Agriculture
Agriculture
Agriculture
Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy and is also a key sector for human development and Economic growth in Liberia. According to the World Bank (2019), over 75% of the population relies on agriculture for their livelihood. The sector contributes 25 – 35% to Liberia’s GDP. With over 4 million acres of arable land, Liberia has potential for commercial agricultural production. The key sub-sectors are food crops; tree crops; horticultural crops; animal husbandry, and fisheries and aquaculture. Food Crop: A significant portion of Liberia’s food production is undertaken by smallholder Farmers who employ traditional farming systems and produce at subsistence level.
Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy and is also a key sector for human development and Economic growth in Liberia. According to the World Bank (2019), over 75% of the population relies on agriculture for their livelihood. The sector contributes 25 – 35% to Liberia’s GDP. With over 4 million acres of arable land, Liberia has potential for commercial agricultural production. The key sub-sectors are food crops; tree crops; horticultural crops; animal husbandry, and fisheries and aquaculture. Food Crop: A significant portion of Liberia’s food production is undertaken by smallholder Farmers who employ traditional farming systems and produce at subsistence level.
Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy and is also a key sector for human development and Economic growth in Liberia. According to the World Bank (2019), over 75% of the population relies on agriculture for their livelihood. The sector contributes 25 – 35% to Liberia’s GDP. With over 4 million acres of arable land, Liberia has potential for commercial agricultural production. The key sub-sectors are food crops; tree crops; horticultural crops; animal husbandry, and fisheries and aquaculture. Food Crop: A significant portion of Liberia’s food production is undertaken by smallholder Farmers who employ traditional farming systems and produce at subsistence level.
Rice
Rice
Rice is the most important commodity in Liberia as a food source. The Government of Liberia supports the development of the domestic rice value chain as a matter of national priority to meet food security needs, job creation and income generation especially for smallholder; subsistence farming families. The country produces merely around 175,000 metric tons of rice which is equivalent to 20% of the estimated annual requirement of 545,000 metric tons of rice. Liberia imports annually about 370,000 metric tons to meet its rice consumption needs. This is equivalent to 80% of the rice consumed in the country. Although the country is well endowed with abundant arable land suitable for growing rice, only approximately 2% of the nation’s land is being used for rice production.
Rice is the most important commodity in Liberia as a food source. The Government of Liberia supports the development of the domestic rice value chain as a matter of national priority to meet food security needs, job creation and income generation especially for smallholder; subsistence farming families. The country produces merely around 175,000 metric tons of rice which is equivalent to 20% of the estimated annual requirement of 545,000 metric tons of rice. Liberia imports annually about 370,000 metric tons to meet its rice consumption needs. This is equivalent to 80% of the rice consumed in the country. Although the country is well endowed with abundant arable land suitable for growing rice, only approximately 2% of the nation’s land is being used for rice production.
Rice is the most important commodity in Liberia as a food source. The Government of Liberia supports the development of the domestic rice value chain as a matter of national priority to meet food security needs, job creation and income generation especially for smallholder; subsistence farming families. The country produces merely around 175,000 metric tons of rice which is equivalent to 20% of the estimated annual requirement of 545,000 metric tons of rice. Liberia imports annually about 370,000 metric tons to meet its rice consumption needs. This is equivalent to 80% of the rice consumed in the country. Although the country is well endowed with abundant arable land suitable for growing rice, only approximately 2% of the nation’s land is being used for rice production.
There are opportunities for investments in the commercialization of all segments of the rice value chain (production, harvesting, aggregation, haulage, processing, storage, distribution, and marketing). Specifically, investments in irrigation facilities and mechanization are needed to improve production and increase rice yields.
There are opportunities for investments in the commercialization of all segments of the rice value chain (production, harvesting, aggregation, haulage, processing, storage, distribution, and marketing). Specifically, investments in irrigation facilities and mechanization are needed to improve production and increase rice yields.
There are opportunities for investments in the commercialization of all segments of the rice value chain (production, harvesting, aggregation, haulage, processing, storage, distribution, and marketing). Specifically, investments in irrigation facilities and mechanization are needed to improve production and increase rice yields.
The international price of rice rose by 26.8 percent to US$553.67 per metric ton in 2023, from US$436.8 per metric ton in 2022. The rise in the price of rice was attributed to the ban of nonbasmati rice export by one of the largest exporters of rice in addition to Russia withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative. The price is expected to rise further as the ban imposed by India is anticipated to remain in effect in 2024.
