Source: World Wide Web
(Author: West Africa Research Center Team, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Author: Bruce Emmanuel, Translator: Song He (Assistant to West Africa Research Center) [West Africa Talk] 2022, No. 2, 51st issue. Finishing: Zhang Hailin, Meng Yaqi, Contributed by: Zhao Shurong)
1. Overview of the Liberian agricultural sector
Liberia is a West African country with a population of more than 5.058 million people (World Bank, 2020). Liberia borders Sierra Leone, Guinea and Côte d'Ivoire, and its capital is Monrovia. Agriculture is the backbone of Liberia's economy and contributes to local poverty reduction (Liberian Ministry of Agriculture, 2007). Agriculture has become a transformative tool for poverty reduction by creating jobs and raising farmers' incomes while creating space for food prices to fall. Agriculture provides employment for 60 per cent of Liberia's active population and contributes 31 per cent of Liberia's GDP in 2020. The main cash crops of Liberian agriculture are cassava, oil palm, rubber, rice and cocoa. In addition, Liberia's weather and fertile land are conducive to crop production, especially cocoa.
2. Cash crops in Liberia
2.1 Rubber production
In 2020, Liberian rubber production accounted for 13.5% of total exports. Commercial and private rubber farms in Liberia have increased labour employment, thereby reducing unemployment in the country. There are 22,000 people engaged in commercial rubber production, and 38,000 households are involved in rubber production. At present, Firestone Natural Rubber, one of Liberia's natural rubber manufacturers, employs the largest number of employees and contributes to reducing unemployment and poverty reduction. However, rubber cultivation in Liberia has decreased due to lower international market prices. As a result, Rubber production in Liberia is facing a price reduction dilemma, which affects the supply situation to major suppliers, and the resulting production constraints have also contributed to unemployment. About 2,000 full-time and contract workers were reportedly laid off in 2018 (Carter, 1968).
2.2 Palm oil
Although most farmers are engaged in cassava production, palm is one of Liberia's important cash crops. Although Liberia's palm oil production is not high, its contribution to the economy cannot be underestimated. Manufacturers are currently facing various challenges due to the impact of the Covid-19 virus (Tarway-Twalla, 2013). The decline in palm oil production (from 22,465 tonnes to 22,200 tonnes) has affected the country's total exports. In addition, the limited palm oil market is a concern for most Liberian farmers, so they turn their attention to other crops, especially cassava. Today, agricultural stakeholders, such as large multinational corporations and smallholder cooperatives, individual farmers, are consulting with the Liberian Ministry of Agriculture to invest in agriculture and support smallholder farmers (International Trade Administration, 2021). Table 2 below describes the output of Liberia's major agriculture and forestry sectors.
2.3 Rice
Rice and vegetables are cultivated on about 87 per cent of arable land. Another major crop grown in Liberia is rice, which is grown by smallholder farmers in the highlands of the country. In Liberia, rice is a ripening crop a year and is the staple food for the majority of Liberia's 3.5 million people. However, due to financial and technical constraints, rice production in Liberia is not high. However, Liberia's per capita rice consumption is 133 kg/year, the highest in Africa, and it also imports rice from China and the United States for consumption. Recently, the Government has increased rice production in Liberia through increased investment and cooperation with foreign countries. Domestic production is key to economic development, and the increase in rice production has given Liberians direct access to food, food security and poverty reduction. In addition, the Government of Liberia has initiated a policy called the Liberian National Rice Development Strategy (LNRDS) to increase rice production in the country and ensure a stable supply of food through lowland rain and lowland irrigation projects (Ministry of Agriculture, 2012).
3. Agricultural policy in Liberia
In support of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) goal of poverty reduction and extreme poverty reduction, Liberia implemented the Food and Agriculture Policy and Strategy (FAPS) in 2008 to support smallholder development. In addition, Liberia launched the Liberian Agricultural Sector Investment Programme (LASIP) in 2010 with the aim of transforming Liberia's agriculture within the framework of the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Plan (CAADP) for 2010-2015. The four keys to LASIP are:
- Food and nutrition security;
- Competitive value chains and market linkages;
- Institutional development, land resources and water resources development;
- Rice is important in all policies and strategies.
In addition, the Integrated Assessment of the Agricultural Sector in Liberia (CAAS-Lib) hopes to provide development partners with appropriate strategic policies to maximize and support agricultural development. The overall objectives of the CAAS-Lib project are:
- Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the agricultural and food security situation in Liberia.
