The Community Empowerment Forum (CEF) has dismissed the Global Hunger Index (GHI) classification that ranked Liberia 112th out of 123 countries, arguing the assessment fails to reflect recent agricultural progress.
CEF National Chairman Samuel Jallah said the report relied heavily on outdated 2022 data and ignored significant gains in food production. “Despite a 7 percent rise in output between 2023 and 2024, followed by a 38 percent increase in 2025, the GHI suggests poor performance in Liberia’s agricultural sector. This is misleading,” Jallah stated. He noted that production reached 378,869 metric tons, improving food availability and dietary diversity.
The forum pointed to the launch of the National Agriculture Fair in Bong County as a milestone in fostering innovation and modern farming practices. “The impressive increase in production, particularly the 38 percent jump in 2025, is a clear sign of progress,” the group added.
Recent findings from the 2025 Comprehensive Food Security and Nutrition Survey (CFSNS) further support this claim, showing national food insecurity declined from 47 percent in 2022 to 20.7 percent in 2025. More than 33,700 Liberians transitioned to food-secure conditions during the same period.
The CEF praised Agriculture Minister Dr. Alexander Nuetah for spearheading initiatives that include:
Seed distribution to over 19,800 farmers, expansion of rice and cocoa production, rehabilitation of 166 kilometers of feeder roads to improve market access, construction of five modern markets in Saclepea, Fluma, Tappita, Karnwee, and Ganta, hosting of the National Agriculture Fair under the “One Country, One Priority Product” program, securing a $100 million agro-investment in Nimba County, launching the Hand-in-Hand Initiative and industrial investments in cassava and rice processing, partnerships with the EU and IFAD to improve soil health and resilience
In conclusion, the forum urged Minister Nuetah and his team to remain steadfast in advancing food security, stressing that while the GHI may not capture Liberia’s current progress, “the practical results are evident across the country.”
