The much-anticipated launch of Operation Feed the Nation, Liberia—a flagship agricultural empowerment campaign by the World Foundation International Multipurpose Agriculture Cooperative (WFI-MAC)—remains fully on course despite a brief postponement caused by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s absence from the country.
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.