- Provide information for the development of a strategic framework for agriculture and food security in the context of poverty reduction strategies.
- Provide information for the formulation of comprehensive agricultural policies.
The project will provide information on the state, potential and constraints of Agriculture in Liberia, support the sector's decisions on directions, strategies and scope of implementation, and contribute to national priorities such as food security and nutrition, productivity, investment, income and employment.
4. Challenges facing the agricultural sector
Agriculture in Liberia was one of the sectors that was severely affected during the internal conflict. During this period, arable land resources and water resources management have been affected, and food production and overall productivity have decreased, leading to increased extreme poverty. Today, the technical inputs used in agriculture are very low, with an impact on production capacity.
In addition, farmers in Liberia do not use modern farming methods. Agriculture also lacks other high-quality inputs, such as the fact that few farmers use fertilizers. In addition, the infrastructure to support or facilitate the circulation of agricultural products has been extremely slow, making it difficult for farmers to expand their production. On the other hand, inadequate road networks and high transport costs limit the circulation of agricultural products.
Poor land ownership records hinder the development of agriculture. Land ownership is a major problem in Liberia, and most landowners lack a record of land holdings, so they are unable to expand their planting area. According to Liberian policy, foreigners are prohibited from owning local land. However, this policy has not benefited the local people because they lack the resources to develop the land for cultivation. In addition, market circulation channels for agricultural products are limited, making it difficult to motivate agricultural producers (i.e. smallholder farmers).
Overall, Liberia's agricultural sector, with the support of international partners, is working to make significant investments in agriculture to eradicate poverty. In addition, governments should begin to rebuild national research and development (R&D) systems to strengthen responses to demand for services, improve service quality, ensure system sustainability, and undertake land reform for long-term planning, use and investment, and increase the demand for land as a productive asset. Finally, Governments should be more efficient in planning, implementing and monitoring projects to sustain natural resources, mitigate producer risks and mainstream gender and youth programmes.
5. Agricultural development in the mid-covid-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 coronavirus has had an impact on agricultural development around the world. In response to the adverse effects of the crisis, the Liberian Ministry of Agriculture has developed agricultural food policies and measures, some of which affect the flow of agricultural/food products from producer to consumer. The policies and measures implemented during the pandemic are outlined below.
- The government has set up a $25 million program for the restrictions affected by the pandemic, distributing food to local households and providing free water and electricity.
- The Minister of Finance and the Minister of Agricultural Development planning signed a guarantee agreement with the African Bank to facilitate the domestic rice processing market by providing agricultural loans to rice processing companies to help smallholder farmers during the pandemic.
- The Ministry of Agriculture monitors the market prices of basic agricultural products to prevent citizens from buying agricultural products at high prices. This work is supported by the EU-Liberia Agricultural Programme - Nutrition and Entrepreneurship For Agricultural Development Blueprint, Enhanced Sustainability (EULAP-PARTNERS) programme.
- The Liberia Coronavirus Executive Committee (ECOC) and the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) launched an agricultural transport licensing system, the Mobility and Control Service (MOCO), to help farmers, food producers, food processors and sellers use mobile phone platforms to obtain passes for the inter-county transport of food during the lockdown.
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[2] Carter, G. M. (1968). Growth without Development: An Economic Survey of Liberia. Robert W. Clower, George Dalton, Mitchell Harwitz, A. A. Walters. Economic Development and Cultural Change, 17(1), 132–136. https://doi.org/10.1086/450342
[3] Fair Labor Worldwide (2011). Rubber Production in Liberia: An Exploratory Assessment of Living and Working Conditions, with Special Attention to Forced Labor. Accessed at https://www.verite.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Research-on-Working-Conditions-in-the-Liberia-Rubber-Sector__9.16.pdf
[4] Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nation (2020). National agrifood systems and COVID-19 in Liberia Effects, policy responses and long-term implications. Retrieved from https://www.fao.org/3/cb2114en/CB2114EN.pdf.
