MONROVIA – A proposed US$36 million investment in Liberia’s rubber sector could create new economic opportunities for farmers and communities in Grand Bassa County, according to Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah.
The Minister disclosed the proposal during a town hall meeting held in Menowan Town, Wee District, where he engaged residents, traditional leaders, and local farmers on plans that could significantly expand rubber production and processing in the county.
According to Dr. Nuetah, the proposed investment includes the construction of a modern rubber processing factory, the development of commercial rubber plantations, support for smallholder farmers, and the creation of new employment opportunities for local communities.
The Agriculture Minister emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring that affected communities are consulted and actively involved in discussions surrounding the investment before any final decisions are made.
“We are here because we want to have this conversation with the people first,” Dr. Nuetah told residents, stressing the importance of community participation in the development process.
A major component of the proposal is an out-grower scheme designed to empower local farmers by helping them establish and manage their own rubber plantations. Under the arrangement, an investor would provide initial support and financing for plantation development. Farmers would gradually repay the investment through rubber production and eventually gain full ownership of their plantations.
“After a few years, when you finish paying that debt, you have a rubber plantation for yourself. You will continue to tap and sell to the company,” the Minister explained.
Dr. Nuetah noted that Liberia possesses vast agricultural resources and should leverage them to improve livelihoods and reduce poverty.
“We can’t have all the good land we have and remain poor. We need to work,” he said.
The proposed investment follows recent discussions between the Government of Liberia and Mainland Group during an official visit to Cambodia. Authorities say the project would strengthen Liberia’s rubber value chain by increasing local processing capacity and reducing reliance on the export of raw rubber products.
If implemented, the investment is expected to generate thousands of jobs, increase income opportunities for smallholder farmers, expand local value addition, and stimulate economic growth in rural communities.
Officials disclosed that representatives of the company are expected to arrive in Liberia next week to continue consultations with local communities and government stakeholders regarding the proposed project.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts by the Ministry of Agriculture to promote agricultural transformation, increase domestic production, and create sustainable economic opportunities for Liberians through value-added agricultural investments.
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