Liberia’s public investment in agriculture and fisheries: 1 - 1.5% 2% per year deforestation rate, among the highest in the world 70% of Liberia’s labor force is currently engaged in agriculture. Agriculture sector: ≈30-40% of GDP, mostly earned by the rubber sector.
The majority of farming households cultivate around 1ha on average. Average household use: 81% of its food from local markets, 11% from its production Heavily import-dependent: 80% of staple food (rice and cassava) 73% of all food consumed is not produced domestically.
Almost 80% of Liberians are younger than 35 & earn a living in the informal sector. About 50% of the population lives below the poverty line and faces food shortages.
Value chain development of cash and staple crops:
- Limited access to inputs and extension services, - Restricted finance for investments, - Absence and weak organization of essential value chain actors and their linkages, - Poorly informed policy-making, restrictive private sector policies, - Limited infrastructure (roads and energy)
National Policies: Liberia’s Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (2018-2023) Liberia Agriculture Sector Investment Plan II (LASIP II, 2018-2022)