[5] International Trade Administration (2020). Liberia - Country Commercial Guide: Agricultural Sectors. Accessed on 31 Dec 2021 at https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/liberia-agricultural-sectors
[6] Ministry of Agriculture (2012). National Rice Development Strategy of Liberia Doubling Rice Production. Retrieved from https://riceforafrica.net/downloads/NRDS/LNRDS.pdf
[7] Ministry of Agriculture (Republic of Liberia Monrovia, Liberia. Food and Agriculture Policy and Strategy "From Subsistence to Sufficiency". Retrieved 31 Dec 2021, from https://www.moci.gov.lr/doc/Food%20and%20Agriculture%20Policy%20and%20Strategy.pdf
[8] Patel, Nitesh (June 2013). "Liberia Comprehensive Food Security and Nutrition Survey (CFSNS) June, 2013". Accessed at www.moaliberia.org. Liberian Ministry of Agriculture on 31 Dec 2021.
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[11] World Bank (2016). West Africa Agricultural Productivity Program. Retrieved on 31 Dec, 2021 from https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/agriculture/brief/the-west-africa-agricultural-productivity-program
Introduction to the West Africa Research Center of the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China
1. Overview of the Center
Established in April 2017, the West Africa Research Center of the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China is a joint research center jointly established by the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, the University of Ghana, the University of Coastal Cape Ghana, the Institute of Administration and Management of Ghana, the University of Education in Winniba, Ghana, and the Development University of Ghana. The center relies on the School of Public Administration of the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, with Professor Zhao Shurong as the director of the center.
The establishment of the West Africa Research Center is an important measure for the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China to practice the national "philosophy and social sciences going out strategy", and it is also a useful exploration for the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China to build an international interdisciplinary research system and build a new high-end "think tank".
Based on the advantages of discipline and international exchanges in the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, the West Africa Research Center focuses on the practical problems and needs of the development of West African countries, builds a high-level international academic exchange platform based on the cultivation of international students, publishes research topics, carries out joint research, and provides high-level think tank services for the mainland and West African countries.
In March 2021, the Center for West Africa Studies of the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China was selected as the National and Regional Research Filing Center of the Ministry of Education.
2. Research by the Center
Research Object: West African country studies, mainly in key West African countries such as Ghana, Benin, and Senegal.
Research Interests: China-West Africa Politics, Economic and Social Development, Public Administration, Education, Literature, Culture and Other Fields; China-West Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation; China-West Africa Intergovernmental Relations.
Objectives and tasks of the Centre:
The West African Research Center, together with the member units of five universities in Ghana, the West African Alumni Association of the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Ghana, strives to create a "1+1+1" new model of China-Africa cooperation that integrates the talent training base for international students, the academic exchange platform and the West African research think tank, namely:
1. Build a talent training base. The center will assist in expanding the source of West African students coming to China, enrich the multi-level training system for undergraduate, master's and doctoral students of the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, carry out overseas cadre training, teacher training, customized ICT and engineering training, student summer practice projects in West Africa, etc., and is committed to building a diversified and characteristic overseas talent training base integrating academic education, on-the-job training and practical training practice; and helping Chinese-funded enterprises cultivate localized talents to solve economic and social development problems.
2. Build a platform for academic and cultural exchanges. Through the regular holding of international academic conferences such as the "West Africa Forum", the China-Africa Friendship and Academic And Cultural Exchange Month, the promotion of the overseas landing exhibition project of the 3D platform for cultural resources, and the China-West Africa international industry-university-research cooperation project, we are committed to building a China-Africa exchange and cooperation platform that integrates academic, humanities, science and technology, etc., and enhances the influence and cultural soft power of Chinese universities and enterprises in Africa.
3. Establish a Think Tank for West African Studies. Combining the disciplinary advantages and research characteristics of member units at home and abroad, the Center is committed to the research of economic, political and people-to-people exchanges in West Africa, strengthening cooperation with West African think tank organizations such as the "Imani Policy Education Center" (Global Think Tank Ranking 113) and the "Institute of Statistics, Society and Economy" (Global Think Tank Ranking 164) in Ghana, strengthening joint research, publishing and undertaking West African research topics, providing policy advice for the Chinese government and West African countries, and providing policy advice in education and talent training, scientific and technological services, Economic and business management and public and political management provide high-level think tank services for the country, and have developed into a West African research think tank center with certain influence.
4. Member units of the Center
West Africa member units: University of Ghana, Cape Coast University of Ghana, Ghana Institute of Administration and Management, University of Education, Ghana University of Development, West Africa Alumni Association.
Member units of the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China: School of Public Administration, School of Economics and Management, School of Foreign Chinese, School of International Education, School of Marxist Education, Institute of Science and Technology Development, School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, School of Information and Software Engineering.
