— As Agriculture Minister reveals low performance in sector
The Rubber Development Fund Incorporated (RDFI) has successfully wrapped up its 2024 National Conference on the Rubber Industry in the country.
The RDFI, empowered by the Act established on December 27, 2017, is responsible for overseeing Liberia’s rubber industry.
The conference, conducted in partnership with various collaborators in Gbarnga, Bong County, focused on the pivotal role of rural communities in the rubber sector, emphasizing the need for development efforts to be decentralized.
During the opening ceremony, RDFI Chairperson, Tokpah John Mulbah, outlined key challenges facing the industry, including limited funding for smallholder farmers, outdated infrastructure, and fluctuating global markets, were addressed at the conference.
Mulbah placed emphasis was placed on empowering smallholder farmers through enhanced training, modern equipment access, and financial resources.
He highlighted Gbarnga’s strategic location in Liberia’s agricultural landscape and how this venue was ideal for the conference.
“We want to use this gathering to explore opportunities for diversifying the industry by increasing local processing capabilities, which could create jobs and add economic value to Liberia’s rubber exports,” Mulbah noted. “We, as industry leaders, are optimistic that new initiatives such as the RDFI and other viable initiatives will provide the support needed to modernize the sector and make it more competitive internationally.”
The 2024 National Rubber Conference brought together stakeholders from Liberia and abroad, aiming to drive positive change in the sector, foster sustainable economic growth, and reinforce Liberia’s position in the West African rubber industry.
The event featured sessions led by industry experts who shared insights on contemporary rubber production techniques and sustainable farming practices.
Discussions also revolved around expanding local processing capabilities within the industry to bolster job creation and enhance Liberia’s rubber exports.
Regarding the performance of Liberia’s Rubber Sector, Agriculture Minister Dr. Alexander Nuetah acknowledged the sector’s underperformance and outlined the government’s commitment to identifying and resolving the root causes.
Minister Nuetah, who proxy for President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, noted that the intent of the government is to discover the problems that is causing the under performance of the rubber sector not working and can be solve.
“We want to see a future where the rubber industry will be a vibrant one because it remains the largest export earner in the agriculture sector and if we cannot make it work we will not create jobs, we will not create the foreign exchanges that we need to run this country,” he said.
The Minister emphasized the sector’s importance as a significant contributor to the country’s economy. He referenced the establishment of a national rubber sector steering committee to address industry challenges and support smallholder farmers and concessionaires.
The Liberia Agriculture Minister said that the government of Liberia will be instituting the national rubber sector steering committee, adding that the steering committee will be working along with the RDFI to ensure that the issue in the rubber sector addressed and smallholder farmers, concessionaires other actors in the rubber sector.
He said the steering committee will make the right decision that will help guards the government in implementing policy that will improve the sector.
He revealed further that the committee will be constituted in December of this year and it aims will be to set a purchasing price in the rubber sector of Liberia.
“Rubber is one of Liberia’s most valuable exports, generating substantial foreign exchange that supports national reserves and stabilizes the economy,” he said. “By selling rubber products abroad, Liberia earns foreign currency that helps balance trade deficits and funds public projects.”
Stakeholders noted that the potential of diversifying rubber processing in Liberia presents an attractive opportunity to enhance economic value retention within the country and create new job opportunities.
By selling rubber products abroad, they said, Liberia not only earns vital foreign exchange but also supports local economies and alleviates poverty.
The conference, themed “Re-branding the Rubber Industry in Liberia,” served as a platform for stakeholders to strategize on maximizing the sector’s impact and overcoming obstacles such as financing and processing capabilities.
The Stakeholders also hope that the RDFI leadership after the conference will lay the groundwork for reforms and initiatives aimed at revitalizing Liberia’s rubber industry, positioning it as a strategic player in both regional and international markets.
The November 8-9, 2024, conference was attended by several Representatives from development organizations, such as USAID and the African Development Bank, which further underscored the importance of international collaboration in strengthening Liberia’s rubber industry.