The international price of rice rose by 26.8 percent to US$553.67 per metric ton in 2023, from US$436.8 per metric ton in 2022. The rise in the price of rice was attributed to the ban of nonbasmati rice export by one of the largest exporters of rice in addition to Russia withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative. The price is expected to rise further as the ban imposed by India is anticipated to remain in effect in 2024.
The international price of rice rose by 26.8 percent to US$553.67 per metric ton in 2023, from US$436.8 per metric ton in 2022. The rise in the price of rice was attributed to the ban of nonbasmati rice export by one of the largest exporters of rice in addition to Russia withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative. The price is expected to rise further as the ban imposed by India is anticipated to remain in effect in 2024.
Cassava
Cassava
Cassava is Liberia’s second staple crop. It is also a key ingredient in animal feeds and in many industrial processes. Annual cassava production is estimated at approximately 520,000 metric tons. Over 95% of the cassava produced in Liberia is used for local food needs. The rest is processed into dried cassava chips for export or gari for local use and export. Liberia exports approximately 10,000 metric tons of cassava in the form of dried chips and gari
Cassava is Liberia’s second staple crop. It is also a key ingredient in animal feeds and in many industrial processes. Annual cassava production is estimated at approximately 520,000 metric tons. Over 95% of the cassava produced in Liberia is used for local food needs. The rest is processed into dried cassava chips for export or gari for local use and export. Liberia exports approximately 10,000 metric tons of cassava in the form of dried chips and gari
Cassava is Liberia’s second staple crop. It is also a key ingredient in animal feeds and in many industrial processes. Annual cassava production is estimated at approximately 520,000 metric tons. Over 95% of the cassava produced in Liberia is used for local food needs. The rest is processed into dried cassava chips for export or gari for local use and export. Liberia exports approximately 10,000 metric tons of cassava in the form of dried chips and gari
Cassava is produced throughout the country. It is a food crop with great potential for commercialization for both domestic utilities and export. Cassava is an essential ingredient for a variety of industrial processes and products, and is in high demands in foreign markets for sweeteners, animal feeds, starch, noodles, flours, organic acid, and beer. Accordingly, immense investments opportunities exist to improve the entire cassava value chain
Cassava is produced throughout the country. It is a food crop with great potential for commercialization for both domestic utilities and export. Cassava is an essential ingredient for a variety of industrial processes and products, and is in high demands in foreign markets for sweeteners, animal feeds, starch, noodles, flours, organic acid, and beer. Accordingly, immense investments opportunities exist to improve the entire cassava value chain
Cassava is produced throughout the country. It is a food crop with great potential for commercialization for both domestic utilities and export. Cassava is an essential ingredient for a variety of industrial processes and products, and is in high demands in foreign markets for sweeteners, animal feeds, starch, noodles, flours, organic acid, and beer. Accordingly, immense investments opportunities exist to improve the entire cassava value chain
HORTICULTURAL AND ORNAMENTAL CROPS
HORTICULTURAL AND ORNAMENTAL CROPS
Liberia is suitable for growing numerous horticultural and ornamental plants. However, productions are seasonal based on the natural growing season for the crop grown. The major fruits and vegetables produced include banana, plantain, citrus, pineapple, corn, cucumber, cabbage, okra and hot pepper
Liberia is suitable for growing numerous horticultural and ornamental plants. However, productions are seasonal based on the natural growing season for the crop grown. The major fruits and vegetables produced include banana, plantain, citrus, pineapple, corn, cucumber, cabbage, okra and hot pepper
Liberia is suitable for growing numerous horticultural and ornamental plants. However, productions are seasonal based on the natural growing season for the crop grown. The major fruits and vegetables produced include banana, plantain, citrus, pineapple, corn, cucumber, cabbage, okra and hot pepper
Investment opportunities in fruits and vegetables are in the conservation, processing and storage that will ensure their availability out of season, and possible exportation. Cold storages for fruits and vegetables will meaningfully reduce perishability and enhance their availability.
Investment opportunities in fruits and vegetables are in the conservation, processing and storage that will ensure their availability out of season, and possible exportation. Cold storages for fruits and vegetables will meaningfully reduce perishability and enhance their availability.
Investment opportunities in fruits and vegetables are in the conservation, processing and storage that will ensure their availability out of season, and possible exportation. Cold storages for fruits and vegetables will meaningfully reduce perishability and enhance their availability.
