Monrovia – A Liberian rubber broker, Charles Bamakpeh, and the National Rubber Brokers and Farmers Union of Liberia (NARBFUL) have expressed serious frustration over Executive Order (EO)166, that places ban on export of unprocessed natural rubber and are calling on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. to review and reconsider his decision.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
Speaking on behalf of local rubber brokers and smallholder farmers at separate news conferences held in Monrovia and Paynesville respectively over the weekend by Mr. Bamakpeh and NARBFUL through its President, President James W. Sayekea and Vice President for Administration, Mr. Stanley F.J. Sayewolo, contend that the ban on the export of unprocessed natural rubber is negatively affecting thousands of smallholder farmers and local brokers across the country.
For Mr. Bamakpeh, the Executive Order has reduced competition in the rubber market and forced farmers to sell their produce at significantly lower prices.
Bamakpeh claimed that the Rubber Planters Association of Liberia (RPAL), which has publicly supported the government’s decision, does not represent the interests of most smallholder rubber farmers, but rather the upper class in the sector.
He indicated that Association’s membership is largely composed of large commercial plantations, whose dominance in the market has increased following the implementation of the export ban.
“We note that the Rubber Planters Association of Liberia has expressed support for this ban. But RPAL’s support is creating unfair pricing for local rubber farmers. It is important to know that RPAL does not represent us way down there at the local level. RPAL regular rubber farms from 100 acres upwards and our activities fall below that belt,” said the Liberian man.
He alleged that the policy has created an uneven playing field by limiting buyers in the market and giving a few large companies greater influence over rubber prices.
Bamakpeh further stated that since Executive Order 166 took effect, several international and Liberian exporters that previously purchased rubber from local brokers have suspended operations, leaving farmers with fewer options for selling their products.
He said farmers in Saclepea, Tappita, Ganta, Bong County, Grand Bassa County, and Margibi County are now compelled to sell cup lump rubber at lower prices to the remaining large concessions operating in the market.
“The ban on the export of unprocessed natural rubber, including cup lump, is hurting the people it was intended to protect. It’s too bad for us,” Bamakpeh asserted.
He urged the Liberian leader to review the executive order, restore competition in the rubber market, and ensure greater Liberian participation in the country’s rubber value chain.
Specifically, Bamakpeh called on the government to review the ban on unprocessed rubber exports under Executive Order 166, allow farmers to sell their products to the highest bidder, and adopt policies that protect the interests of Liberian farmers and traders.
“We are not asking for handouts. We are asking for fairness. Rubber is our green gold. Let the Liberians who grow it and trade it benefit from it.”
The Government of Liberia and the Rubber Planters Association of Liberia have maintained that Executive Order 166 is intended to promote domestic value addition and strengthen Liberia’s rubber processing industry.
However, Bamakpeh argued that the policy should be reassessed to address its impact on smallholder farmers and local brokers.
“We are not asking for handouts. We are asking for fairness. We call on His Excellency the President to review the ban on unprocessed rubber exports under Executive Order 166, restore competition so farmers can sell cup lump to the highest bidder and protect Liberian participation in the rubber value chain. Rubber is our green gold. Let the Liberians who grow it and trade it benefit from it.”
At the same time, the National Rubber Brokers and Farmers Union of Liberia (NARBFUL) has called on President Boakai to review Executive Order #166, arguing that the measure is severely affecting the livelihoods of thousands of rubber farmers and brokers across the country.
NARBFUL President James W. Sayekea described the executive order as an impediment to the growth of Liberia’s rubber sector, claiming it has forced many farmers into extreme poverty.
According to Sayekea, approximately 35 percent of rubber farms have shut down since the implementation of policies linked to the executive order, resulting in what he described as a significant decline in the sector.
He recalled that previous executive orders affecting the rubber industry had caused severe hardship for farming communities, alleging that many parents were unable to keep their children in school because they could no longer generate income from rubber sales. He further claimed that some families were unable to afford medical care, leading to tragic consequences for pregnant women whose husbands depended on rubber sales to pay hospital bills.
“We voted for you to protect us,” Sayekea said, appealing directly to President Boakai. “We support industrialization, but it should not come at the expense of Liberian farmers.”
Sayekea also challenged the classification of Technically Specified Rubber (TSR), arguing that it should not be considered a fully processed rubber product.
He accused some stakeholders of misleading the government on the issue and urged the President not to rely solely on the advice he is receiving.
Sayekea further alleged that larger industry players are increasingly taking over functions traditionally performed by smaller brokers and farmers, creating an uneven playing field within the rubber value chain.
The NARBFUL president called for an inclusive dialogue involving government, farmers, brokers, processors and other industry stakeholders to reach a common understanding on the future of Liberia’s rubber sector.
He also criticized the Rubber Planters Association of Liberia (RPAL), alleging that the organization primarily protects the interests of large companies while contributing to the suppression of smaller operators. According to him, such policies could ultimately weaken the national economy if left unaddressed.
Also addressing the media, NARBFUL Vice President for Administration Stanley F.J. Sayewolo expressed concern over what he described as worsening conditions in the country’s agricultural sector.
Sayewolo stressed that the particular advice being proffered by officials at the Ministry of Agriculture regarding the rubber sector, especially with the issuance of the EO166 is misguided.
He called for a comprehensive audit of the Ministry of Agriculture, arguing that accountability is necessary to ensure policies reflect the interests of ordinary Liberians rather than Executive Order that has the propensity to cripple the local economy.
“The success of any government lies in the happiness of its citizens. The economy is in danger if these issues are not addressed.”
Both executives of NARBFUL then urged the Boakai administration to engage all stakeholders before making further policy decisions affecting Liberia’s rubber industry, insisting that industrial development should complement, rather than undermine, the livelihoods of local farmers and brokers.
