2007年-世界发展银行全球_Comprehensive_Assessment_of_the____________Agriculture_Sector_in_Liberia___Volume_2_Sub-sector____________Reports_Part_I_212页_2mb

Summary of the Comprehensive Assessment of the Agriculture Sector in Liberia (CAAS-LIB) - Volume 2.1

Core Content

The Comprehensive Assessment of the Agricultural Sector in Liberia (CAAS-LIB), specifically Volume 2.1, provides an in-depth analysis of the food crop, tree crop, livestock, and fisheries sub-sectors. The report is designed to support the Ministry of Agriculture in formulating a strategic orientation framework for sustainable food security, nutrition, and agricultural development. It is based on field surveys, interviews, and data analysis conducted in 2006, with a focus on smallholder and traditional farming practices.

Main Points

1. Food Crop Sub-Sector

• Overview:

  • Agriculture is the backbone of Liberia's economy, with subsistence farming dominating the lives of 60% of the population.
  • The majority of farmers produce for local consumption, with little surplus for export or processing.
  • The sector is characterized by low productivity and limited access to modern inputs and credit.

• Current Situation:

  • Land Use: Arable land has remained relatively stable over the years, but the productivity of food crops has declined significantly.
  • Production Trends:
    • Natural rubber production has fluctuated but remained high.
    • Cassava production has increased from 300,000 MT in 1979–1981 to 490,000 MT in 2003.
    • Rice production has dropped from 254,000 MT in 1979–1981 to 100,000 MT in 2003.
  • Marketing and Trade:
    • Agricultural exports have declined from US$135 million to US$34 million.
    • Imports, particularly of rice and cereals, have increased to fill the gap in domestic production.
    • The Liberian agricultural marketing system is weak and inefficient, with limited access to credit and market information.

• Constraints:

  • Poor infrastructure and limited access to inputs.
  • Weak support services from both private and public sectors.
  • Limited access to credit at attractive rates.
  • Low productivity due to lack of modern technology and training.

• Policy and Institutional Issues:

  • The government has not provided adequate support to farmers, input suppliers, or marketing agents.
  • There is a need for better policy frameworks to promote food security and support smallholder farmers.

• Proposals:

  • Develop a strategic orientation framework.
  • Improve policy and institutional reforms.
  • Enhance access to credit and support services.
  • Invest in research and development for improved productivity.
  • Establish a replanting fund for smallholders.
  • Promote value addition and export opportunities.

2. Tree Crop Sub-Sector

• Overview:

  • Tree crops such as rubber, cocoa, coffee, and oil palm are important for export and economic development.
  • The sector is dominated by large plantations, with smallholder and outgrower systems playing a growing role.

• Key Crops:

  • Rubber:
    • Rubber production has declined due to conflict and lack of investment.
    • The marketing system is fragmented and inefficient.
  • Cocoa:
    • Cocoa production has been affected by conflict and poor infrastructure.
    • There is a need for improved support services and market access.
  • Coffee:
    • Coffee production is limited and often small-scale.
    • The marketing system is weak and requires improvement.
  • Oil Palm:
    • Oil palm is a promising crop with potential for export growth.
    • However, it is still in the early stages of development in Liberia.

• Constraints:

  • Limited access to credit and market information.
  • Poor infrastructure and lack of support services.
  • Low productivity and poor marketing systems.

• Proposals:

  • Rehabilitate and expand tree crop production.
  • Promote research and development.
  • Establish a replanting fund for smallholders.
  • Improve marketing and export promotion.
  • Develop a strategic orientation framework for the sector.

3. Livestock Sector

• Overview:

  • The livestock sector is important for food security and nutrition.
  • It is characterized by small-scale and traditional farming practices.

• Current Situation:

  • Livestock production is limited and often small-scale.
  • The sector is affected by poor infrastructure, limited access to inputs, and lack of support services.
  • There is a need for improved veterinary services and research.

• Constraints:

  • Poor infrastructure and limited access to inputs.
  • Limited support services and poor access to credit.
  • Lack of investment and poor management practices.

• Proposals:

  • Promote animal production poles.
  • Improve veterinary services and zootechnique research.
  • Strengthen the capacities of livestock product chain actors.
  • Assist in the development of pastoral areas.

4. Fisheries Sub-Sector

• Overview:

  • The fisheries sector is important for food security and nutrition.
  • It is characterized by both artisanal and industrial fishing.

• Current Situation:

  • Artisanal fishing is the main source of fish in Liberia.
  • The sector is affected by poor infrastructure, limited access to inputs, and lack of support services.
  • There is a need for improved monitoring, control, and surveillance.

• Constraints:

  • Poor infrastructure and limited access to inputs.
  • Limited support services and poor access to credit.
  • Lack of investment and poor management practices.

• Proposals:

  • Develop a strategic orientation framework for the sector.
  • Improve fisheries legislation and management.
  • Enhance monitoring, control, and surveillance.
  • Promote capacity building and scientific research.
  • Encourage sub-regional, regional, and international cooperation.

Key Information

• Population: Over 3 million, with 60% engaged in subsistence farming.
• Agricultural Employment: Over 70% of the labor force.
• Agricultural Contribution to GDP: Around 20%.
• Poverty Levels: Estimated at 76%, with 80% of the poor in rural areas.
• Food Insecurity: 49% of the population is malnourished, and 40% of children are stunted.
• Land Use:
  • Arable land: 595,000 hectares.
  • Permanent crops: 576,000 hectares.
  • Irrigated land: 3,000 hectares.
• Fertilizer Use: Low, averaging 12 kg per hectare.
• Tractors: Limited, averaging 0.9 per 1,000 hectares.
• Agricultural Trade Balance:
  • Exports have declined significantly.
  • Imports have increased, particularly of rice and cereals.

Recommendations

• Policy Reforms: Develop a comprehensive policy framework to support the agricultural sector.
• Investment: Increase both public and private investment in the sector.
• Support Services: Improve access to credit, inputs, and market information.
• Research and Development: Promote research to improve productivity and sustainability.
• Infrastructure Development: Invest in infrastructure to support agricultural production and marketing.
• Capacity Building: Strengthen the capacities of all actors in the agricultural value chain.
• Sustainable Development: Promote sustainable practices in all sub-sectors to ensure long-term food security and economic growth.

Conclusion

The Comprehensive Assessment of the Agricultural Sector in Liberia (CAAS-LIB) highlights the challenges and opportunities in the food crop, tree crop, livestock, and fisheries sub-sectors. The report emphasizes the need for policy reforms, investment, and support services to improve productivity, sustainability, and food security. It also recommends the development of a strategic orientation framework to guide the agricultural sector towards long-term recovery and development.