Ornamental Plants
Ornamental Plants
Many varieties of ornamental plants are grown in Liberia in small quantities for landscaping purposes. The soils and climatic conditions are suitable for commercial production of many ornamental plants for domestic and external markets. Investment opportunities exist in the introduction and production of exotic species of ornamental plants, particularly export markets. Prominent among these are roses and orchids.
Many varieties of ornamental plants are grown in Liberia in small quantities for landscaping purposes. The soils and climatic conditions are suitable for commercial production of many ornamental plants for domestic and external markets. Investment opportunities exist in the introduction and production of exotic species of ornamental plants, particularly export markets. Prominent among these are roses and orchids.
Many varieties of ornamental plants are grown in Liberia in small quantities for landscaping purposes. The soils and climatic conditions are suitable for commercial production of many ornamental plants for domestic and external markets. Investment opportunities exist in the introduction and production of exotic species of ornamental plants, particularly export markets. Prominent among these are roses and orchids.
Tree Crops
Tree Crops
Liberia has comparative advantage of the commercial production of tree crops. Over 50% of the rural population is engaged in this sub- sector, which is a major contributor to export earnings and revenue generation. The major tree crops include rubber, cocoa, coffee, and oil palm. Rubber and oil palm are grown on large, foreign owned plantations as well as in smallholdings by many Liberian farmers. Coffee and cocoa are exclusively grown by smallholder farmers.
Liberia has comparative advantage of the commercial production of tree crops. Over 50% of the rural population is engaged in this sub- sector, which is a major contributor to export earnings and revenue generation. The major tree crops include rubber, cocoa, coffee, and oil palm. Rubber and oil palm are grown on large, foreign owned plantations as well as in smallholdings by many Liberian farmers. Coffee and cocoa are exclusively grown by smallholder farmers.
Liberia has comparative advantage of the commercial production of tree crops. Over 50% of the rural population is engaged in this sub- sector, which is a major contributor to export earnings and revenue generation. The major tree crops include rubber, cocoa, coffee, and oil palm. Rubber and oil palm are grown on large, foreign owned plantations as well as in smallholdings by many Liberian farmers. Coffee and cocoa are exclusively grown by smallholder farmers.
Cocoa
Cocoa
Cocoa is Liberia’s second most important export commodity. It is produced by thousands of smallholder farmers predominately in Nimba, Lofa and Bong counties. In recent years, interest in producing cocoa has been gaining grounds in other counties. Production levels are now a fraction of what Liberia produced in the years back. With over 40,000 household engaged in its production, official export figures are estimated at 25,000 MT from 50,000 ha with an average yield of 200 kg/Ha. This means that there exist great potentials for investments in: rehabilitating old cocoa farms, establishing new plantations, and in value addition.
Cocoa is Liberia’s second most important export commodity. It is produced by thousands of smallholder farmers predominately in Nimba, Lofa and Bong counties. In recent years, interest in producing cocoa has been gaining grounds in other counties. Production levels are now a fraction of what Liberia produced in the years back. With over 40,000 household engaged in its production, official export figures are estimated at 25,000 MT from 50,000 ha with an average yield of 200 kg/Ha. This means that there exist great potentials for investments in: rehabilitating old cocoa farms, establishing new plantations, and in value addition.
Cocoa is Liberia’s second most important export commodity. It is produced by thousands of smallholder farmers predominately in Nimba, Lofa and Bong counties. In recent years, interest in producing cocoa has been gaining grounds in other counties. Production levels are now a fraction of what Liberia produced in the years back. With over 40,000 household engaged in its production, official export figures are estimated at 25,000 MT from 50,000 ha with an average yield of 200 kg/Ha. This means that there exist great potentials for investments in: rehabilitating old cocoa farms, establishing new plantations, and in value addition.
The global price of cocoa rose significantly by 37.1 percent to US$3,280.67 per metric ton in 2023, from US$2,392.98 per metric ton recorded in 2022. The rise in cocoa price was on account of lower-than-expected exports from the world’s largest supplier due to heavy rains and demand. Cocoa yields are expected to be robust in 2024, which is anticipated to result in decline in the price of the commodity. Major Intervention includes the introduction/promotion of high yielding clones of cocoa hybrids. Downstream products are: feed, butter, powder, chocolate, cosmetics.
