Liberia establishes 13 mechanization hubs following Chinese machinery donation

The Liberian government has established 13 agricultural mechanization hubs across Bong, Nimba, Lofa, Margibi, Montserrado, and Bomi counties. This initiative follows a donation of 304 agricultural machines from the government of China.

Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah announced that the hubs are designed to provide farmers with access to machinery and related services. To support the initiative, 130 Liberians, primarily young people, have been selected for a 40-day training program in machinery operation and maintenance, supported by six Chinese specialists. The Ministry of Agriculture is currently working with the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission to develop a private-sector management framework to ensure equipment maintenance and affordability.

During the handover ceremony in Careysburg, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai urged officials to prioritize practical results over ceremonial gestures. He cautioned the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure that equipment is managed by qualified technicians and is accessible to farmers to drive national development and food security.