LIBERIA Launch of the Hand-in-Hand and One Country One Priority Product initiatives Speech

Your Excellency the Minister of Agriculture,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear Colleagues,

Today marks an important moment for Liberia’s agrifood system transformation as we launch two powerful and complementary FAO flagship initiatives: the Hand-in-Hand Initiative and the One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative.

While distinct in approach, they share a unified purpose: to catalyze and transform Liberia’s agrifood system to be more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable,

For a more prosperous Liberia, a nation endowed with extraordinary agricultural potential, which is the bedrock of Liberia’s economy and culture.

Between 60 to 75 percent of Liberians depend on farming, predominantly as smallholders.

Staple crops like rice and cassava are fundamental to national food security and nutrition, while cash crops such as rubber, cocoa, and coffee are vital bridges to global markets.

Yet, persistent challenges, including low productivity, climate vulnerability, fragmented markets, and infrastructure gaps have constrained growth.

Liberia’s immense potential, from its 1.6 million hectares of arable land to its abundant rainfall, calls for a transformative shift.

The change we seek is not only technical. but strategic.

Today’s launch signifies a decisive turn toward evidence-based, climate-resilient, and market-oriented agriculture.

FAO is committed to supporting Liberia on this journey.

Complementing this broad framework, the OCOP initiative places a strategic spotlight on Liberia’s heritage crop: coffee.

The unique variety of Liberia’s coffee embodies national pride and culture, climate resilience, and significant global market promise.

OCOP will catalyze transformation of the sector by:

• One: Enhancing quality, productivity, and sustainability;
• Two: Promoting climate-resilient agroforestry systems;
• Three: Building a premium, traceable brand for the global specialty market; and
• Four: Generating dignified jobs and income, particularly for youth, women, and rural communities.

The FAO Hand-in-Hand Initiative provides a data-driven blueprint for targeted investment and growth.

By harnessing advanced geospatial intelligence, it brings precision to planning by identifying:

• First: Where key value chains like rice, maize, cassava, cocoa and coffee can thrive;
• Second: Where critical infrastructure is most needed;
• Third: Where farming communities are most vulnerable; and
• Fourth: How to target investments for maximum socio-economic and environmental return.

This is smart agriculture: efficient, transparent, and designed to de-risk investment and accelerate informed decision-making for the government and its partners.

The OCOP and Hand-in-Hand initiatives are fully aligned with Liberia’s national development agenda, including the:

• Agricultural and Agro-Industrial Development Strategy for economic transformation;
• The National Agricultural Development Plan for value chain revival;
• The Zero Post-Harvest Loss Strategy; and
• National forest restoration and climate goals.

Hand-in-Hand pinpoints priority zones for integrated development, while OCOP deepens excellence in a strategic specialty crop.

Together, they advance the interconnected goals of food security, export growth, and environmental sustainability.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Through these initiatives, FAO operationalizes its commitment to the Four Betters: Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment, and a Better Life – leaving no one behind.

Your Excellency: The vision is clear, the tools are ready, and the partnership is strong!

Liberia’s farmers: you are the cornerstone of this transformation.

To development partners: we invite you to join us in scaling up proven solutions where impact is assured.

To the private sector: Liberia presents an emerging frontier for sustainable and innovative agricultural investment.

FAO is here to co-create, co-invest, and co-deliver - our focus is on tangible action and measurable results.

The Hand-in-Hand Initiative provides the roadmap and tools. OCOP unlocks the market opportunity. Together, they pave the way for a more foods-secure, prosperous, and resilient Liberia.

Thank you.