West African Food Security Gets Boost as Liberia Partners with Jigawa on Agriculture

The Government of Liberia has announced plans to collaborate with the Jigawa State Government of Nigeria in a strategic partnership aimed at expanding rice production, reducing reliance on imports, and strengthening food security across West Africa.

According to officials, the partnership will focus on leveraging Jigawa’s experience in large-scale rice cultivation, improved irrigation systems, and modern farming technology to boost Liberia’s domestic production.

Liberia’s agriculture sector has long relied heavily on rice imports, but with global food prices rising, the country is now prioritising local production to ensure affordability and sustainability.

Jigawa has earned a strong reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading rice-producing states, benefiting from favourable climate conditions, supportive government policies, and a growing network of skilled farmers. The state’s successful adoption of mechanised farming methods and partnerships with agribusiness investors has positioned it as a model for regional agricultural development.

Beyond boosting Liberia’s food supply, the initiative could also promote cross-border trade, create new jobs, and strengthen regional food stability in the face of climate change and population growth.

Officials from both governments are expected to formalise the agreement in the coming weeks, with pilot projects set to begin later this year.