The global price of cocoa rose significantly by 37.1 percent to US$3,280.67 per metric ton in 2023, from US$2,392.98 per metric ton recorded in 2022. The rise in cocoa price was on account of lower-than-expected exports from the world’s largest supplier due to heavy rains and demand. Cocoa yields are expected to be robust in 2024, which is anticipated to result in decline in the price of the commodity. Major Intervention includes the introduction/promotion of high yielding clones of cocoa hybrids. Downstream products are: feed, butter, powder, chocolate, cosmetics.
The global price of cocoa rose significantly by 37.1 percent to US$3,280.67 per metric ton in 2023, from US$2,392.98 per metric ton recorded in 2022. The rise in cocoa price was on account of lower-than-expected exports from the world’s largest supplier due to heavy rains and demand. Cocoa yields are expected to be robust in 2024, which is anticipated to result in decline in the price of the commodity. Major Intervention includes the introduction/promotion of high yielding clones of cocoa hybrids. Downstream products are: feed, butter, powder, chocolate, cosmetics.
Oil Palm
Oil Palm
Oil palm is an essential tree crop for small holders. It is estimated that there may be about 27,000 ha of medium-to-large oil palm plantations, of which approximately 17,000 ha are state owned plantations; smallholder farms represent another 75,000-ha annual production of crude oil palm (CPO) is estimated at134,000 in 2014.
Oil palm is an essential tree crop for small holders. It is estimated that there may be about 27,000 ha of medium-to-large oil palm plantations, of which approximately 17,000 ha are state owned plantations; smallholder farms represent another 75,000-ha annual production of crude oil palm (CPO) is estimated at134,000 in 2014.
Oil palm is an essential tree crop for small holders. It is estimated that there may be about 27,000 ha of medium-to-large oil palm plantations, of which approximately 17,000 ha are state owned plantations; smallholder farms represent another 75,000-ha annual production of crude oil palm (CPO) is estimated at134,000 in 2014.
Annual production of crude oil palm (CPO) is estimated at 134,000 in 2014. Interventions to strengthen the oil palm value chain is a development of out-grower’s schemes, and the introduction/promotion of clones of high yielding oil palm varieties. Downstream products are: cooking oil, soaps, biomass fuel, feed.
Annual production of crude oil palm (CPO) is estimated at 134,000 in 2014. Interventions to strengthen the oil palm value chain is a development of out-grower’s schemes, and the introduction/promotion of clones of high yielding oil palm varieties. Downstream products are: cooking oil, soaps, biomass fuel, feed.
Annual production of crude oil palm (CPO) is estimated at 134,000 in 2014. Interventions to strengthen the oil palm value chain is a development of out-grower’s schemes, and the introduction/promotion of clones of high yielding oil palm varieties. Downstream products are: cooking oil, soaps, biomass fuel, feed.
The global price of palm oil significantly fell by 30.5 percent to US$886.45 per metric ton in 2023, from US$1,275.99 per metric ton in 2022. The decline in the price of palm oil reflected higher production and exports from Indonesia and Malaysia, which together accounted for more than 85 percent of global palm oil exports. However, the rising demand of palm oil for biodiesel is expected to raise the price of the commodity in 2024.
The global price of palm oil significantly fell by 30.5 percent to US$886.45 per metric ton in 2023, from US$1,275.99 per metric ton in 2022. The decline in the price of palm oil reflected higher production and exports from Indonesia and Malaysia, which together accounted for more than 85 percent of global palm oil exports. However, the rising demand of palm oil for biodiesel is expected to raise the price of the commodity in 2024.
The global price of palm oil significantly fell by 30.5 percent to US$886.45 per metric ton in 2023, from US$1,275.99 per metric ton in 2022. The decline in the price of palm oil reflected higher production and exports from Indonesia and Malaysia, which together accounted for more than 85 percent of global palm oil exports. However, the rising demand of palm oil for biodiesel is expected to raise the price of the commodity in 2024.
Coffee
Coffee
Production of coffee in Liberia is entirely by small farmers with holdings of 2 to 10 acres. The annual production averages approximately 600 metric tons. This is a small fraction of the quantities of coffee produced decades back when Liberia was a major producer of coffee. The reduction of production over the last few years is due to little rehabilitation of old coffee farms and not planting sufficient new acreages to replace old ones.
Production of coffee in Liberia is entirely by small farmers with holdings of 2 to 10 acres. The annual production averages approximately 600 metric tons. This is a small fraction of the quantities of coffee produced decades back when Liberia was a major producer of coffee. The reduction of production over the last few years is due to little rehabilitation of old coffee farms and not planting sufficient new acreages to replace old ones.
