The Republic of Liberia is seeking to learn from Jigawa State's success in rice farming to reduce its heavy reliance on imported rice.
By Kenny Grace Aloba
The Republic of Liberia is seeking to learn from Jigawa State's success in rice farming to reduce its heavy reliance on imported rice. A delegation led by Mr. David Akoi, Liberia's Minister of Agriculture, visited the state to study its methods.
Mr. Akoi said Liberia, where rice is a main food, currently imports 70% of what it eats. He stated, "We chose Jigawa because it has moved significantly forward in its rice value chain, and we want to understand how they achieved that, so we can adapt the lessons to transform Liberia’s production."
The Governor of Jigawa State, Mr. Umar Namadi, told the delegation that the state has increased its rice fields from about 60,000 hectares to 200,000 hectares. He said the state plans to reach a goal of 300,000 hectares by 2030, which would meet half of Nigeria’s rice needs.
He explained that Jigawa achieved this by moving from rain-fed farming to irrigation, repairing dams, and buying new farming equipment like tractors and harvesters.
This is a very positive development that shows the impact of a clear agricultural strategy. The fact that a neighboring country is looking to Jigawa State as a role model is a huge accomplishment for both the state and Nigeria as a whole. It demonstrates that a focused government and investment in modern farming methods can lead to real results.
If Liberia successfully uses Jigawa's model, it could significantly boost its food security and strengthen its economy. For Nigeria, this is a chance to show regional leadership in agriculture, which is a major step toward economic diversification and sustainable growth. This kind of partnership could also open up future opportunities for trade and collaboration between Nigeria and Liberia.
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