Fifth, the center informatization construction
Chinese website: https://cwas.uestc.edu.cn/sy.htm
English website: https://cwas.uestc.edu.cn/English/Home.htm
WeChat public number: gh_bfde9ecc926a (public account name: West Africa Research Center, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China)
About Center for West African Studies of UESTC
1. Introduction
The Center for West African Studiesof University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (CWASof UESTC)isaresearch center jointly established by University of Electronic Science andTechnology of China (UESTC), University of Ghana (UG), University of Cape Coast(UCC), Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA),University of Education, Winneba (UEW), and University for Development Studies(UDS)in April 2017. The Center is based in the School of Public Affairs andAdministration at UESTC and is headed by Professor ShuRong Zhao.
The establishment of CWAS is animportant initiative of UESTC to pursue China’s “Philosophy and Social Sciences‘Going Global’ Strategy” and a beneficial practice for UESTC to build aninternational interdisciplinary research system and a new type of high-level“Think Tank”.
In March 2021, the CWAS of UESTCwas accredited by the Ministry of Education of China as the Center for Nationaland Regional Studies for Universities.
2. ResearchDirection
Research Targets:Focusing on Ghana, Benin, Senegal, and other major West African countries and WestAfrican regions.
Research Areas:China-West Africa politic science, economic and social development, publicadministration, education, literature and culture, etc.; China-West Africaeconomic and trade cooperation; China-West Africa intergovernmental relations.
3. Mission and Goals
The Center for West AfricanStudies, together with five member institutions of universities in Ghana, UESTCAlumni in West Africa for West African Studies, and the Ghana Chinese Chamberof Commerce, strives to create a "1 + 1 + 1" new research model ofChina-Africa cooperation, which integrates a Talent Training Base, an Academic ExchangePlatform and a Think Tank for West African studies. It aims to:
(1) To serve as aTalent Training Base. The Center helps to expand the source of international students from West Africa and enrich themulti-level international student training system of UESTC for undergraduate,master, and doctor. Also, it carries out overseas cadre training, teachertraining, customized ICT and engineering training, and summer practice programsfor students in West Africa, and devotes itself to building a diversified anddistinctive overseas talent training base which integrates academic education,on-the-job training and practical training, and cultivates local talents forChinese enterprises to address economic and social development problems.
(2) To build an AcademicExchange Platform.Through regularly holding international academic conferences such as Forum on West African Studies,organizing China-Africa Friendship—Academic—Culture Exchanges Month, andpromoting overseas exhibitions of 3D platforms for cultural resources andChina-West Africa International Industry-Academia-Research Cooperation Project,the Center is committed to building a platform for China-Africa exchanges andcooperations in various fields such as academics, humanities, science andtechnology, and enhancing the influence and cultural soft power of Chineseuniversities and enterprises in Africa.
(3) To establish a ThinkTank for West African studies. The Center is committed to research on economic, political, and humanistic exchanges in WestAfrica by utilizing the disciplinary strengths and featured research of itsmembers both in China and abroad. It works to strengthen cooperations with WestAfrican think tanks such as the Imani Center for Policy Education (ranked 113in global think tanks) and the Institute for Statistics, Social and EconomicResearch (ranked 164 in global think tanks) as part of efforts to enhance jointresearch, and collectively publish and undertake research projects on WestAfrican studies. The Center also aims to propose policy advice to the Chinesegovernment and West African countries, provide high-level think tank services forChina in fields covering talent training, science and technology services,economic and business management, and public and political governance. And, italso strives to become an influential think tank center for West African studies.
4. Memberships
West African Members：
University ofGhana（UG），University of Cape Coast(UCC)，Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Universityof Education, Winneba(UEW)，University of DevelopmentStudies(UDS)，West African Alumni Association.
UESTC Members：
School of PublicAffairs and Administration, School of Management and Economics，School of Foreign Languages，School ofInternational Education，School of Marxism，Office of Scientific Research & Development, School ofMechanical and Electrical Engineering, School of Information and SoftwareEngineering.
5. Websites andWechat Official Account
Chinese Website：https://cwas.uestc.edu.cn/sy.htm
English Website：https://cwas.uestc.edu.cn/English/Home.htm
Wechat OfficialAccount：gh_bfde9ecc926a
6. Contact Us
Phone:0086-028-61831756/61831706
E-mail:[email protected]
Address：Office 450, Center for West AfricanStudies, Qingshuihe Campus, University of Electronic Science and Technology ofChina, No. 2006, Xiyuan Avenue, High-Tech Zone (West District), Chengdu, China.