The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Partnership with the United Arab Emirates Donates Motorbikes to the Ministry of Agriculture and the Central Agriculture Research Institute

Gardnesville, Liberia - December 1, 2020 – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) with support from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) turned over several motorbiles to the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and the Central Agriculture Research Institute (CARI) to strengthen Liberia’s agricultural sector in the areas of research and extension services. Madam Mariatou Njie, FAO Country Representative, presented the equipment to Honorable Jeanine Milly Cooper, Minister of Agriculture.

The 15 motorbikes, which were procured by the United Arab Emirates “Promoting Increased Resilience and Sustainable Income Generation, Food Security and Nutrition” to support Liberia’s agriculture sector. Madam Njie stated that the equipment delivered “will ensure research and extension works through training and capacity building, and advisory services for smallholder farmers to enhance productivity”. 

The UAE signed an agreement with FAO through the Government of Liberia in September 2019 to implement the project being carried out in six counties; Bong, Nimba, Gbarpolu, Lofa, Bomi, and Montserrado. The project, geared towards improving the incomes of mainly rural women, is supporting 24 farmer groups of 2,939 beneficiaries, majority of whom are female farmers.

While receiving the equipment, Minister Cooper thanked the United Arab Emirates for supporting Liberia’s agriculture sector. She stated, “we are thankful to our international partners for the numerous support towards smallholder farmers. We will make sure that the equipment provided will be used to improve the work of the ministry and CARI in order to move agriculture forward”.

The equipment handed over and project implementation demonstrates FAO’s continued support to the Ministry of Agriculture and CARI and that agriculture remains important to Liberia’s development.

Media Contact:

Mr. Michael Cooper

Communications Specialist

FAO-Liberia

Email: [email protected]

Office Cell:+231776737529