The vice president for Cultivating New Frontiers in Agriculture (CNFA) has underscored the role women play in agriculture in most developing countries.
As such, Ms. Sheryl Cowan has urged the Liberian government to empower women so they too can contribute to the enhancement of the country’s food security.
Ms. Cowan made the statement yesterday when she served as guest speaker at a program marking the 2016 Medium Small Micro Enterprise (MSME) conference in Monrovia.
The occasion was attended by Vice President Joseph N. Boakai, Commerce Minister Axel Addy, and other distinguished personalities.
CNFA is an international agricultural organization working with several countries to create opportunities to improve on food security.
In Liberia, the entity implements the Liberia Agri-business Development Activity (LADA), a US$20 million agriculture project sponsored by the U. S government under the Feed the Future Global Food Security Initiative.
This year’s MSME conference highlights the promotion of Liberian female entrepreneurs for economic empowerment, and is held under the theme, “From Vision to Implementation; Buying Liberian and Building Liberia.”
“Majority of farmers in Liberia are women who represent more than 50 percent of the country’s farming population. They serve as farmers, processors and entrepreneurs who have reportedly produced more than 60 percent of Liberia’s agricultural output.
“Therefore, C Ms. Cowan said.
She said considering the significant role women are playing in agriculture, the Liberia agri-business project will ensure that more female farmers are recruited as beneficiaries. The project is implemented by CNFA.
“To understand the need of women to actively participate in agriculture production in the country, we have shaped our approach where LADA will increase private sector investment in the agricultural input system; engage both males and females with particular emphasis on women’s participation in the agro-dealers input sector. This, I believe, will improve the income of women as the sector has limited women for entrepreneurship,” Ms Cowan added.