TAAT Supports Liberia’s Bold Push to Transform Agriculture through Seed Sector Investments

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May 1, 2026

TAAT Supports Liberia’s Bold Push to Transform Agriculture through Seed Sector Investments

The Representative of the President of Liberia and Minister in the Presidency, Ms Mamaka Bility and the Minister of Agriculture, Dr J Alexander Nuetah at the Seed Sector Investment Roundtable organised by TAAT (PHOTO: TAAT/Atayi Opaluwah)

Liberia’s Agriculture Minister Calls for Strategic Partnerships to Scale Certified Seed Systems and Drive Food Security

At the Liberia Seed Sector Investment Roundtable held on April 30, 2026, Liberia’s Minister of Agriculture, J. Alexander Nuetah delivered a compelling keynote address calling for urgent investments in quality seed systems as the foundation for transforming Liberia’s agriculture and achieving food security.

The high-level event brought together development finance institutions, research organisations, private-sector actors, farmer groups, and regional partners within the framework of the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) programme, supported by the African Development Bank and the CGIAR Impact at Scale Programme.

Opening his remarks with a powerful African proverb — “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now,” the Minister emphasised that Liberia is no longer waiting for change but actively building the systems needed to transform agriculture at scale.

“Seeds are not just inputs. They are the starting point of every harvest, the bridge between policy and production, and the most powerful multiplier in agriculture,” he stated.

TAAT and Partners Driving Seed System Transformation

The Minister acknowledged the catalytic role of the African Development Bank and the CGIAR Impact at Scale Programme through TAAT in helping Liberia move from ambition to implementation by supporting the development of a clear, costed, and actionable Seed Roadmap and Investment Plan.

According to the Minister, the roadmap provides Liberia with a strategic framework to strengthen seed production, improve certification systems, scale access to climate-smart varieties, and attract coordinated investments into the seed sector.

He further praised the contributions of international partners, including the European Union-funded Seeds4Liberia initiative implemented by CGIAR centres such as AfricaRice, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), and WorldFish, as well as support from AGRA, the World Bank, FAO, IFAD, WFP, GIZ, JICA, and others.

These collective investments, he noted, have contributed to the operationalisation of Liberia’s Seed Development and Certification Agency (SDCA), now functioning as the country’s national seed regulatory authority.

Improved Seeds as a Game Changer

Using rice as an example, Minister Nuetah illustrated the transformative potential of improved seed varieties in Liberia’s food systems.

Liberia currently spends approximately US$200 million annually on rice imports while domestic production meets only about 39 per cent of national demand. Yet with improved seed varieties, rice maturity periods can be reduced from 5 or 6 months to as little as 90 days, enabling farmers to cultivate up to 3 cycles per year.

“This is the power of improved seeds,” the Minister declared. “Not just higher yields—but more cycles, more harvests, and more hope for Liberia’s future.”

He stressed that agricultural productivity begins with seed quality, noting that low-quality planting materials continue to limit yields, farmer incomes, and national food security.

Liberia’s Agriculture Minister, Dr J. Alexander Nuetah, presenting keynote remarks at the Liberia Seed Sector Investment Roundtable (PHOTO: TAAT/Atayi OPALUWAH)

Liberia Ready for Scale

The Roundtable showcased Liberia’s readiness for scaled investments in agriculture through strengthened institutions, improved policies, and increased political commitment.

Minister Nuetah emphasised that Liberia is no longer seeking investments based on potential alone, but on measurable progress already achieved.

Among the country’s priority investment areas are:

Establishment of a nationally accredited seed testing laboratory
Development of a secure digital seed certification system
Expansion of regional seed trade competitiveness
Nationwide adoption of certified seeds through initiatives such as Seeds4Change

The Minister also underscored the broader economic and social benefits of investing in seed systems, including reduced food imports, increased productivity, job creation for youth and women, and improved national resilience.

“If we get seeds right, we get agriculture right. And if we get agriculture right, we transform lives,” he said.

A Continental Vision for Food System Transformation

The Liberia Seed Sector Investment Roundtable reflects the broader continental efforts led by TAAT and the African Development Bank to strengthen seed systems and accelerate agricultural transformation across Africa.

Through strategic partnerships, innovative financing, and science-driven solutions, TAAT continues to demonstrate how improved technologies and quality seeds can transform food systems at scale, improve farmer livelihoods, and strengthen Africa’s food sovereignty.

As Liberia advances implementation of its Seed Roadmap and Investment Plan, the country is positioning itself as an emerging model for how political leadership, partnerships, and innovation can drive sustainable agricultural transformation across the continent.