Production of coffee in Liberia is entirely by small farmers with holdings of 2 to 10 acres. The annual production averages approximately 600 metric tons. This is a small fraction of the quantities of coffee produced decades back when Liberia was a major producer of coffee. The reduction of production over the last few years is due to little rehabilitation of old coffee farms and not planting sufficient new acreages to replace old ones.
Rubber
Rubber
Rubber is the most important cash crop in Liberia. It is estimated that a little over 200,000 ha of rubber have been planted in Liberia, of which over 65,000 are industrial estates and 130,000 are small and medium-size private farms
Rubber is the most important cash crop in Liberia. It is estimated that a little over 200,000 ha of rubber have been planted in Liberia, of which over 65,000 are industrial estates and 130,000 are small and medium-size private farms
Rubber is the most important cash crop in Liberia. It is estimated that a little over 200,000 ha of rubber have been planted in Liberia, of which over 65,000 are industrial estates and 130,000 are small and medium-size private farms
The rubber industry generated approximately USD$ 218 million in revenues in 2007- this declined to US 178 million in 2011, and it creates a steady stream of employment and supports the livelihood of thousands of smallholder farms.
The rubber industry generated approximately USD$ 218 million in revenues in 2007- this declined to US 178 million in 2011, and it creates a steady stream of employment and supports the livelihood of thousands of smallholder farms.
The rubber industry generated approximately USD$ 218 million in revenues in 2007- this declined to US 178 million in 2011, and it creates a steady stream of employment and supports the livelihood of thousands of smallholder farms.
In 2008, foreign-owned concessionaires and Liberian commercial farmers employed over 14,000 people and contributed to the economy more than US 40 million in wages.
In 2008, foreign-owned concessionaires and Liberian commercial farmers employed over 14,000 people and contributed to the economy more than US 40 million in wages.
The price of natural rubber globally declined by 12.9 percent to an average price of US$1,576.72 per metric tons in 2023, from US$1,810.19 per metric ton in 2022 due to relatively weak demand emanating from lower production of tyres in the United States, Republic of Korea, and Russia. It is expected that in 2024, the price of rubber will rise as global consumption is anticipated to recover.
The price of natural rubber globally declined by 12.9 percent to an average price of US$1,576.72 per metric tons in 2023, from US$1,810.19 per metric ton in 2022 due to relatively weak demand emanating from lower production of tyres in the United States, Republic of Korea, and Russia. It is expected that in 2024, the price of rubber will rise as global consumption is anticipated to recover.
The price of natural rubber globally declined by 12.9 percent to an average price of US$1,576.72 per metric tons in 2023, from US$1,810.19 per metric ton in 2022 due to relatively weak demand emanating from lower production of tyres in the United States, Republic of Korea, and Russia. It is expected that in 2024, the price of rubber will rise as global consumption is anticipated to recover.
A major weakness of the rubber value chain is the limited value addition. For example, Liberia produced 70,000 MT of crepe rubber per annum in 2011 and earned only $ 200 million; Sri Lanka produced 150,000 MT of rubber but earned $ 1.2 billion due to value addition
A major weakness of the rubber value chain is the limited value addition. For example, Liberia produced 70,000 MT of crepe rubber per annum in 2011 and earned only $ 200 million; Sri Lanka produced 150,000 MT of rubber but earned $ 1.2 billion due to value addition
A major weakness of the rubber value chain is the limited value addition. For example, Liberia produced 70,000 MT of crepe rubber per annum in 2011 and earned only $ 200 million; Sri Lanka produced 150,000 MT of rubber but earned $ 1.2 billion due to value addition
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Liberia SEZ Authority VP Road,
Old Road Monrovia, Liberia
Email: info@liberiaseza.gov.lr
Line 1: +231(0)888229122
Line 2: +231(0)888662955
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Contact Us
Liberia SEZ Authority VP Road,
Old Road Monrovia, Liberia
Email: info@liberiaseza.gov.lr
Line 1: +231(0)888229122
Line 2: +231(0)888662955
Get Email Updates
Stay up to date with all the latest industry news
Contact Us
Liberia SEZ Authority VP Road,
Old Road Monrovia, Liberia
Email: info@liberiaseza.gov.lr
Line 1: +231(0)888229122
Line 2: +231(0)888662955
Get Email Updates
Stay up to date with all the latest industry news
