To Slash Rice Imports, MOA Dedicates $650K Irrigation Dam in Lofa

In a bold step to revitalize Liberia’s agriculture sector and reclaim Lofa’s legacy as the nation's food basket, the Ministry of Agriculture has dedicated a brand-new $650,000 Fangoda Irrigation Dam in the Wahasala Administrative District, Lofa County

The project, fully funded by the Government of Liberia, aims to boost year-round rice cultivation and slash the country’s reliance on imported rice.

The dedication ceremony, held Saturday, marked a major milestone in the Boakai administration’s “Liberians Feed Yourselves” agenda an ambitious national plan to reduce rice imports by 70% by 2030 through investment in irrigation, mechanized farming, and youth engagement in agriculture.

The irrigation dam, constructed over 70 working days by the Liberia Qiang Shen Group, now covers over 775 acres of rich lowland soil 250 acres of which are government-owned all set for intensive year-round rice production.

The project’s success is seen as a model for replicable agricultural infrastructure across the country.

Minister of Agriculture Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, who presided over the event, called on Liberian youth and students to see agriculture not just as a survival activity, but as a path to prosperity.

“Agriculture is a business, and with the right support and mindset, it can create wealth, jobs, and stability for our young people,” Nuetah said.

The Minister emphasized that the irrigation project is not only about farming, but also about national transformation.

“This dam is a symbol of what’s possible when we prioritize food production. It is a tool to restore dignity to our farmers and hope to our economy,” he added.

Local leaders and farmers who witnessed the dedication ceremony were filled with optimism, hailing the initiative as a rebirth for Kolahun, a region historically associated with rice production dating back to the 1960s, when it was managed by the once-thriving AGROMECO cooperative.

In addition to the Fangoda Dam, Minister Nuetah also toured other agricultural development sites in Foya and surrounding areas, signaling the government’s broader commitment to Lofa County as a focal point in national food security efforts.

The dedication event drew an array of dignitaries, including lawmakers, local authorities, traditional leaders, farmers, and development partners, all of whom pledged their support to sustain and expand such projects.

The irrigation system, once fully operational, is expected to support multiple cropping cycles, significantly increase local rice yields, and generate employment opportunities for hundreds of rural families.

President Joseph N. Boakai, whose administration has made agricultural transformation a pillar of its ARREST Agenda, is expected to visit Lofa later this year to inspect the site and engage with farmers benefiting from the new infrastructure

With this groundbreaking achievement, Liberia signals a serious turn toward food sovereignty anchored in smart investment, rural empowerment, and political will.

As Minister Nuetah put it: “This is just the beginning. Liberia will feed itself.”