Galakpai Calls For Stronger Investment In Liberia Agriculture Sector

By Amos Harris

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James Kollie Galakpai, agricultural activist and Chief Executive Officer and Founder of the Liberia Feed Yourself Agriculture Initiative–Inc. (LIFAI–Inc.), is calling for increased investment, greater transparency, and stronger political commitment to transform Liberia’s agricultural sector and empower local farmers.

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Drawing on nearly two decades of observing national agricultural developments, Galakpai is urging members of the House of Representatives and the Liberian Senate to place the interests of ordinary farmers above political disagreements. He emphasized that agricultural funding and equipment must be used constructively to improve food production, create employment, and advance national development.

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Galakpai noted that Liberia possesses enormous agricultural potential. He argued that strategic investments in modern farming equipment, improved seeds, fertilizers, irrigation systems, and technical assistance could significantly boost domestic food production while reducing the nation’s reliance on imported food. Agricultural resources—such as tractors, power tillers, rice mills, and grants—should serve as practical tools for empowering farmers and strengthening rural communities rather than becoming subjects of political rivalry or personal interest.

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Expressing concern over current debates, Galakpai remarked that it is heartbreaking to see discussions on critical agricultural funding and equipment dominated by political conflict at a time when farmers desperately need support. He called on lawmakers to fulfill their constitutional oversight responsibilities constructively and responsibly, stressing that accountability and positive engagement with the Ministry of Agriculture are essential to ensuring public resources deliver meaningful benefits.

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Addressing concerns over governance, Galakpai urged that any allegations of resource mismanagement, improper influence, or unfair distribution be investigated transparently and supported by clear evidence. While public officials must be held accountable whenever wrongdoing is proven, government institutions and officials making genuine efforts to support farmers should receive fair consideration.

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To build trust and enhance efficiency, Galakpai recommended that the Ministry of Agriculture publish clear beneficiary lists, establish transparent distribution criteria for equipment, and strengthen monitoring mechanisms. These steps, he noted, would promote public confidence and ensure resources reach their intended recipients.

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As the leader of LIFAI–Inc., Galakpai highlighted the challenges facing local agricultural institutions, particularly regarding fund mobilization, modern equipment acquisition, lowland rice farm development, and the creation of sustainable rural opportunities. Achieving meaningful transformation, he explained, requires consistent funding, access to credit, market opportunities, technical support, and improved rural infrastructure.

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Furthermore, Galakpai appealed to the government and legislature to strengthen agricultural financing in alignment with the Maputo and Malabo commitments to allocate ten percent of the national budget to agriculture. He urged leaders to focus on expanding farming operations, improving agricultural education, and creating jobs for unemployed youth.

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He also called on journalists, civil society organizations, farmers’ associations, and development partners to actively monitor public expenditures and promote transparency. Credible, evidence-based reporting remains vital to ensuring that public investments yield tangible national progress.

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In his concluding remarks, Galakpai urged political leaders to unite around a shared vision of food security, rural empowerment, and economic opportunity. He stressed that Liberia’s agricultural future depends on prioritizing farmers, supporting young people, and guaranteeing measurable results across every community.

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Reaffirming his commitment through LIFAI–Inc., Galakpai vowed to continue advocating for policies and a national mindset that place food production, self-reliance, and sustainable livelihoods at the center of Liberia’s development agenda.