agricultural peanut oil production lines in liberia

                                               
                                               
                                               
                                               
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  • Why is agriculture important in Liberia?
  • As in other developing countries in the region, agriculture is seen as a key development priority to enhance food security, create jobs, and alleviate poverty. Rubber and oil palm are the primary products produced on a large scale. Why were large-scale investments in agriculture so critical to building back Liberia’s economy after the war?‌
  • Does Liberia have a long-term agricultural agreement with foreign investors?
  • Liberia has had long-term agricultural agreements with foreign investors since the 1920s. These were long-term land leases or general investor–state contracts like concessions. After the war ended, the few remaining concessionaires were the agriculture companies such as Firestone, Equatorial Palm, and the Liberia Agriculture Company.‌
  • What are the obstacles to investment in agriculture in Liberia?
  • Other obstacles to investment in agriculture include the lack of capital and professional expertise to increase farm productivity, and a government approach to the sector that is inconsistent and politically driven rather than strategic. Liberia has a favorable climate and fertile soil for cocoa production.‌
  • What is the biggest cash crop in Liberia?
  • The Firestone Natural Rubber concession, covering almost 200 square miles, is the largest contiguous natural rubber operation in the world and the biggest private sector employer in Liberia. Palm oil is another significant cash crop.‌
  • What does the Ministry of Agriculture do in Liberia?
  • The Ministry of Agriculture is the government ministry responsible for the governance, management, and promotion of the agriculture sector in Liberia. Land rights is a critical issue for concessionaires in Liberia. The Land Rights Act clarifies land tenure as well as land governance, administration, and management.‌
  • Why is horticulture important in Liberia?
  • Liberia has a suitable climate for horticulture such as the production of peppers, okra, onions, tomatoes, and squash, which are in high demand throughout the country all year. Lowland cultivation and low-cost irrigation would provide opportunities to increase productivity and expand market share of these valuable crops.