intensified support to cocoa farmers. This growing investment has drawn more Liberians into cocoa farming, thereby creating jobs and improving livelihoods, especially in rural communities.

Turay emphasized that exporters and farmers are working closely with the Liberia Agriculture Commodity Regulatory Authority (LACRA) to ensure that the country’s cocoa meets regional and international standards.

He identified Grand Gedeh, Nimba, and Lofa counties as the new “melting pots” for cocoa production in Liberia. These areas, he said, are now attracting attention from neighboring countries and international stakeholders due to the improved quality of beans being produced there.

“For years, cocoa from Liberia was largely unknown for its quality,” Turay noted. “It was often processed in bulk without traceable origins. Many exporters wanted to improve the quality of Liberian cocoa but lacked the technical know-how.”

However, with technical and logistical support from the Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries (CBI), Liberia has taken significant steps toward producing premium-grade cocoa that meets European market standards.

“Higher quality means better market value,” he added. “This directly leads to higher incomes for our farmers and workers, which helps transform entire communities.”

The cocoa sector, once dormant due to the civil crisis, is now experiencing renewed growth, positioning Liberia as an emerging player in the West African cocoa trade.

The post Liberia Aims to Regain Prewar Status in Global Cocoa Industry — Cocoa Exporters President first appeared on OK FM.

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Agriculture Stakeholders in Liberia have launched a 6.5 Million Euros Project aimed at building resilient seed systems for rice, cassava, soybean, coffee, and fish value chains.

The Seed for Liberia Project which is funded by the European Union is also geared towards strengthening food and economic diversification in Liberia.

Africa Rice along with other institutions including World Fish, Central Agriculture Research Institute and the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority among others are implementing the four year project.

In an Interview with Journalists, European Union Ambassador to Liberia Nona Deprez called on the Government and

Farmers to ensure the sustainability of the project following the four years period.

Speaking on behalf of the implementing institutions, Africa Rice Director General Dr. Babourcarr Manneh guaranteed that the project will improve seed systems in Liberia.

The project is projected to produce 6,000 tones of certified rice seeds, 62, 500 bundles of Cassava cuttings, and 45 million large-size fish fingerlings.

About 70 percent of the Liberian population depends on agriculture for livelihood but the sector

 remains heavily challenged as farmers are lacking basic tools and seeds to improve yield.

To help address the challenges, Joseph Boakia’s Administration has made Agriculture a priority in its ARREST Agenda for inclusive Development.

Deputy Agriculture Minister for Technical Services Solomon Hedd-Williams said the EU Funded Project is in line with the Government’s plans.

The post EU Funded 6.5 Million Euros Project Launched In Liberia To Strengthen Seeds System first appeared on OK FM.