Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Calls for Global Action on Food Security at World Food Forum 2024

By Julius T. Jaesen, II
Rome, Italy – October 14, 2024 – Speaking at the World Food Forum in Rome, Liberia’s President Joseph Nyuma Boakai delivered a powerful call to action, urging global leaders to confront the rising challenges of food insecurity and take decisive steps to transform agrifood systems for a more resilient future. The theme of this year’s forum, “Good Food Today, Good Food Tomorrow,” was addressed against the backdrop of growing global hunger, with Africa at the center of the crisis.

In his keynote address, President Boakai lamented the alarming rise of hunger and malnutrition, particularly across the African continent. “Africa, a land abundant with natural resources and agricultural potential, tragically finds itself at the epicenter of this crisis,” he said. According to reports from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), millions of people across Africa and other parts of the world are facing acute food shortages. “Despite its fertile soils and vibrant cultures, Africa is beset by complex challenges such as climate change, conflict, economic instability, and inadequate infrastructural investments in agriculture,” Boakai noted.

The Liberian leader stressed that these issues not only exacerbate food insecurity but also deepen vulnerabilities within communities, making it harder for people to access adequate nutrition. He cited a disturbing statistic: “Today, one in five people in Africa go to bed hungry, a statistic that compels us to act decisively.”

Boakai emphasized the urgency for concrete action, stating, “We are not here today simply to highlight the challenges, but to call for urgent, impactful steps that will drive tangible change on the ground.” Liberia, he added, stands ready to contribute to the global movement for food security by building an inclusive, resilient, and transformative agrifood system that will ensure sustainable food security and nutrition for its people.

Highlighting Liberia’s unique position within the West African Upper Guinea Rainforest region, Boakai explained that Liberia is not only one of the world’s most biodiverse areas but also one of its wettest, with annual rainfall exceeding 2,500 mm. He noted that the country is a vital net carbon sink, absorbing more greenhouse gases (GHGs) than it emits, and containing over 40% of West Africa’s remaining rainforest. “While we remain proud of our contributions to addressing global warming, we must also recognize the importance of our dependence on the soil for our food security and economic development,” Boakai said.

He called for increased funding for agricultural innovation and sustainable farming practices, noting that “by equipping farmers with the right tools, knowledge, and resources, we can increase crop yields and diversify production.” Liberia’s agricultural sector, which accounts for 28.9% of the country’s GDP and provides livelihoods for over 68% of its population, remains vital to its economy. Boakai outlined Liberia’s focus on sustainable practices in food crops, fisheries, and organic cash crops such as palm oil and cocoa, which he said have a positive impact on food security and local commerce.

One of the key initiatives Boakai announced was the Agro-Industrial Development Program, centered on oil palm and cocoa, which aims to transform Liberia’s oleo-products industry into a cornerstone of economic growth. “This program is not just about agriculture; it’s about enhancing our food security and securing a prosperous future for all Liberians,” he remarked.

To tackle the region’s palm oil deficit, Boakai revealed plans to cultivate 100,000 hectares of land, with an eventual goal of increasing this to 300,000 hectares to meet local and regional demand. He said that this effort would be supported by investments in processing, milling, refining, and marketing, as well as leveraging technology, digitization, and research. The president also announced plans to establish an agriculture enterprise development bank to improve access to finance for farmers.

Boakai concluded his speech by outlining four key areas of focus to achieve global food security: supporting local food systems, promoting climate resilience, strengthening social safety nets, and fostering global collaboration. “We must act with urgency, determination, and focus,” he said, urging nations to bolster local food production networks, adopt climate-smart agricultural practices, expand social protection programs for vulnerable populations, and work together across borders to create sustainable food systems.

He called on world leaders to move beyond rhetoric and commit to tangible actions. “The time for rhetoric has passed; it is now the moment for robust, unified action,” Boakai stressed. “Together, we can ensure a more resilient, sustainable, and prosperous future for our planet and its people.”

In closing, Boakai reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and contributing to global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. “Our actions today can help shape the landscape of tomorrow,” he said, “Together, we can ensure that no child, no parent, and no community is left to face the anguish of hunger.”

As the global population continues to grow, with mounting pressures on food systems, President Boakai’s call for action resonates deeply, setting the tone for the urgent steps needed to combat food insecurity worldwide.