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Agriculture

Empowering Liberian Farmers through Comprehensive Maize Cultivation Training

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A comprehensive maize cultivation training for farmers in Foima District, Grand Cape Mount County, Liberia, has been launched by Liberia Development and Agriculture (LIDA), in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, STAR-P, and RETRAP. The initiative aims to cultivate 100 hectares of maize, strengthen food security, and open access to commercial markets for rural farmers. The training, led by LIDA's Managing Partner Christopher Bsaibes, brought together members of the Foima Farmers' Cooperative for an intensive session on best practices in maize production.

Key Takeaways:

  • The training covered key agronomic techniques tailored to Liberia's growing conditions, including land preparation, seed spacing, fertilization strategies, integrated pest management, and efficient harvesting and storage practices.
  • The training blended classroom instruction with field demonstrations to ensure farmers could apply lessons directly on their land.
  • LIDA's buy-back agreement ensures that all maize harvested under the project will be purchased at international market prices, supplying Liberian American Poultry (LAP), a local agribusiness partner.
  • The initiative is a result of collaboration between several key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Agriculture, led by Alexander e Nuetah, providing institutional support, STAR-P, and RETRAP, funding the full implementation of the project.
  • The primary beneficiary of the project is the Foima Farmers' Cooperative, and the commercial buyer of the maize output is Liberian American Poultry (LAP).
  • A similar training program is expected to be held in Voinjama, targeting both Voinjama and Foya farmers.
  • Plans are underway to introduce follow-up field visits and ongoing technical support to ensure the adoption of best practices.

Statistics:

  • 100 hectares of maize will be cultivated as part of the initiative.
  • The training was held in October 2025, and planting is expected to commence soon afterwards.
  • The maize output will be purchased at international market prices by Liberian American Poultry (LAP).
  • The initiative is a result of collaboration between several key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Agriculture, STAR-P, and RETRAP.

Sources:

  • "Monrovia, Oct. 13 --" Frontpage Africa.
  • "Liberia Development and Agriculture (LIDA)".
  • "Ministry of Agriculture".
  • "STAR-P".
  • "RETRAP".
  • "Liberian American Poultry (LAP)".

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