Doloquee
Liberia, a nation rich in arable land, is grappling with a severe hunger crisis that has left over 531,000 people projected to be acutely food insecure during the June to August 2023 lean season period, according to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
The FAO report highlights that the country is experiencing acute food insecurity, especially in the CH Phase 4 (Emergency) region, impacting approximately 21,500 people. This dire situation has been linked to the soaring prices of food caused by high international commodity prices and elevated transport costs.
The recent FAO assessment adds to the alarming revelations made in the 2022 Global Hunger Index report, which placed Liberia as the second-highest in the ECOWAS region for hunger, just behind crisis-ridden Niger. With a hunger score of 32.4 out of 100, Liberia’s hunger level is categorized as “serious” in the ranking matrix.
The root cause of the country’s hunger crisis can be attributed to low local agricultural productivity and limited access to agricultural inputs, mechanized equipment, financial capital, and extension services. Experts have pointed out that these factors have hindered the growth of domestic food production and exacerbated food insecurity.
To address the crisis, the World Bank emphasizes the urgent need for significant investments in the rice sector and the implementation of effective policy measures. To satisfy local demand, domestic rice production would need to triple, but this requires substantial support and strategic planning.
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Over the past decade, the domestic rice supply has been declining, and the self-sufficiency rate has dropped from a peak of 47.9 percent in 2011 to 32.2 percent in 2021. Consequently, Liberia’s rice import bill has increased fivefold between 2011 and 2021, growing at an alarming rate of 15.6 percent yearly.
The situation in Liberia is part of a larger global challenge. The FAO Crop Prospects and Food Situation report highlights that 45 countries, including 33 in Africa, require external assistance for food due to conflicts, unfavorable weather, droughts, civil insecurity, and macroeconomic challenges.
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As Liberia struggles with acute food insecurity, it is crucial for international organizations and the government to work together to develop sustainable solutions, improve domestic agricultural productivity, and ensure food access for the most vulnerable populations. Addressing the root causes of hunger in Liberia will not only mitigate immediate food crises but also foster long-term resilience and prosperity for the nation.
