Chinese training program represents boost for Liberia's food processing efforts

A group of 23 technical staff from Liberia's Ministry of Agriculture departed for China on Monday to participate in a month-long training program focused on improving agricultural product processing and preservation.

Organized by the China National Research Institute of Food and Fermentation Industries Co, the training aims to tackle post-harvest losses and enhance Liberia's agricultural value chain. The delegation comprises county agriculture coordinators and district officers representing all 15 of Liberia's counties.

Participants will receive intensive training in modern processing techniques for key agricultural products such as rice, livestock, poultry, aquatic products and peanuts. The program features technical lectures, hands-on demonstrations and site visits to Chinese agricultural facilities.

Deputy Minister for Extension at the Ministry of Agriculture Moses Gbanyan described the initiative as a timely boost for Liberia's struggling food sector.

"Our staff will return with advanced knowledge and techniques to address the challenges of food processing and post-harvest loss — issues that continue to impact farmers and impede agricultural growth in Liberia," Gbanyan said.

Liberia's agricultural sector suffers significant post-harvest losses due to outdated processing practices and limited preservation infrastructure. Ministry officials believe that capacity building through international training is key to modernizing the sector and improving rural livelihoods.

This latest initiative complements existing programs such as the Smallholder Agricultural Transformation and Agribusiness Revitalization Project (STAR-P) and ongoing lowland rice farm expansion in Nimba and Bong counties.

The training is part of a broader five-year memorandum of understanding signed between China and Liberia in June last year. The agreement supports technical cooperation in key areas, including irrigation, mechanization, integrated pest management and value chain development.

Earlier this year, a Chinese delegation led by the mayor of Shenzhen pledged support for agricultural infrastructure and mechanization during a visit to Monrovia. As part of that partnership, 288 farm mechanization machines from China are expected to arrive in Liberia this month to support agricultural development.