Agriculture
At A Glance
- Agriculture is the largest source of jobs and GDP in the Liberian economy, and is essential for food security.
- The 'Back to the Soil Campaign' has resulted in significant increases in food production, e.g. rice production increased by 43percent between 2006 and 2009. Development partners involved in the sector include: the United States Department for International Development (USAID), the African Development Bank (AfDB) the World Bank and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
Key Opportunities
Tree crops: Rubber is Liberia's biggest export.
- Potential areas for investing in the rubber sub-sector include: production of tires and tubes, inflatable rubber products, automotive and other molded rubber parts, medical and surgical rubber products and rubber made sporting goods
- Oil palm is another tree crop with great potential. It can yield cooking oil, animal food, and raw material for the manufacture of cosmetics, detergents, and pharmaceuticals.
- Coffee and cocoa have been significant earners of foreign exchange in the past and are growing again in significance.
- A variety of fruits can be grown in Liberia: banana, breadfruit, mango, melon, papaya, plantain, pineapple, and a number of citrus fruits such as grapefruit, lime, lemon, orange, and tangerine.
- Vegetables can be grown as well: cabbage, collards, corn, cucumber, egg plant, hot pepper, and pumpkin. Starches grown are cassava, yams, eddoes, and potatoes. The potential for export to the international fruit and vegetable market is high. Accessing it requires quality control, post-harvest handling, storage, and efficient transport, all of which offer opportunities for investors.
Services: Investment opportunities include pest and disease control, extension services, cold storage, transport and marketing, and training and capacity building.
For additional information, please either download the National Investor's Guide or contact the National Investment Commission or the Ministry of Agriculture.
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